Skip 5mm and go to 7mm?

[NAUI Wowie]

Great question! Thickness does help keep the diver warm, but if cool water is flushing in to the suit you'll get cold no matter how thick.

I would highly (and I mean highly) suggest you get a custom fit wetsuit. I dive a lot in California where it's between 50 and 75 degrees F, and I comfortably dive a 5mm fullsuit with attached hood year-round, and add a vest underneath when it's coldest. I have tried many wetsuit styles and this one works best for me.

I get my suits from JMJ Wetsuits, and they are *very* helpful - you should give them a call with your questions and take their recommendations - they know what they're doing and have helped tons of divers solve design challenges and made them great suits.

Hope that helps!
Derek

I dive channel islands etc in warm weather. I would NEVER use a 5mil lol thats freezing to death . even a 7 mil multiple dives a day in CA is a NO for me. I use a 8/7 or 9/8 semi dry for CA waters. no matter the month or area