Exposure protection in July/August

[Doc Harry]

G'day everyone

I am planning a live-aboard trip out of Cairns July 2010 and have researching my options. I have reading that water temps are 72 degrees F (22 degrees C) at that time of year.

When the water is below 75 degrees F, I usually dive in a dry suit (especially when doing repetitive dives).

A few months ago I did a lot of cave diving in 75-degree F water (90 to 125 minutes dives) and I was so glad that I had my dry suit.

I've never had a live aboard experience, but expect 4-5 dives per day. It seems reasonable to take a dry suit for a 7-day cruise.

Would you agree? What is your experience? Comments?

 

[AussieByron]

G'day Harry.

If your comfortable with diving in a drysuit when the water is below 75f then I would take your drysuit.

In general the dive times are based on how long you can last on a 88cuf until you get to 50bar. This can be over 60 minutes for most of the divers onboard, depending alot on the dive too (depth, current etc etc)

I personally find a good semi-dry and hood ideal for the diving on a Liveaboard from Cairns during winter. Its not so much the water temp (as its more like 23-24c) its cold breeze on deck getting ready and finishing your dive reducing your core body temp slowly over the day.

I would think you might get some comments (and strange looks from the staff) at first about using a drysuit but if your doing over an hour dive 4-5 times a day you be comfortable on every dive in a drysuit especially the last night dive. At least you wont be complaining about getting into a wet cold wetsuit like everyone else will be.

Regards Mark

 

[Sas]

Bring your drysuit! My buddy did a liveaboard at that time last year and did 15 dives in four days and got very cold in a rented 5mm. He says he really wished he had his 7mm semidry as he could not do the final dive from being too cold. He said a few of the DMs were in drysuits.

 

[potato cod]

I'd say drysuit too!

We did a liveaboard out of Cairns the first week of August a couple years ago and the water definitely got chilly. We were wearing rented 5 mm suits (long sleeved shorties) and after this trip we bought our own, warmer wetsuits and hoods. I was too excited about the diving to pay too much attention, but I know I was especially cold on the night dive after a day of diving.

Have fun!
That said, I don't recall any of the staff

 

[rgiles]

Ok - diver to diver

Am I going to look like an idiot diving Byron Bay, HMS Brisbane and other Brisbane dive spots in a drysuit in August???

It sure would pack easier than my 7mil.

Be blunt - I hear down under sarcasm is a form of endearment.

Thanks
Rich

Here - I'll do it for you.....

 

[Sas]

Rgiles, I would not think you would look like an idiot! If you prefer to dive dry bring it along. It will be the depths of winter in August here and if you are doing many dives in a short period you will get cold. Water temperature can get down to 19 I believe and I personally would be using a 7mm but if my drysuit packed easier I would take the drysuit.

Some people might think you were odd and a bit of a wuss though to be honest, but when you emerge warm from every dive I am sure you can have the last laugh. I went and dived at Fish Rock with a bunch of people from Scubaboard in March this year (water temperature 19-24) and we had people in dive skins, 5mms, 7mms and drysuits

 

[burna]

Ok - diver to diver

Am I going to look like an idiot diving Byron Bay...

Yes, most likely you will look a complete knob!

Be blunt - I hear down under sarcasm is a form of endearment.

Ask and ye shall receive. Couldn't help myself!!!

On a serious note, in Aug at HMAS Bris-Vagas, the water temp would be around 18-20C. I used to dive there in a 5mm semi with no hood, so my suggesting would be go the 7mm.

It'd have to be easier to pack than you drysuit + UG etc, wouldn't it??

 

[Kern]

Ok - diver to diver

Am I going to look like an idiot diving Byron Bay, HMS Brisbane and other Brisbane dive spots in a drysuit in August???

It sure would pack easier than my 7mil.

Be blunt - I hear down under sarcasm is a form of endearment.

Thanks
Rich

Here - I'll do it for you.....

I dive my DS at those sites at that time & I look like a seedy, over aged super hero in my DS. Oddly enough, my surname is Hancock.

 

[Jon Shaw]

I would go the drysuit if you can fit it in. No so much for the water temp but for the boat rides out and back and also if you are doing a couple of dives it makes the whole experience more enjoyable.