Exposure Suit - February

[Skulmoski]

Hello
I am diving in the Lapu Lapu area (Cebu) the first two weeks in February. What are guides/DM and clients wearing at that time of year? I have everything from 2-3 mm shorties to 5 mm full wetsuit. I can layer with 2 mm tops and hooded vests.

Thanks

GJS

 

[D_Fresh]

As you know, answers will vary as it's a very subjective thing. But personally, I use a 3mm full year round. If I find myself making repeated deeper dives with cold thermoclines, I may add my 2mm hooded vest over or under my suit. If I'm only a little chilly, then over my suit; if more than just a little chilly, I put it under.

But I know some Filipinos who always wear a 5mm year round.

3mm full plus hooded vest may pack better and weight less than a 5mm full. But a 5mm full only is one less item to dry and keep track of.

I hope that helps you. Either way, if you need, the shops will be able to accommodate should you be less that prepared.

Cheers!

 

[Freewillow]

Water is not that hot. I am wearing a 5/4/3 mm wetsuit with hood with a 2mm undervest. But I am suscepible to cold.

 

[Skulmoski]

I'm going to leave behind my 5 mm limestone heavy weight and dive with my 3mm + 2 mm vest and hood + Apeks shorts. If I get cold, I will take Viagra to take my mind off the cold!! If that doesn't work, I will rent a 3 mm shorty and layer. Super excited about diving in the Philippines. I will be able to bring all my gear including BP/W and regs for this trip.
Thanks for the advice!
GJS

 

[D_Fresh]

If I get cold, I will take Viagra to take my mind off the cold!!

Sounds like you've got it sorted out. The dive shops will take care of anything else you may need. Have fun!

 

[Centrals]

I hope the Apeks shorts is loose fit!!!!

 

[tridacna]

I was there in Feb/ Mar in a 3mm and froze. Water temps were a chilly 76-78. OK for one dive - forget dives 3 & 4. In fact, after 3 days, my entire group trekked out to buy 5mm suits.

 

[xrcjdx]

i'm assuming this was in the puerto galera area? currents come in from the north through the verde island passage and make it much cooler to dive (the winter months) than the rest of philippines. the 3mm plus 2 should be fine, and versatile.

 

[bshort4]

I dived Puerto Galera last year in mid-December in a 3mm shorty--but only two dives a day. The weather was crappy--overcast, rainy, windy and choppy seas. I was fine until the fourth day and was starting to get a little chilled by then. My dive guide was wearing TWO 3mm full suits and was still saying he was cold--I believe the water temp was 73-74 degrees. I had dived the previous two weeks in Dauin and Bohol and the water temp was about 80 degrees at both---with sunshine and warm weather--nice. First pic is PG, second Bohol and third Dauin.