Thermal protection in May?

[mruseless]

I just got back from Maui, water temps 75 degrees all week. I'm a wimp, and wore a 5/4mm with a 3mm hood all week. And I was still a little chilly. But like I said, I'm a wimp.

We were with Ed Robinson's (great op, BTW), and the exposure protection varied greatly from diver to diver. Some guys were in 7mm PLUS a hooded vest, and one guy was in just a rash guard and shorts! But he had a little extra natural insulation

 

[oregondiver]

Thanks everyone! I was planning on watching these recommendations and then buying a suit at the Xcel outlet or sumptin when I arrived.

I was at my LDS on Friday and they had a 3/2 full suit (current bioprene + my old 3/2 suit = wrong size) so I just picked it up there. Coming from a state with no sales tax...made it worth it.

I can suck up the cold for the first day of diving and if it too cold, I will buy the core vest & hood for the second day. I did pack my 7mil hood only because for some reason, I have tons of room in my dive bag since I ain't bringing the drysuit! Yahoooo!

So thanks everyone for their replies!

 

[mruseless]

Let us know after you get back how you did in the 3/2, I'd be curious to know.
Thanks!

 

[scubamaverick]

I will be diving with Lahaina Divers May 15-19th. Who are you diving with?

Send me PM if you want to connect.

 

[Diver Tim]

In my limited dive experience here, I've been using a 3.5 full wetsuit year-round, and never been uncomfortable.

Although that could be because my air never lasts long enough for me to get cold...

 

[oregondiver]

I dove the 3/2 today. 90 minutes max 44 ft at sharks cove. I brought my hood(7mil) and used that with 2 mil socks, no gloves. I got cool at end of dive and didn't have time for the second dive. Tomorrow I will look into buying a vest because I am sure I would need it for deeper or repetitive dives. Being a person who gets cold easily, I was surprised I lasted so long.

 

[kanonfodr]

That water was exceptionally cold today. Normally I'm good for an hour and a half in my normal getup but I was shivering at the end of an hour. It was great diving with you today, hope we can get together once more before you leave!!

Peace,
Greg