How many mm for diving in Australia?

[triciad]

I'm heading to Australia in a few weeks and am thinking about bringing a wetsuit with me. Here in Canada we have nice thick ones, but on holidays I was hoping to just bring a shortie. Any suggestions on which thickness I should use? I'll be mostly near Brisbane. Any suggestions on dive sites near there would be great too!!

 

[drbill]

Glad you gave your location in Australia since it is a big continent with differing temps in different areas. Haven't been to Brisbane but I dove 3mm shorties on the GBR in March.

Dr. Bill

 

[alijtaylor]

I have used 3mm shorties out of the whitsundays ( a bit north Of Brisbane) and further north on the GBR from Cape Tribulation. Both places had good reef diving with lots of colourful corals and reef fishes.

 

[Mortlock]

For diving in June in Brisbane, I'd want AT LEAST at least a full 3mm with hood and vest. A 5mm might not be out of the question either. Then again, everyone's different when it comes to exposure protection needs so it's difficult to say. I can only tell you what I need.

Morty

 

[AbsolutWeezer6]

I was just diving north of Brisbane up in Yeppon which is like a 6 hour train ride from brizzy and I used 3mm shortie and I was pretty warm, but then again im a big guy and some of the other people I was diving with were freezing. Being from canada I would think you could handle it though

Cheers
Vinny

 

[Mortlock]

I think the Canadian thing probably helps. I grew up in Cairns and when you live your life in a tropical climate, it becomes difficult to get aclimatised to the cold. None the less I still can't help feeling you'd be mad to try diving in 3mm shorty during winter in Brisbane!

 

[vjongene]

I'm heading to Australia in a few weeks and am thinking about bringing a wetsuit with me. Here in Canada we have nice thick ones, but on holidays I was hoping to just bring a shortie. Any suggestions on which thickness I should use? I'll be mostly near Brisbane. Any suggestions on dive sites near there would be great too!!

Dived in June on the GBR a couple of years back. Very windy and choppy conditions. Water temp was 20-22 C. The rentals were 5 mm shorties, and I was none too warm, even though I am used to cold water. I would say go for a 5 mm full suit, and a hood just in case.

 

[shep]

Triciad,

Things are good here right now. The water temps are holding up unusually good for this time of year. I did a dive yesterday in 21° C. (about 70° F) water in New South Wales, about 1,500 miles SOUTH of the GBR. You'll be fine with a 3 mil. up north.


Conditions are fantastic right now.



shep- oh, and thanks for the heads up on the airfare from Vancouver. Bring hot sauce!- as there's none worth eating here! HELP!

 

[DiverDebbie]

If you can dive in a wetsuit in Vancouver, you can handle a shortie even in that area That's all I wore. It was March/April, and it will be a bit cooler where you'll be, and at that time of year... but here at home (call me a wuss, but) I NEED a dry suit.
I can't help you site info. though cause I didn't dive around Brisbane. Still, I'm envious You will have a fabulous time!

 

[DiverDebbie]

P.S. My name is Debbie, and I am an Ausoholic. hehe. In case anyone's noticed, whenever there is an Australia thread going I always have to get in on it! Sorry, can't be helped! Luv the country!