Cayman in August: Do I need a wetsuit?

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kymma

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Location
California
# of dives
25 - 49
I have read here that its warm enough in Cayman in August so that a wetsuit isn't necessary. But I was advised to wear one to protect from fire coral and other icky stuff.

What do you guys think?

To wetsuit or not to wetsuit?
 
I wear one as protection against scrapes and sunburn.Do you need one for Thermal protection? not really. Unless you dive often and get cold easily.

I bought a cheap wetsuit (at Acadamy as I recall) cost less than $100
 
First of all, no matter HOW warm the water is, it is NEVER 98.6F (blood temp). So even the "naturally insulated" people will get cold.

Secondly, as ian already stated, even the best divers amongst us may wind up thrown against rocks, etc. by water action. Better to be properly protected than having to clean up the results. Coral scrapes turn nasty VERY quickly!

Have fun,

~SubMariner~
 
A skin with possibly a reef vest would be the most needed in August. Even my wife, who uses a 3-2 suit with hood in June, loses the suit in August. Cooking in your wet suit would be more of a concern. The skin keeps the stingers at bay, and can handle anything less than a kamakazie dive into the coral.
 
Hi Kymma,
I tried replying earlier, but I think it went to the "electronic ether...."
Anyway,
I agree with the other replies: Bring a suit of some type-to avoid stings, etc. You should also consider how much diving you plan to do, and what are you doing when not diving.

For example, last Aug. I was in GC, average water temps in the 82-85 degree range. For the first 2 days, (4 dives a day), a 1 mil. neoprene skin was fine. By the end of the third day, I was a bit chilly. I added a 3 mil vest, 2 lbs,of weight, and all was fine. {I did get an odd look and a "You're layering for 83 degree water?" question, but that was before dive # 15.}

I should add that, in addition to 4 dives a day, I am a devout "shade seeker"on the boat, and elsewhere.
If you are planning 2 dives a day,and the rest of the day "sunning" on the beach, then you might not need the vest.
I'd suggest bringing it-you don't have to wear it, and besides, it is better to be better too warm, and let some "cooler" water into the suit, than too cold.

Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy your trip.
Good luck,
Mike
 
:doctor: As always with exposure protection it is a very personal thing and depends on the person involved.

The water temperature here in August will be at least 85f in August, maybe even upto 86f this year as it didn't cool down as much as normal this winter.

I am diving every day and they say that living here "thins the blood". That's my excuse for being a complete baby and wearing a 5/7mm suit in the winter. Having said that even with 2 or 3 dives a day I will not be wearing a suit at all in August. The air temperature is so high that cooling down on a dive is the best way to keep your body air-conditioned! Unfortunately at 86f it's difficult to cool down at all as the water feels like a warm bath!

Basically if you get easily chilled then bring a skin or vest to maintain your body temperature but there is no point in bringing a big suit just to protect from scrapes. After all you're not supposed to touch anything anyway and we rarely have any surge to worry about.

Keep cool!

CJ
 
I'm with CJ... I also dive 2-3 dives here everyday and August / early Sept. is the only time of year that I can go without a suit. I wear 5 mil in the winter and 3 mil the rest of the year. A skin is always good for protection from "stingy things" but, in August, there's not many of those around here. But, now??? Thimble jellies are starting... DANG! Sea itch is right around the corner :( Can't wait for August!!
 
Thanks for the information. Sounds like I won't need a wetsuit.

Any suggestions on what to wear while diving? I am use to diving in a full thick wetsuit here in California. Not sure I would be comfortable in just a swimsuit.
 
Hey kymma,
Just a light lycra skin should be sufficient . If you tend to get cold then maybe a 1 mil or fleece lined skin would do the trick. Or, as some folks have suggested, bring along a vest that you can pop on over your light skin if you need a little extra warmth.
Have a blast! Casey
 
Get a dive goddess jelly suit. Not only will it protect you but they have outrageous designs. Look her up on the net. If you want something more sedate you can always get something like a ScubaPro Steamer .5 mm suit. That's all I use in March every year and it's great protection from thimble jellies and spawning fire coral and other stuff that stings but its not too thick.
 

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