Question on Diving Fiji in July

[Dizzy_Dean]

I have a couple of questions for anyone who has dove Fiji during their winter months. We are going in mid July and were wondering what we should expect water temperature-wise. Most of the sites I've seen say avg water temps that time of year ar around 78. That sounds right on the line of either 3mm or 5mm (I know it varies a lot by person), but I was wondering if anyone could share their experiences and suggestions.

Following that train of thought, has anyone put a full dive skin under a 3mm? (Henderson 17oz Superior Polyolefin Dive Skin Jumpsuit) I was just looking at that dive skin that claims it's the equivalent of a 2mm suit. I figured that would give me more flexibility in layers than going with a 5mm. (Most of my diving is in the carribean and a 3mm is plenty usually.) I don't think I would get enough use out of a full 5mm.

Has anyone tried that before and does it really give you the warmth of a 5mm and comfort (i.e. you can easily put the 3mm on top of the skin)?

Thanks

Diz

 

[fiji_diver]

Hi
Have a look at
http://club.skindeepfiji.com/index.php/web-links/40-fiji-information
for water temp data.
a layers suit is a good idea. I use a 3mm all year here but it can be a little chilly at the end of the winter.
A 3mm hood is a great item to keep you warm as well.
Have a great trip
Greg

 

[1davey]

I was there last July 26th thru Aug. 7th. That water temp sounds about right. I wore a 3 mm. at one resort then a 5 mm shorty at the other. I have used a skin under the full. Mostly because it made getting on the 3 mm way easier. Plus having the skin on helped with the sun exposer.

 

[Dizzy_Dean]

Thanks FD and 1dw,

I think I'll go with the skin under the 3mm. I'll also look at buying a 3mm hood.

Another quick question. I also read that being on either end +/- 5 days of the full moon or new moon will give increased currents. Have you experienced this and if so, how much more current are we talking here?

We will be diving Somosomo and Namena.

Thanks

Diz

 

[jake11]

We were there in mid August and the water temps ranged from around 72-77 degrees.
It was nippy. I wore a 3/5 hooded vest under a 5ml henderson hyperstretch. I was quite toasty! I often wear a 1ml under my 3ml and it works just fine! I usually always add layers as the dive days go on! You will love Fiji! BTW.. we also have super warm 3mls lined with merino wool. It usually has to be below 80 degrees for us to even consider wearing these as we cook if it is warmer. We are heading to Fiji again this Fall and we might just bring these 3mls and put the 1 mls underneath. Sometimes if it is really cold I even layer a pair of 1/2 ml shorts and top, 1ml skin, 3/5 vest and then the 3ml wetsuit! I think your layering idea is fine! Have fun!

 

[cdoyal]

The currents in the strait can be really.....interesting. It all depends on your dive experience.

 

[Dizzy_Dean]

Chris,

My fiancee and I have about 100 logged dives. We have dove in what we thought was some pretty stiff current before. Although, I couldn't tell you how fast it was in knots. We had some strong currents in Bonaire, Cancun and Krabi, Thailand. Let's just say, if you missed something, there wasn't any going back to check it out....if you know what I mean.

Something like that? or...more interesting?

Diz

 

[fiji_diver]

Hi
You won't find any real difference in the currents here at any time of the month. The tides are a little larger at the full and new moons and this definitely affects the currents in many places but it also depends on the state of the tide.
So don't worry about it. The operators there will usually be doing drift dives so the slight changes in currents won't be any real factor.
Have a great trip
Greg