Exposure protection for Fiji in early June?

[50Fathom]

I'm heading on a trip, (fingers crossed), to Fiji in early June. Beqa Lagoon to be exact. I have never been there and am wondering what would be the recommended thermal protection.

I dive dry pretty well exclusively, and haven't dove wet in over a year, so I'm wondering what would be appropriate. Not a "warm water wuss", I just LOVE diving dry, especially over multiple days and multiple dives per day.

That said, I read that the water temps are in the high-70s, (maybe low-80s) that time of year, so would a 2.5mil shorty be appropriate? I am worried about an aggressive diving schedule cooling me to the point of uncomfortability after many days of multiple dives, (planning factor of 3-5 per day, max).

The counterpoint is that a wetsuit is SOOOO much easier logistically, both in travel and pre-dive and post-dive prep and tear-down.

I own a 2.5mil shorty and a 5mm full. Should I take one (or both) of them, or drag the spacesuit?

 

[jake11]

I think you would freeze in the 2.5 shorty especially with multiple dives over multiple days! We dive Fiji in 5 mls and then add additional layers as the days go by! We are headed there in October and plan on the 5mls and then adding extra layers such as 3/5 hooded vests!

 

[shawrg]

I took a 5 mm and a shortie to Fiji in late May. I only used the 5mm and a hood for 2 weeks of diving. As I recall, the water temperature was 76° - 79° F.

 

[yellowfish]

I am headed there at the end of June. I usually wear a 3mm full wetsuit in the Caribbean in March. With what you all have been suggesting I am wondering if I put a skin or another layer under on top, maybe with a hood if that will do?

 

[medic5]

I will be heading to Fiji JUne 2, staying at Matangi. I am a recreational diver and will probably do about 5 dives during my time there. In the Carribean and in Tahiti I have only used a rash guard in water that is in the mid to high 70's. I do have a 3 mm shortie but I am tall (6'4") and a little wider then I would like to me. I bought my own as using a rental is pretty much impossible due to my size. I prefer not to use the shortie as I look like the Michelin man in the suit, perhaps worse than the Michelin man. I have not been cold in the past.

Am I looking for trouble in my upcoming trip?? Should I take the shortie and hope everyone around me doesn't laugh?

 

[Woodiver]

If the choice is between the 5mm full and a shorty, no question, go for the 5mm. You will want full body protection IMHO.

 

[kyjellyfish]

I'd go with 5mm. If you're feeling really warm you can at least you can let some water in to cool yourself down. You don't have the same luxury with the 2.5mm.

 

[50Fathom]

So maybe the 5mm and a beanie for my head, (I have hoods, but I hate the stuffing of the neck-piece, and I don't care that beanies are "dorky".)

Still on the fence about the spacesuit, but I'll try diving wet a few times in May and see if I can go with it.

 

[Frosty]

I'm just back from 8 dives/4 days in Rarotonga (same latitude as fiji) and dove Fiji in october same sort of profile
I dove both places in a 3mm shorty with no heating issues at all. BUT I would still prefer to dive in at least a 3mm full suit from now on but thats only because I was a bit casual one dive with some coral. That stuff bites hard.
A thought for you. Why not use a 5mm 2 piece -Ie bottom being bib n brace and top being a full arm shorty. That way you really have every eventuallity pretty well covered off. -dive with the shorty to start with and if you get cold pull on the bottom half.