Is 5mm too much for Caribbean?

[r00t0fallevil]

Hey guys....

I am thinking about getting a full body 5mm for Caribbean diving. Is this gonna make me too hot or should I go with something thinner. I have heard that successive diving through out the week may cause one to be colder as your body acclimates to the warmer waters.

Thanks...

 

[scubabamatxn]

Depends on the time of year and location. In Winter, in the Keys, Bahamas, and Caymans, 5mm would work okay. During the rest of the year, I prefer 3 mm full. In both cases, I wear a full suit, because I almost always do 4 dives a day. Also, it has kept away the 'sea lice'/'diver's eruptions-- so far-- 'knock on wood'--. In the Southern Caribbean, 5mm full seems a bit thick, unless you get cold easily. As usual, you can always let in some water through your neck to cool off somewhat. JMO

 

[boulderjohn]

I think scubabamatxn gives pretty good advice. A lot depends upon your personal response to cold. I dive Cozumel in the summer with some frequency, and I am always fine all week with only 0.5 mm. Same thing in two weeks of diving in the Caymans. In my Caymans experience. most of the DM's and instructors went without any exposure protection. I was comfortable in Key Largo in November with 3 mm, but many of the others on the trip were wearing 3-5-3 and were happy to be doing so.

 

[waterwraith]

I would say 3mm full max but for that type of diving I usually would use a 0.5oz or just my trunks.

 

[r00t0fallevil]

Hey thanks guys for the response!

I am just worried that repeat diving through the week might get me chilly. The price difference is not that much between a 3mm and a 5mm. I have also heard that diving in the winter time the water can get a little chilly. I guess I would rather feel rather too warm than too cold?

 

[ChickenBone]

i've been diving in cozumel many times on repetitive dives with just my trunks (this was in the summer). I've also been to the Caymans and used a very thin shorty (actually don't remember the thickness), as well as diving with just trunks on. I would say that 5mm is a bit too much, but everyone is different.

 

[kidspot]

I've got a friend that spends 4-6 hrs at a time in the water here (freediving in Hawaii) and he wears a 7mil farmer john and jacket - I wear a .5 mil full (sometimes just trunks and t-shirt) We are both happy btw - water has been 81-84 degrees for the past 2 months. So it seems like a very personal subjective decision.

 

[r00t0fallevil]

HAHAHA. Thanks again guys for the responses. I think I am just gonna go for a 5mm and be done with it. Better warmer than colder. Guess I could always leave the back a little unzipped.

 

[SubMariner]

Hey guys....

I am thinking about getting a full body 5mm for Caribbean diving. Is this gonna make me too hot or should I go with something thinner. I have heard that successive diving through out the week may cause one to be colder as your body acclimates to the warmer waters.

Thanks...

I lived in the Bahamas for 2 years; 5 mm is WAY too much neoprene, even in the Winter.

Max you would need would be a full 3mm. If you think you may need it, add a sleeveless vest underneath like an Aeroskin.

DSDO,

 

[r00t0fallevil]

I lived in the Bahamas for 2 years; 5 mm is WAY too much neoprene, even in the Winter.

Max you would need would be a full 3mm. If you think you may need it, add a sleeveless vest underneath like an Aeroskin.

DSDO,

Can a 5mm be that big of a difference with a 3?