Florida Diving in winter
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PerroneFord
Contributor
We have no idea what your cold tolerance is. I dive a 5mm shorty in the springs which are approximately 72F. I have a friend that wears 7mm in the ocean at 80F. I would err on the side of being a bit warm if I had the choice. You can always unzip the suit and let some cool water in, but if you're cold, you're going to have to stay out of the water.
Wetwear
Equipment Manufacturer
It does depend on where you are from and your tolerance to cold water. It also depends on what type of material the suit is made of. In the Keys during winter time you could probably wear a 5mm suit if it was made of Rubatex material. I think a 7 mm suit or dry suit is over kill.
Your height and weight is also important. If you are a tall thin guy, with little body fat, you may require a bit thicker suit.
Be careful not to fall into "what everyone else is wearing" There are a lot of variables that go into making a choice on thickness, and not everyone is the same. You need to do your research on materials and thickness.
Good Luck.
Your height and weight is also important. If you are a tall thin guy, with little body fat, you may require a bit thicker suit.
Be careful not to fall into "what everyone else is wearing" There are a lot of variables that go into making a choice on thickness, and not everyone is the same. You need to do your research on materials and thickness.
Good Luck.
diver 85
Contributor
The only way to know is to try it.......I would go & rent a 5mm(sort of in the middle of every thing)...You'll know from that experiment & be able to buy something locally or get one off the internet......don't forget layering too...I'm betting a 3 mm full with a 2 mm chicken vest(hood) is all you'll need......that combo can be bought bought for under $75, Evo brand with a lifetime warranty, and can be worn suit only when it's not 'real cold'.....
DMdoogie
Contributor
The important part of your post is that you will be diving a lot. In my experience cold accumulates over one or more days, making you feel much colder after several days of intense diving. A 7 mil or drysuit is overkill and counterproductive, because of the added expense and required training for drysuit.
I dive a lot in Florida (West Palm Beach, colder than Keys) in winter and am always warm in a 5 mm suit with a hooded vest (Chicken vest). The hooded vest is the best addition to any suit. I recommend a 5 mm suit with a hoodie.
I dive a lot in Florida (West Palm Beach, colder than Keys) in winter and am always warm in a 5 mm suit with a hooded vest (Chicken vest). The hooded vest is the best addition to any suit. I recommend a 5 mm suit with a hoodie.
Personally, I use a 3 mm suit in the Keys during the winter (7 mm in the Gulf), but I have a friend who needs a dry suit. Everyone is different.
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