wetsuit thickness?

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I’ll try again!...

I work doing 4 dives a day on the Andaman coast which is how im familiar with the water temperatures.
And also, air temperature doesn't affect the water as much as the seasonal ocean currents here which is why its currently dropping.
4 dives per day... so liveaboard around Similans, Surin, Mergui Archipelago?

The OP has said he'll be diving from day boats out of Phuket, max 3 dives per day.
He also said he was comfortable in a 3mm in water temps of 78F (25-26C) and was thinking 3mm might be too much for Thailand.
Are you still advocating a 5mm full in that case?
 
A 5mm or possibly a 7mm yes.
Seeing far too many shaking, freezing customers and people skipping dives at the moment, especially in the 24-25c.

Ive still never seen a single person too hot on a dive anywhere in the world. I have however seen hundreds too cold on a dive in many places.
 
A 5mm or possibly a 7mm yes.
Seeing far too many shaking, freezing customers and people skipping dives at the moment, especially in the 24-25c.

Ive still never seen a single person too hot on a dive anywhere in the world. I have however seen hundreds too cold on a dive in many places.
Agreed with you about not being able to get too warm.

But recommending a thick suit knowing the OP goes to an area where the water is 29 centigrade, because your customers are cold in a different area with much colder water, simply makes no sense.
 
A 5mm or possibly a 7mm yes.

:shocked:
7mm in Thailand?
I won't claim that no one uses such wetsuits there, but in five trips, I have yet to see one.

Ive still never seen a single person too hot on a dive anywhere in the world. I have however seen hundreds too cold on a dive in many places.

I went to a Red Sea liveaboard last October, and fearing that it might get chilly, I bought a 5mm hooded two-piece suit beforehand. Did two dives with it and hated every moment. Getting in and out of it was a chore, I had to carry a bunch of extra weights, my buoyancy was all over the place, and yes - I did get hot in it. The hood was particularly annoying, as it muffled the hissing of air entering my BCD - I never realized that I relied on that as feedback, but it turns out that I do. Fortunately I packed my 3mm shorty, which I used for the rest of the trip without issues.
 
I’m here now and just got off the boat. The water was considerably colder than usual. About 78-79f. Not just the typical thermalclimes. I used a 3mm full and rash guard but wish I had had a hood or vest to add. Which of course I left in Khao Lak thinking I would not need. I do get cold pretty easily after 4 dives a day back to back. Water was green and very bad visibility. Hope you get better than we did.
 
I’m here now and just got off the boat. The water was considerably colder than usual. About 78-79f. Not just the typical thermalclimes. I used a 3mm full and rash guard but wish I had had a hood or vest to add. Which of course I left in Khao Lak thinking I would not need. I do get cold pretty easily after 4 dives a day back to back. Water was green and very bad visibility. Hope you get better than we did.

Don't forget the OP is not planning a liveaboard out of Khao Lak, he'll be diving day boats out of Phuket.
stevenl has already confirmed the water is warming up in that area (currently 29c I believe), where they are not as exposed to ocean currents.
 
Don't forget the OP is not planning a liveaboard out of Khao Lak, he'll be diving day boats out of Phuket.
stevenl has already confirmed the water is warming up in that area (currently 29c I believe), where they are not as exposed to ocean currents.

Dive all those as well. Water was a bit warmer perhaps but the conditions just as bad.
 
Unfortunately no. Vis was similar to what I would expect in Seattle. Pea Soup....

Still had fun and met some great people. Headed to Komodo for round two liveaboard on Saturday. Hopefully makes up for it.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/teric/

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