Need advice on Wet Suits in SoCal...

[lonestardiver]

I will be doing a liveaboard in mid July and need advice on Wet Suit thickness recommendations... Visiting San Clemente and Santa Catalina. My last experience diving in the SoCal area was in the early 90's at Laguna Beach and wearing a 5mil....

Your recommendations please....

 

[shark.byte.usa]

I think you can expect 55-60 water temps based on last years reports. I wear a 7mm year round at least until I go dry.

 

[jlyle]

And don't forget to pack a hood! Surface temps may warm up in July, but below the thermocline, it can be chilly all year long.

 

[Teamcasa]

I use a custom 7mm full with hood, gloves and boots and have never been cold. Most regulars here use 7mm suits or dry suits.

Dave

 

[Empty V]

7mm for sure. You've obviously added a few years on yourself since your last time out here and from what I understand with age comes less of a tolerance for the cold.

Billy

 

[headhunter]

I dive in a 7mm all the time and occasionally get a little chilled. I used to dive a 1/4 inch farmer John and often got a bit over heated and would unzip it underwater to flush cold water through it.

I think that 7mm offers a good balance. That said I'm looking forward to going to a dry suit for the colder days and longer exposures.

Christian

 

[Roughwaterjohn]

..... That said I'm looking forward to going to a dry suit for the colder days and longer exposures. Christian

So, for the cold exposure you're talking about, you must be getting the DUI trenchcoat with the tri-lam leggings that cover from the knees down.

 

[Empty V]

I actually thought he was using the DIR Rule 6 Compliant Speedo.

Billy

 

[Roughwaterjohn]

I actually thought he was using the DIR Rule 6 Compliant Speedo.
Billy

Ahhh yes, the one with the shark fin airdam for quicker turns and hip mounted LED lights for moving around in tight, overhead spaces. Well, it just makes sense, doesn't it.

 

[LAJim]

Once you get used to diving a drysuit you will never go back except for 80+ F conditions, where there is simply no undergarment that is light enough. DS diving is funamentally different from WS diving which is why every new DS diver looks like a cat walking on ice. Once you get the new instincts - its a different game.

Plus you're warm and dry - bonus!