Urchin culling and drysuit selection.

[Ty Hamby]

I would like to go urchin culling on the North Coast of California in 2025. I need a drysuit. My 8/7/6 and 7mm farmer wetsuits are not enough warmth for me after about 30min. My LDS pushes DUI. I don't really have a preference on brand. Price is largely not a primary concern and I like to support local when I can.

So my main question is:
What would be the best for abrasion and puncture resistance from urchins. I have also found myself at the bottom of swift moving rivers crawling my way upstream at times. While I am not looking for something bulletproof unless it also is flexible and comfortable. What do public service divers typically lean towards? How bad are comfortable/flexible drysuits on punctures? TIA

 

[caotoole]

I had a DUI CF200 suit for a long time diving for scallops and urchins in the winter in Maine. Great suit and really tough, but they have got really expensive.

The material has some stretch to it, not as much as regular neoprene but definitely not like a shell type suit that has none.

Good Luck