Cool water in a 3 mil

[midnite135]

I am to finish my open water dives this weekend and was told I should rent a 6 mil as the water temp is 55ish. I dont have the charts @ work but would prefer to use my full 3 mil but I am not experienced enough to make this decision on my own. My thoughts are as follows... I have a pretty high tolerance for cold, Ive swam plenty of times in water that my friends would say was too cold or they would have to get out early and I was comfortable enough to stay for hours. In a room the average temp to make people comfortable is hot for me. I like to keep my AC on 65 (lowest setting) when I can afford it. People wear coats to my house in the summer. I would live in a refrigerator if I could.

That said, I have never dove in a wetsuit, it wasnt in yet for my pool dives. Is this something I must do or is it simply a comfort thing for most people sort of guideline? Basically is there much danger for me in choosing to use my 3 mil beyond comfort concerns? Am I going to die? When? Tacos or Pizza for dinner?

-Josh

 

[BrianS]

At 55, I would wear my 7 mil with hood. You lose a lot more heat from your body in water than you do on land.

Die? Probably not. Get cold? I bet you will.

 

[JodiBB]

I agree...all of my dives (as few as they are) have been in 51-59 degree water. I've not only used my 7mm, but I went out and purchased a .5mm isotherm wetsuit and wear it underneath my 7mm if the water is going to be under 55 degrees. It keeps me feeling comfortable in the water every time.

 

[betterman357]

55ish may not seem cold but keep in mind youll be down for awhile beside why waste
the day just wear the 6mm.if you feel its too much goto the 3mm on next dive.
where are you diving at?

 

[Cuda_72]

Just this past weekend I dove in water temps ranging from 73-61 F. I was in a full 3mm with a 3mm hood. I was comfy throughout the range, but at the deepest point in the dive with temps at 61F I would not have been able to do the entire dive because I would have eventually gotten too cold.

Can you do it? Possibly, yes. But can you do it comfortably for the duration of the dive? You might opt for a 3-5mm hooded vest at the least.

 

[SubMariner]

I am to finish my open water dives this weekend and was told I should rent a 6 mil as the water temp is 55ish. I dont have the charts @ work but would prefer to use my full 3 mil but I am not experienced enough to make this decision on my own. My thoughts are as follows... I have a pretty high tolerance for cold, Ive swam plenty of times in water that my friends would say was too cold or they would have to get out early and I was comfortable enough to stay for hours. In a room the average temp to make people comfortable is hot for me. I like to keep my AC on 65 (lowest setting) when I can afford it. People wear coats to my house in the summer. I would live in a refrigerator if I could.

That said, I have never dove in a wetsuit, it wasnt in yet for my pool dives. Is this something I must do or is it simply a comfort thing for most people sort of guideline? Basically is there much danger for me in choosing to use my 3 mil beyond comfort concerns? Am I going to die? When? Tacos or Pizza for dinner?

-Josh

Josh, you will do well to get something thicker: at least 5mm. Water wicks away heat from your body about 25% FASTER than air. Thus, low air temps you wouldn't think twice about are worse when you are totally immersed.

Hypothermia is not just "inconvenient", it is DANGEROUS. Don't take chances. If at all possible, try to get in some practice time in the pool with the 5mm suit, hood, gloves, etc. It'll worth it once you get to open water.

Bonne chance,

 

[Boat Chick]

Josh, I am always hot, and have fans on me constantly...;-) Go for the 6mm...nothin' like being cold on a dive:-(

 

[midnite135]

Thanks for the replies.. I am diving lake stockton in Missouri.

As the days have been warmer lately im not so sure the temp is gonna be as low as she quoted which is why I was hesistant but wanted to know if it was doable in a 3. I will see if I can get a better estimate of the temp and if its gonna be @ 55 as I was told I think ill rent the 6.5 Thanks for the advice.

Now to determine what I shall have for dinner, oh yea you guys were absolutely no help with that, you guys suck =P

 

[Kray_Z]

i just had pizza.. but my brother had tacos

 

[midnite135]

The reality of the situation is... Ill end up having whatever my girlfriend tells me im having and I am to like it. Sometimes... well sometimes its just nice to feel like there are options.

-Josh