I've dived the Red Sea in April wearing a 5mm Bare velocity full suit and was fine. I love how stretchy this particular suit it. I think you've made an excellent choice.Heading to do my first Red Sea LOB in April. Will be diving from the Aggressor II doing the Northern route. I just purchased a Bare 5mm Velocity for the trip. Is that enough thermal protection for April? Or should I consider a hooded vest underneath? I was looking at perhaps the Sharks Skin they have a few cool items and claim to be neutrally buoyant.
Years ago when I first began diving I dove the waters by NY and NJ wearing a farmer John complete with hood and gloves but gave up cold water years ago. While I am aware that cold tolerance is an individual thing I was wondering what some of those with Red Sea experience thought would be appropriate thermal protection for a LOB in April.
Additionally I would welcome any feed back on Shark Skin gear
Thank You
However, I would also take a hood, if I were you. You tend to get cold on the ride back to the boat in the zodiac. These days, as an older diver, I take two suits on any given Red Sea LOB in winter or early spring: the 5mm velocity and a 7mm reactive and alternate them when the suit I've first dived in is still wet or I'll wear the 7mm when I'm feeling a little cold ahead of the day's last dive.
It's not entirely unusual to see guides/instructors wearing a dry suit in early April.
I hope this helps.