Seattle Area in Oct-Need Advice

[Trigger-F]

LowDrag, TSandM, H20doctor: Thanks for the info/recommendations!

I have my eye on a semi-dry 8mm suit at the local dive shop, reasonably priced.

http://www.leisurepro.com/p-hlssdnt/hollis-neo-tek-mens-semidry-8-7-6mm-suit

I'm looking into getting one to extend my season down here (even though it would be overkill for most of FL ; occasionally we get cold spells with 60F water temps(or a bit less) on the Gulf side of FL though.) Problem is I am not certified for Dry suit diving, so looking for alternative solutions, unless I try to get certified down here within the next 2 months. I am probably looking to do just 1 or 2 dives, depending on what sealife I end up seeing.

Btw, my wife thinks I'm crazy wanting to dive in December. I think it'll be fine. Need to visit in the summer sometime.

 

[LowDrag]

You're welcome Trigger-F...tell your wife you are going to be here during some of the best diving the PNW has to offer. My wife and I dove Cove3 at Alki Beach in West Seattle on Saturday and had about 40' of good viz. It was absolutely awesome. The water was about 51° F. I have heard of other divers using a semi dry around here all year long and doing just fine. If you can get a good deal on one you might be better off. Besides...if you tried to sign up for a dry suit course in Florida you might get laughed out of the dive shop.

 

[KevinG58]

I'm looking at coming up the PNW this spring or early summer (April /May maybe). I'm an experienced cold water diver with all my own gear. But I know for one thing the area is more subject to currents than I am used to in Monterey or the SB Channel islands. And for another, of course its a brand new area to me.

I know April/May may not be the optimum time, but I only have so much scheduling flexibility. I do have an option of waiting until fall.

Thoughts? Guidance? Thanks in advance.