wetsuit for 58 degree waters?

[Grover48]

I did 3 dives yesterday here in So Cal in 51 degree water. I am 61 years old, and don't know if that makes a lot of difference.

My choice of wet suits: ScubaPro 7mm Steamer, 3 mil full hood, 5 mil gloves and hard sole boots.

I noticed the cold when I got in, but everything soon warmed up and I was comfortable for the rest of the dive.

 

[ryssyr]

a good thick hood helps a ton. I have a 12mm hood from otter bay. They measure your noggin and you get a custom hood that keeps you very warm.

 

[ryssyr]

whoops forgot the link. Otter bay custom wetsuits/drysuits and hoods

 

[Brewski]

I prefer one piece 7mm suits with a hooded vest. or a one piece with attached hood and hood less vest underneath. that is until I purchased my dry suit.

 

[drdaddy]

We dive regularly in 50 to 54 degree water in 7mm 2 piece/farmer john with hood. Yesterday, we were diving the Newport/South Beach Yaquina Bay South Jetty - 4th & 5th fingers. Both my computers say 50 degrees Fahrenheit. We were warm enough for 2 50 minute dives, but at the end our feet were "frozen" - even with great insulated boots.

I too hope you are overhead/cave/cavern certified. I was cringing when I read what you intend to do.

 

[DiverDave65]

Bonne Terre is NOT an overhead environment. There is always air over your head.....like a big swimming pool, except dark and cold. There are established "trails" you go on and every dive is lead by two dive masters, one in front and one bringing up the rear.

Both in dry suits!!

 

[Codiak]

Bonne Terre is NOT an overhead environment. There is always air over your head.

It most certainly does have overhead conditions and many trail sections are very much overhead environments.

The dive staff does a great job of controlling the groups and checks air when conditions of the trail "change"

They do not allow unescorted diving which makes it less appealling to Cavers.

That said it is cold, wet and dark ;-)

 

[clipperTT]

Enjoy your dive at the Mine, I'm planning on going in April come hell or high water!

 

[diver_doug]

Like others have said, it's a matter of individual tolerance. I dive in Socal and have been in 58 degree water and for me to be comfortable (and be able to do more than 1 dive) I need a 7mm suit, boots, gloves and a hood. And even all of that's only enough if I'm staying above 50ft.

 

[aaronjweese]

I dove my local quarry a few weeks back. The water temp was 59*F all the way down to 60 FFW(air temp was in the upper 50's). I wore a 6/5/4 with a 1/2 top underneath it, 5mm booties, neoprene beanie(not a full hood) and no gloves. We did 3 25-35 minute dives and I felt "comfortably cool". YMMV