wet suit question

[angryguy777]

I'm looking at buying a wetsuit, what would be the most versatile one to buy for diving in NC? I know this post seems out of place off the equipment section but I wanted to hear it from NC divers.

-Zak

 

[coop1]

It depends on what time of year you want to dive and where in NC you will dive. I dive out of MHC from late April to late May in a 5mm full w/ a light hood. Late May to early Sept in an old set of coveralls or a 2mm shorty. From mid Sept to Nov in a 3mm full suit.

The temps in mid summer will usually be in the upper 70's to lower 80's on most of the wrecks. The further north you get, the more effect the Labrador Current has, thus sometimes much colder water. Sometimes as low as mid 50s in places like off Nags Head or Corrola but not typical.
Fishing offshore of the Naeco yesterday, we had surface temps of 78 deg but nearshore they were down to about 75. About a 5 deg drop since two weeks ago.

I'd recommend maybe a 3/5mm combo suit Farmer John/Shorty that you could piece out or use a whole.

Coop

 

[Bob_B]

I use a 3/2 full suit. when the temps start to drop late in the year and in early spring, i'll add a 2 mm hood.