Warm in Monterey Water?

[EricSJCA]

I've been diving in Monterey since last year and enjoy it. However, I do find myself getting a little colder than I'd like. So far, I always dive in a rental 7-6-5 suit with a seperate hooded vest. Can anyone give some advice as to how they stay warmer when diving? I've been told to focus on minimizing my heat loss between dives (with a jacket on over the wetsuit).

I'm considering buying a 9-7-6 wetsuit with an integrated hood, but kinda waiting on the finances.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

-Eric

 

[Brian Gilpin]

Before going thicker I would try to find a suit that fits really well.That means tight.You can wear all the neoprene you want but if too much water gets underneath it you are going to be cold. Different brands have different size ranges so check out their size charts to see if one seems better fitted to you.For example in most brands I would need a 3x to get the height I need but it would be way too big in every other way. After examining a lot of size charts I found that I could wear a xl tall in BARE wetsuits. Happens to be the perfect size for me and no custom suit could fit better. If that didn't work I would take a drysuit class and go that route if possible before going to an ultra thick suit.

 

[Scuba Susie]

I agree with Brian, it's all in the fit.
I also suggest peeing a lot in your wetsuit

 

[nhk_1999]

goto http://otterbaysuits.com/ to get a custom wet suit.

thanks
nhk

 

[mossym]

the bit about staying warm between dives really helps, i get as warm as possible between dives and usually don't get too cold..although i am considering a dry suit..

 

[MontereyCADiver]

Without a doubt, it gets cold here in Monterey. Try a different fitting wetsuit, or test-drive a drysuit. I recently switched from a one-piece 6.5mm w/ an integrated-hood (which I truly loved) to a DUI CLx450. The integrated hood prevented the cold Monterey Bay water from running down my back making it a great feature.

However, after 200+ dives in that wetsuit, it was showing signs of fatigue. Instead of purchasing another wetsuit, I decided to go dry. I was reluctant at first, but after a few dives in my DUI, I'm sold! That suit totally rocks! It's a substantial purchase, and for me, it's worth every penny.

NHK_1999 mentions otterbay wetsuits -- they operate an honest shop, and they're fantastic people, too!

Regarding SCUBA_Susie's advice... I dunno. Some say there are two classes of divers: 1. those that pee in their wetsuits; and, 2. those that lie about it. Ha! I can honestly say I've NEVER done it -- although I've wanted to. Susie, Susie, Susie... :no

 

[nkw5]

My LDS guy told me to wear sports socks in my booties. I thought he was pulling my leg! It sounds kinda silly (yeah, they get WET), but it does help keep you warmer while in water. Give it a try.

 

[scubajunkee]

I've been diving in Monterey since last year and enjoy it. However, I do find myself getting a little colder than I'd like. So far, I always dive in a rental 7-6-5 suit with a seperate hooded vest. Can anyone give some advice as to how they stay warmer when diving? I've been told to focus on minimizing my heat loss between dives (with a jacket on over the wetsuit).

I'm considering buying a 9-7-6 wetsuit with an integrated hood, but kinda waiting on the finances.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

-Eric

Eric,

For the past 4 years, I've dived with a one piece 7mm full suit from O'Neill, with a 5mm hooded vest on top of it. Like everyone else has said, get a really good fitting suit. Try out different brands. If you can't find one off the shelf, then definitely go custom. A one piece suit is a great choice since it usually does not allow as much water in (or out) as a two piece john and jacket.

Another option, if you have the extra cash is to go dry. I recently bought a used drysuit for $200 (normally retail for over $1700!) Since buying the drysuit, I've been very warm and sometimes too warm. I use the drysuit mostly for boat dives where I'm going beyond 70 fsw. And I now use my wetsuit for freediving, spearfishing and relatively shallow shore dives.

Hope this helps,

Ericson

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

If you really want to be warm, get a drysuit. You'll find that 95% of the every weekend
Monterey divers dive dry.

If you gotta go with a wetsuit, get one that's just snug. It doesn't have to be godawful
tight, just a simdge smaller than you are. And don't use a simple hood. Use either an
integrated hood, or a hooded vest (but put the hooded vest UNDER the jacket, not
over the jacket. That will make the water ingress points smaller (just your 15" neck,
not your 34" tummy (those are my sizes, not yours)). The hood should have a skirt
big enough to go over the mask skirt on the top and sides. The only visible skin should
be the lips and just below the mask.

I used to dive three 7 mm layers in my wetsuit days. First layer was a hooded vest,
then farmer john, then beaver tail jacket. It was OK, but a dry suit is SOOOO much
better.

And get a wetsuit made from good rubber. That suit that's so flexible and so
comfortable at the shop won't be warm. Good rubber is a bit stiff.

 

[mech]

My xcell 976 zipper broke (due to personal abuse) on a dive vacation
The deckhand lent me his new drysuit and it was much much nicer.
I then went to the Channel Islands the next week (for some bug hunting)and had to rent a farmer john suit....God those suck.
I did however learn a trick to fit my hood better.
I put my hood on just before velcroing on my johns then I put on the vest.
Best seal I've ever had...surprised no one ever taught me that while I was learning.
Andy