I live in Ohio right now and have done several dives in quarries here but have also traveled south to FL. In the Keys in June I was pretty cold once the thermocline hit with just a skin on (I think I get cold easily). I'm also taking a 2 Week live aboard in the Windward Islands next June. Should I invest in a 2 or 3 mm wetsuit and when I dive up here just layer up over it?
Should I Get A Wetsuit?
- Thread starter LittleOne
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RedFishBlueFish
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Hello LittleOne! I am a relative newbie myself and have done dives both in Grand Cayman & the Keys. I wore a 3mm full suit in 80-85 degree weather while in the Keys and was fine. I did not overheat expect while on the boat 
Women, in general get colder than men & after successive dives on the same day, you are going to get colder. My husband only wore a rash guard when diving the Keys & when he hit the thermocline, he got cold & he's a big guy. He also got stung by firecoral because his arms weren't covered. That's another reason to get a fullsuit IMO - protection from the coral & other sea life. And, if you're afraid of overheating, just pull the neck of your wetsuit down a bit to let ocean water cool you down Hope I was of assistance!
Women, in general get colder than men & after successive dives on the same day, you are going to get colder. My husband only wore a rash guard when diving the Keys & when he hit the thermocline, he got cold & he's a big guy. He also got stung by firecoral because his arms weren't covered. That's another reason to get a fullsuit IMO - protection from the coral & other sea life. And, if you're afraid of overheating, just pull the neck of your wetsuit down a bit to let ocean water cool you down Hope I was of assistance!don Francisco
Contributor
You can never be too warm, I'd suggest a 3mm or 3/2 full suit. Lot's of folks use shorties in the tropics, but if you do long dives or repetitive dives you'll want the extra insulation. You might also email the liveaboard operator and ask for their recommendation.
Also, some folks, especially atheltic males; cyclists, runners, skaters, and dancers have trim issues due to their heavy legs. If you fall into that category, definately go for a full suit, since the neoprene on your legs will help offset negative bouyancy and help your trim.
As far as northern diving is concerned, I don't think this would be a worthwhile base for layering, but ask around locally and find out what folks are wearing.
I consider wetsuits as consumable, and suggest you shop around for the least expensive suit that meets your needs and fits well. Have a great trip, dF
Also, some folks, especially atheltic males; cyclists, runners, skaters, and dancers have trim issues due to their heavy legs. If you fall into that category, definately go for a full suit, since the neoprene on your legs will help offset negative bouyancy and help your trim.
As far as northern diving is concerned, I don't think this would be a worthwhile base for layering, but ask around locally and find out what folks are wearing.
I consider wetsuits as consumable, and suggest you shop around for the least expensive suit that meets your needs and fits well. Have a great trip, dF
I agree, that you are heading for a wardrobe. Exxcept for shallow summer water in Ohio there is no really common suit.
3mm full suit for travel, drysuit for home.
Wetsuits are more than thermal protection, they also reduce the likelihood of getting injured by sharp rocks, coral (which you shouldn't make contact with anyway) or poisonous to slightly toxic critters. I wear one in all waters I dive.
Buoyant1
Contributor
Except for a Discover Scuba trip I did before I was certified, I've always used a 3mm in the Keys...remember that 85 degree water is still colder than 98.6!
RonFrank
Contributor
IMO Exposure protection is a must for ALL diving. There are plenty of reasons. If you do four dives a day even in 85F water, you will get cold potentially even in a good 3/2mm wetsuit especially if the dives are all an hour or more. Coral, Fire Coral, stinging creatures including Jellyfish are MUCH less an issue with full protection.
I know of divers who don't wear anything in the FL summer waters, and that is their choice. I think if you know what to watch for, one can generally avoid stings, but not getting cold especially if the weather is less than favorable.
I know of divers who don't wear anything in the FL summer waters, and that is their choice. I think if you know what to watch for, one can generally avoid stings, but not getting cold especially if the weather is less than favorable.
boat sju
Contributor
Check out the NeoSport full 4/3. With the SB discount it's hard to beat the price.
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Womens Wetsuits, Bare Wetsuits, Oceanic Farmer Jane, Henderson Hyperstretch, Henderson Gold, full suits, farmer johns, farmer jane, jumpsuits, shortys, shorties
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