Drysuit, Bahamas in Feb?

[Soggy]

Am I insane? (NELD, don't answer that)

I don't really feel like purchasing (or renting) a wetsuit for my New Providence, Bahamas trip in February. Am I insane to consider bringing my drysuit down with some thin undies?

I was also considering purchasing a one-piece 7mm Bare Arctic wetsuit that I could use up here in NE during the "deep summer." Would 7mm be overkill in the Bahamas also? I'm only going to do like 4-6 dives while I'm down there.

 

[Hallmac]

Why drop the cash for a 7mm when you got what you need now?

Spend the cash on fun instead.
Dive the dry suit! Thats one of their fine points. Change the undies and enjoy!
Hallmac

 

[Soggy]

I'll just have to get over the "looking like a weirdo" factor. I'd much rather dive in a drysuit, even in the Bahamas. I know people will look at me funny, but hey...that's nothing new.

 

[FredT]

Wear what you will, but I used a 3 mil Dec to April just across the Tongue. T-shirt and shorts were fine the rest of the year.

Dry suits are REALLY rare in the Bahamas, not the least reason being the weight restrictions on aircraft luggage.

FT

 

[Soggy]

FredT once bubbled...
Wear what you will, but I used a 3 mil Dec to April just across the Tongue. T-shirt and shorts were fine the rest of the year.

Dry suits are REALLY rare in the Bahamas, not the least reason being the weight restrictions on aircraft luggage.

FT

I'm trying to decide between a 5/3mm and just bringing my drysuit. I can't decide. I do get cold easily, so I don't think a 3mm will be good enough for me. T-shirt and shorts are right-out...I don't care how warm it is, I want to make sure as much of my skin is covered as possible. No matter how careful you are, you never know what might touch you.

 

[Wreck/Tec]

AaronBrown
I brought mine to the Bahamas and was glad I had. The guys running the boat had a good laugh. The surface was warm enough, however there was a substantial breeze between dives. Every one but me was cold, I had the last laugh here. They had seen others bring dry suits, I wouldn't say it was common by any means. I don't dive the ocean only on vacations. I'm not familiar with what is, or isn't safe. With that in mind my exposure to marine life, and protection from the wrecks we dove was on my mind. You may, or may not be more versed in ocean diving, this was just an example to assisst you. Also, the way the airports treat luggage, you may wish to carry your suit.

 

[Bob3]

If you DO wind up taking your drysuit down there, be sure to post some pics when you get back so the rest of us can have a giggle too, eh?
:mean:

 

[Wreck/Tec]

Aaron
Bob's just jeallous. He's wanting a trip to the Bahamas. For that matter so am I! But I'm at your back, as long as your paying.............

 

[Bob3]

Long pants suck, I'm just breaking myself in for a trip to Wisconsin in a week. MUCH rather be heading south instead.
I use a 3mm in the Keys in winter, if you wanted to beef that up with a hooded vest, you'd have something toasty, considerably better than a 5/3. Hooded vests take care of that nasty "flush down the back" action.
Also, offer to sell / swap your suit to the guys down there, might come up with a deal. :mean:

 

[scuba-punk]

I'm a big guy (6-2, 300 lbs, built like a tank). The wife and I went to Freeport in January, and I took my 3/2 shorty with longs sleeves. I froze. I'm going in February again and will take my 5mm jumpsuit with a hood/beanie (might take them both). If I'm still cold after this trip, the next time I'll take my drysuit. ut: