Summer Keys help for a Yankee...

[tbone1004]

So I got a gig at SeaCamp this summer and am stoked about it. I'm from Boston originally, living in NC now. I'll do 2 hour long mid 40's dives in a 7mm john no problem, and can hang out in our dive well at school for 5 hours a day in 84* water with no problems. Just wondering what the locals use for exposure protection and normal attire. Trying to find out as much as I can before I end up down there and drop 20lbs in 3 days from sweating...

 

[sportxlh]

I am not a local in the keys but don't live too far away and try to get down as often as possible. water temps in the summer are pretty warm: mid 80 degrees. I wear a 2MM shorty with no hood unless I am on a wreck. On a wreck I will usually wear a 3MM full so I don't accidently cut myself. A buddy wears a .5MM (1/2MM) full wetsuit and is fine during the summer, though he might put on a hood for deeper dives or if he is doing numerous dives in a day. Many divers only wear swimsuits in the middle of the summer as well, especially on the shallow reefs. I can't imagine that you'll need your 7MM farmer john under any circumstances. Let's hope the oil spill does not make its way over to the keys.

 

[tbone1004]

oh lord no, that thing isn't coming with me. I'll bring my drysuit just in case we do some deep wrecks, but I was just wondering if it was the norm for a bathing suit and rash guard or to have a real thin steamer.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

It is everything from nekkid (trunks and t-shirt) to dry suit that time of year. It depends on your comfort level.

I dive nekkid even on deep wrecks (I find it keeps me "honest"). I have seen divers come out of wrecks splotched with rust/drag/etc. marks... and... a few times my "honesty" has cost me a scar, but not often.

 

[Speargirl]

From a local in the Keys. CoolTech is right on the money on this one. I wear boardshorts and bikini tops with a rash guard top. Only at night will I wear a 2mm thats becuase ethe waters are drop to the mid 80's at night and that's a bit to cold for me to be happy. Have a great time here and look me up maybe we can hit a dive or two together.
Also check the board before coming as many shops have deals going during the summer to save you money.