Wetsuit for Catalina?

[slackercruster]

Can I get by with a hood and a 5/4 wetsuit this time of year for Catalina shore dives?

Also how is viz in winter there?

 

[D_B]

Winter is the best time, viz could be 60ft ... 5/4 wetsut .. not me, although looking at the buoy the current temp at 30ft looks to be about 60*f
here is how to check the current temp (from the Catalina Sticky) California Diving News - How to Accurately Predict Water Temperature at Depth On Your Next Catalina Dive


Catalina Info Sticky .. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/socal/231885-updated-great-catalina-island-info-sticky-thread.html

 

[pasley]

7 mil is the year round normal or a drysuit which I dive all year.

 

[JMdiver]

It depends on how thick your skin is but a 7 mil is recommended.

John

 

[Mo2vation]

Can I get by with a hood and a 5/4 wetsuit this time of year for Catalina shore dives?

Also how is viz in winter there?

There is no way you could get by with a 5/4 on Catalina if you're going to be diving below 40 feet, unless you have polar bear hide.

Most wettys dive 7mm round here all year. DrBill was diving a 7mm shortie just a few weeks ago (like in late October - November) but we were having very warm water then - it was 61 all the way down to 100 feet at the Valiant.

If you're going to be very shallow - you could probably get by. But you'd be popcicled at the least. Below 40, not recommended.


---
Ken

 

[drbill]

I dove a 3/2mm last weekend and was OK. Min temps about 61-62 F at 70-90 ft. If you dive warm a 5/4mm may well be sufficient although most divers dive with a full 7mm.

 

[slackercruster]

Thanks for the help!

 

[AllanHarr]

A 6 or 7 is better for long/multiple dives. The thermoclines this time of year can be nasty. If you're stuck with the thinner suit for now, try something to slow down the water transfer if you can. A friend I dive with puts on a lined lycra under a similar wetsuit and he tells me it helps.