Layering to keep warm?

[bethie]

Hi all,
I would like some advice about what to do for the Surge to Cayman Brac in January as far as keeping warm. I usually dive in my very comfortable 3 mm wetsuit. I see that the water temps will be cooler there than what I just dove in Bonaire (80 vs 86) and do not want to risk being cold.
I looked at a few 5mm wetsuits but they seem too heavy and bulky, so I think I would rather add a layer under (or over?) my usual wetsuit, and some kind of head covering.
I'm sure you all have many suggestions. Thanks!

 

[tbone1004]

what temperatures do you think you'll be diving in?

 

[bethie]

what temperatures do you think you'll be diving in?

Maybe 80 degrees

 

[dumpsterDiver]

Definitely get a loose fitting and comfortable 2 or 3 mm hood. A hooded vest is also an option.

Another less expensive option (than a full 5 mm) would be to add a hood And also a 3 mm shorty - bak zip wetsuit over the outside of your full 3 mm suit. This configuration is really comfortable because you have good arm, elbow and knee mobility, but the core is well protected.

Plus, in really warm water, i like to sometimes wear a full dive skin and a shorty over the outside of that. Buying an inexpensive shorty suit will give you more options than a full 5 mm suit that you will rarely use.

EVO 3mm Mens Shorty Wetsuit

 

[Dan]

Everyone has different tolerant towards cold water. For me:
1. If the water temperature is warmer than 80F, I wear 3mm full wetsuit with rash-guard T-shirt & short underwear.
2. If the water temperature is between 70 and 80F, I wear 5mm full wetsuit with 2mm hood, rash-guard T-shirt & short underwear.
3. If the water temperature is 60 and 70F, I wear 5mm full wetsuit with 2mm hood, 2mm shorty wetsuit over the 5mm full wetsuit, rash-guard T-shirt & short underwear.
4. If the water temperature is less than 60F, I don't dive.

The above is fine for the first 2-3 days of 3-4 dives/day diving trip. For a week or more diving trip, I tend to get cold after 3 days & start to layer up. That's why I bring the 2mm shorty wetsuit & 2mm hood in addition to the 3 or 5mm full wetsuit for a week or more long diving trip.

 

[tbone1004]

80f, I'd just get a good hooded vest if you're nervous, but realistically a 3mm hood will be fine. Much below that, I'm in a 5mm if the exposure is going to be over an hour

 

[diver0008]

Maybe a skin and a hood.

A hoodie/sweater for the surface intervals may also be very useful. Sometimes Cayman winds in the winter can chill you quick on deck.