Need some advice (wetsuit and snorkeling) questions

[philipraposo1982]

Not sure if this is a crazy idea of not but I live in ontario canada and i do most of my snorkeling is cold / cool freshwater in the lakes around me.

I would like to extend my season and be able to enjoy my time spent in the water more. I was thinking about buying a 4/3 wet suit to keep me warm while snorkeling but wanted some opinions before spending the money on one.

This would be the suit I would get FLASH BOMB ZIP FREE 4/3

My thought is that its keeps me warm, i don't have to worry about getting sun burnt, don't have to worry as much about rubbing up on abrasive rocks or whatever. just overall more protection.

I am hoping for some feedback. please let me know if you use a wet suit, how you like it, if its worth using etc.

Thank you all very much in advanced for any help.

 

[Fogest]

I use a 7mm with farmer john when diving and I am in Ontario too. Have you not been using anything? I am surprised you have been okay in this temperature without one if you spend a while in the water.

 

[philipraposo1982]

Well I currently cannot stand the water as is. I usually wait for the warmer weather before going out.

Do you think a 4/3 will be good for what I am after? Would I need gloves and a good?

 

[Fogest]

Well I currently cannot stand the water as is. I usually wait for the warmer weather before going out.

Do you think a 4/3 will be good for what I am after? Would I need gloves and a good?

Yeah it may work for you. It depends where you are actually snorkelling. Do you know the temperatures? And how long do you normally stay in the water? You'll likely need to wear some weight if you get a wetsuit. The thicker it is the more weight you'll need.

 

[pasley]

Of course how thick you want to wear is a matter of personal preference. I dive a 7mm in waters while I know a guy who is diving the same water in shorts. But in general see the chart at Wetsuit Thickness for Every Water Temp

 

[OldPhotog]

Consider a farmer john paired with a jacket. That way you have three outfits. With a 3mil farmer john and a 3mil jacket, your core has 6mil on it - instead of only 4 as the suit you are considering. When the water warms up wear whichever one piece works best for you.

 

[fjpatrum]

I don't know how cold the water is where you're at but my first snorkeling experience was in Monterey bay in March, when the water temps average in the low 50s fahrenheit. I was still cold with a 3mm, enough that it affected my breathing rate. I would say, add a hood and possibly some gloves/booties and you'll definitely be able to extend your season substantially. I prefer the 4/3 or 5/4 suits to a straight single thickness suit, but each of us have our own tolerances.

As someone who wears some form of wetsuit even in a heated pool (80 is still a lot less than 98.6) I simply don't hit the water without some form of wetsuit or drysuit. The added sun protection does a lot for protecting my light skin too.

 

[Fogest]

I don't know how cold the water is where you're at but my first snorkeling experience was in Monterey bay in March, when the water temps average in the low 50s fahrenheit. I was still cold with a 3mm, enough that it affected my breathing rate. I would say, add a hood and possibly some gloves/booties and you'll definitely be able to extend your season substantially. I prefer the 4/3 or 5/4 suits to a straight single thickness suit, but each of us have our own tolerances.

As someone who wears some form of wetsuit even in a heated pool (80 is still a lot less than 98.6) I simply don't hit the water without some form of wetsuit or drysuit. The added sun protection does a lot for protecting my light skin too.

Breathing rate while snorkelling ?

I feel like they want to avoid going down a route getting something too thick as that means they'll need additional wait otherwise it will be hard to get down. More weight may mean more work to get around while snorkelling.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

Breathing rate while snorkelling ?

I feel like they want to avoid going down a route getting something too thick as that means they'll need additional wait otherwise it will be hard to get down. More weight may mean more work to get around while snorkelling.

That is a very real consideration for freedivers and snorkelers. Scuba divers can wear a thick suit and when it compresses at depth and losses buoyancy - they can press a button and balance out with the BC.

Snorkelers and freedivers, don't have that luxury. If they wear too little lead they can't kick down under water (if they have a thick suit on) and if they wear too much, they will be presented with a dangerous situation on the bottom when their suit is compressed, their lungs are compressed, they used air to equalize the mask and sinuses and now they are very heavy and have a long trip from the bottom to the top.

Freedivers (and snorkelers who want to go under the surface) want to wear the least amount of compressible neoprene they can use and the least amount of lead. In order to accomplish this, they wear suits that are extremely thermally efficient. Most 3 mm freedive suits are about as warm as a typical 5 mm "scuba" suit with zippers hear and there and a separate hood that leaks around the neck.

Freedivers use suits with no zippers, an attached hood and typically a smooth rubber interior which minimizes water intrusion and flow and prevents leakage almost entirely. Consider these factors when selecting a suit.

 

[Fogest]

That is a very real consideration for freedivers and snorkelers. Scuba divers can wear a thick suit and when it compresses at depth and losses buoyancy - they can press a button and balance out with the BC.

Snorkelers and freedivers, don't have that luxury. If they wear too little lead they can't kick down under water (if they have a thick suit on) and if they wear too much, they will be presented with a dangerous situation on the bottom when their suit is compressed, their lungs are compressed, they used air to equalize the mask and sinuses and now they are very heavy and have a long trip from the bottom to the top.

Freedivers (and snorkelers who want to go under the surface) want to wear the least amount of compressible neoprene they can use and the least amount of lead. In order to accomplish this, they wear suits that are extremely thermally efficient. Most 3 mm freedive suits are about as warm as a typical 5 mm "scuba" suit with zippers hear and there and a separate hood that leaks around the neck.

Freedivers use suits with no zippers, an attached hood and typically a smooth rubber interior which minimizes water intrusion and flow and prevents leakage almost entirely. Consider these factors when selecting a suit.

You put it much, much better than I could. It also looks like you are pretty well versed on the topic since it looks like you actually sell these kinds of suits too.

OP I would highly suggest listening to this advice otherwise you may end up with a different kind of discomfort which may also have some safety issues.