Warm water thermal protection

[stuartv]

I've had dives off Oahu that were a solid 72F. That was mid-March, 2015.

It is my understanding that it can get even cooler, depending on which island and which side of the island you're diving.

 

[JRCrab]

Randomly, due to various kitesurfing pursuits, I've ended up with a long leg, short sleeve 3/2mm suit and a 2mm long sleeved shirt. Both are billabong. The last few times I've traveled to tropical destinations, water temps between 76F and 83F. Having these two items as optional layering pieces that can be used together or separate has been awesome for diving, snorkeling and kitesurfing. Just my experience. For reference, I'm normally diving an 8/7mm semidry in ~50F water and getting cold at the end of the dive if I'm not kicking much.