Wetsuit thickness for cool water?

[ScubaDiverGreg]

First of all, hello! I'm glad to be part of this SCUBA diving community. Just to let you know a bit about me, I keep many saltwater aquariums and have a passion for the ocean, snorkeling...and SCUBA diving! I need a couple of dives on vacation last year which lead me to getting my certification this summer. So, here's my question...

I'm looking for a wetsuit that's thick enough to keep me warm in water that's around 55F. Also, could a wetsuit designed for this temperature be used for 70-80F water? The reason I'm asking this is because I'm going to do my open water certification in Tobermory, Ontario and the water there is 50F-60F, even in the summer. The wrecks are numerous and beautiful so I'd probably go more than once as well. Also, I'd use the suit for snorkeling in the warm cottage waters of 70F-80F. I'm kinda skinny and wouldn't mind being nice and warm.

Thanks

 

[Blake]

have u seen the Bare arctic 7mm full wetsuit with hooded vest? i used this in Sarnia, Ontario in 56 degree fresh water and i was plenty warm, warm enough i even did a second dive. i am a big guy but i was very comfortable in that suit with the hooded vest. good luck and make sure u find a suit that fits you properly, where r u from? ever get to Sarnia area let me know

 

[ScubaDiverGreg]

I live in Etobicoke, right near Toronto.

I'm 5' 9" and 140lbs. Would a 7mm be a good choice for cooler water and for 70-80F water?

 

[Nemrod]

You will need a full farmer john 7mm or semi dry, full hood, boots.

No, you cannot use that suit in 75 plus degree water in the summer because you will get sick and sweat your --never mind.

In any case, no, you will need a a light suit, max 3/2 or less like a shorty or a 1 mm microprene type suit in warm water.

N

 

[Jimmer]

I live in Etobicoke, right near Toronto.

I'm 5' 9" and 140lbs. Would a 7mm be a good choice for cooler water and for 70-80F water?

7mm is pretty thick for 70+ degrees. For your range I'd personally look at a 5mm with a core warmer for when you dive colder water. If you get heavy into diving here in Ontario, you will end up in a drysuit eventually anyway.

 

[fisheater]

Buy the wetsuit for the colder water. In making that decision, ask around in the LDSs and with other divers find out what they wear.

For warm water, fit is less important and you can get away with renting until your cash flow allows you to purchase a thinner wetsuit for warm water.

 

[ScubaDiverGreg]

From the looks of it, I'll be doing alot more warmer water snorkeling. What would you guys recommend for 70-75F water?

I think I'll just rent a thicker wetsuit when I need it...for now at least

 

[Bob Vincent]

70 to 80 a 2mm shorty works for alot of people. If you get cold fast then you might want a full 3mm maybe even something like a Bare 5/4. I wear a 5/4 to the high 40's then it's time to get the 7mm on. My Great Lake gear is Bare 7mm full, Oceanic 6.5mm hood, 6mm Pinnacle ice boots along with their Merino lined 4mm gloves. With a Bare skin under the 7mm. You just have to experiment before you buy.

 

[Cerveza]

70 - 80 then its a 3mm steamer for me, for the 55'F then i plump for a tight'ish 7mm semi-dry with a seperate hood, like i say these are my preferences, they work for me, but with the 7mm semi-dry once im back on board its a dry t-shirt, jumper and coat to keep the cold off my upper half..

 

[jl5619718]

Before you take their advice, ask their body size and tolerance to cold. I'm also 5' 9" but 175lbs and I hate cold water and this is what I prefer:

75 and up - 3mm is fine (with an ocassional vest underneath)

68 to 75 - a 5mm is toasty (again a vest or hooded vest for comfort) 3mm can be done.

60 to 67 - I'm toasty in a 6.5mm semi but can stand 7mm full. (I do get made fun of by my more "naturally insulated" friends who don't even use a hood at this temp.)

48 to 59 - a 7mm is do-able but not fun since extensive warmup is required after a dive. Prefer a dry suit or semi with core warmer.

55 and down - drysuit to be comfortable.

Just my preferences but I like to be warm and toasty. Jacuzzi diving can also be amusing.