water temperature change at depth

[dpreviti]

Hello All,

Sorry if this has been asked before but I have been searching around and can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I'm planning on getting a exposure suit and found a link for yearly water temps in my area, but I can't find a rough guide on how much cooler the water is at OW depth.

Not looking for a perfect number just an idea. 10, 15 degrees?

Thanks!!!!

DP

 

[spectrum]

I know here in the nortern climates I can easilly find a 35+ degree swing at the peak of summer. Certain freshwater sites that have considerable surface swims simply are not doable. Dressed for the depth you die on the surface.

Pete

 

[gcbryan]

Hello All,

Sorry if this has been asked before but I have been searching around and can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I'm planning on getting a exposure suit and found a link for yearly water temps in my area, but I can't find a rough guide on how much cooler the water is at OW depth.

Not looking for a perfect number just an idea. 10, 15 degrees?

Thanks!!!!

DP

Just ask any diver in your area or the local dive shop what the average temp at depth is for your area. The biggest change will be from the surface to just several feet below the surface.

 

[breals]

Hello All,

Sorry if this has been asked before but I have been searching around and can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I'm planning on getting a exposure suit and found a link for yearly water temps in my area, but I can't find a rough guide on how much cooler the water is at OW depth.

Not looking for a perfect number just an idea. 10, 15 degrees?

Thanks!!!!

DP

It depends on where you are and how deep you are going. Here in California the water temp between the surface and below 30 feet is about 10 degrees in summer and non-existant in the winter. When we were in Key West 3 weeks ago, it was 83 on the surface and 73 at depth.

Get a suit that will keep you warm at depth.

 

[SteFord]

Florida thermoclines are pretty gentle! Some would consider this summer, but recently in the local quarry the water was 67 F at the surface, but you needed a 7mm, hood and gloves to get much below 35 feet (47F) where it steadily dropped to dry suit requirements at the max depth.

The advice above to inquire of local divers is spot on - see the LDS!

 

[Matteo]

yeah, pretty much what the others have said....seeing as you're in south FL, the thermoclines can range from non-existent to +-15 degrees depending on factors like time of year, tides, currents, upwellings, etc....personally for south FL and the Keys I find a 3mm to be a great year-round suit with the addition of a 3mm hooded vest for the winter months or when pronounced thermoclines are present

 

[dpreviti]

Thanks everyone.

I have pretty much decided that I'm going to want a LS light suit for the warm months to keep the stings and coral away i'm just trying to figure out if I'm better off with a 1mm or 3mm jumpsuit. I figure I'll add another layer later for the cold months.

You wear a 3mm shorty or full suit all year? Do you find yourself getting hot on the surface?

I suppose this would have been better posted in the Fl section but thanks everyone for the info!!

DP

 

[dpreviti]

recently in the local quarry the water was 67 F at the surface, but you needed a 7mm, hood and gloves to get much below 35 feet (47F) where it steadily dropped to dry suit requirements at the max depth.

Just recently transplanted from Nova.

Ah yes the local quarry!! Been there a few times. Middle of june freezing my tail off in 5mm all around + hood+gloves+boots!

To cold for me. Part of the reason I moved to FL.

DP

 

[BrianV]

Yeah in Florida you'll be fine. I never notice any thermoclines when diving in Florida or nearby Freeport. Southern California on the other hand has a 10 degree difference between surface and about 50-60', and our lakes right now have a thermocline of about 30 degrees (92 surface, 62 at 60+ feet).