Custom wetsuit around Sydney?

[gypsyinabigtown]

G'day all,

Hope all is well with everyone in this beautiful weekend. After my recent 7-day liveaboard at GBR (on which I'll post a detailed trip report shortly to share my opinions) I decided to "upgrade" myself from just being a "twice-a-year vacation diver" and want to assemble a kit. Getting a wetsuit is a perfect place to start! (I already have mask/fin/snorkel)

I am a "warm water wimp" by all means: I definitely need a 5mm. (preferably with hoods) to dive in 20-25 C water in/around Sydney. I am thinking of getting a custom-made 5 mm. wetsuit to get a better fit.

Where would you recommend to go in Sydney? I've heard about Neptune or SeaTec, don't know about others yet.

I am also thinking of getting a thin 0.5mm. insulator for extra protection - and also to use when surfing etc. I've heard of Probe and SharkSkin so far. Do any of you use them - any recommendations between the two?

Thanks all in advance for comments!

 

[Fina]

Hi Gypsy,

First off - are yo u going to be diving Sydney only in the warmer months or all year round? Because it gets a hell of a lot colder than 20C in winter
Most of the keen Sydney divers I know have at least a 5/7mm suit - I wear one combined with the Sharkskin vest and hood - personally I think the Sharkskins are great and worth the extra expense.
As for custom suits, alot of people recommend Seatec very highly. Heard good things about Sonar as well.

 

[gypsyinabigtown]

Hi Fina,

Many thanks for your response and useful recommendations.
I really hate cold water so I am hoping to postpone the urge to dive in winter. If the urge to dive in winter becomes too big, I'll probably need to get a drysuit!

 

[almitywife]

i know im a month late (sorry ive been very busy) but i cant recommend Seatec highly enough... hes factory is in seven hills and he sells direct so Brian a call

oh, and he does custom drysuits also and a friend has one and loves it

cheers