Wetsuit Help. New diver going to Cayman Brac in March

[Khan505]

Hi All,

This is my first ocean dive and I have only been diving 5 times -all during the summer months in a warm climate. Going to Cayman Brac in March, I hear that I should expect water temps in the upper 70's. What thickness wetsuit would you recommend for these temps. I know it matters if I get cold easily, etc... but I am just looking for some direction.

The trip is for 5 days, 4 diving days. Should I go with a 5mm, 3mm, or some other? Is 5mm overkill? I would hate cut any dives short because of being too cold. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Khan

 

[Doc Harry]

Hi

I would go with 5mm for repetitive dives in 78 degrees water. You have several options. You can wear a hood or a hooded vest if you're still too cold, or open your wetsuit if you're too warm.

Do you plan to dive is mostly warm waters at home (i.e., 80+ degrees)? If so, you might want to go with a 3mm suit that will allow you to layer for cooler water (i.e., 78 degrees in Cayman Brac). For instance, a 3mm farmer john with a 2-3mm shorty jacket, or a 3mm full wetsuit with a 2-3mm hooded vest.

If you plan to dive mostly in cooler waters (i.e. 73-78 degrees), then go for a full 5mm wetsuit. You can still layer a 5mm wetsuit with a 2-3mm hooded vest.

Remember that the "hyperstretch" wetsuits are not as warm as "real" wetsuits of the same advertised thickness. For instance, I have a Henderson 5/7mm hyperstretch wetsuit (5mm in the extremities, 7mm over the torso) that really functions as a 3/5mm wetsuit. I have a 7mm Harvey's wetsuit that is truly 7mm.

Also remember that it's easier to cool off (by opening your wetsuit) than it is to warm up (you can't put on what you don't have).

A hood makes a big difference. Don't forget a hood.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Drew Sailbum]

March does bring some of the coolest waters to our islands. Still, it is quite unusual for divers to wear anything thicker than a 3mm full suit.

As you stated, your personal body characteristics will play a factor. Local dive pros around here tend to do more dives and we are acclimitized to warm waters... we really feel the cold. Most of us stay in 3mm full suits for the winter, and dive in 33m shorties or simply in swimwear as the water warms up.

 

[lisa_j]

We're going to the Brac in March too - Bringing the 3/2s. We have polypropelene (sp?) skins that we wear diving cold and we're going to bring those too - just in case we get a little chilled.

When are you going? We'll be there the 11th-18th and I CAN'T WAIT!!

 

[dkktsunami]

I just returned from Little Cayman. Water was 81. I wore a 3/2 with a shorty and hood. This sounds like a lot, but I chill easily and repetitive diving will decrease your tolerance of the cold. 5 mil will be uncomfortable on the boat - it's easier to remove shorty. Have a great time - you are starting off with some of the best diving in the world. Ask to go to Little Cayman to dive Bloody Bay Wall - it's a short boat ride.

 

[Khan505]

Wow! What great responses. Thanks all. It sounds like the concensus is to go 3mm and take a shortie or skin to layer up if needed. Think that's what I am going to do.

Going to be there March 16 - 21 at the Divi Tiara. I can't wait!

 

[jmani]

I spent easter week in grand cayman last year. I did 3 boat dives a day and two seperate night dives. All I wore for the week was my lycra skin.

John

 

[lowwall]

I was there last year in early April. I don't get cold easily, so was happy with a 3mm shorty or just a swimsuit. My wife does get cold and had no problem with a 3mm full. Unless you are supersensitive or very skinny, more would seem overkill.

 

[Scuba Brad]

I'm going to Cayman Brac in August................so I even need them at all in the summer?

Happy Diving

 

[boulderjohn]

I'm going to Cayman Brac in August................so I even need them at all in the summer?

Fiirst of all, I would not use anything thicker than 3 mm for the March trip. Now, as for this one...

I did Cayman Brac in the summer a couple of years ago, and most of the DM's/Instructors there generally went without any wet suits, and they were in the water a lot.

Personally, that's not for me. I always wear full protection of some kind, even in very warm water. I do that because there are, for example, occasionally issues with tiny sea life in the jelly fish family that I would just as soon avoid.

Therefore, in warm waters, I have always worn a simple 0.5 mm skin, and I have been pleased as punch with it. Sadly, this summer, it finally gave up on me. After serving me well for about 150 dives over 5 years, it got baggy. I had to do gymnastics routines after each giant stride to get the air bubbles out. (I can give you a good deal on it if you are interested.)