wetsuits during winter months

[bikeflip22]

Heres how you dive thru the winter and what worked for me. Get a 7mm full suit. Get an old 7mm farmer John top and cut the sleeves off leaving about 3-6 inches and glue and sew a hood into it and put it over the 7mm full suit. Worked like a charm for me in 36 F water. Getting undressed was tough. Make a thick pair or 2 of fin socks to use with Bare Ice boots.

huh?

 

[Tom Winters]

You people are all way tougher than I am diving wet in 36°, 38°, 45° waters. I was in Lake Boca changing zincs today and thinking that I needed a dry suit.

 

[gfisher4792]

huh?

He's describing how to make a cheapo, but effective 7mm hooded vest you can wear over your one piece.

BTW, when diving in the cold months, it's not necessarily the water temp that's a killer; it's the air temp when you get out.

 

[matt_unique]

Not for me at least. I once dove 39 degree water with a fitted Seaquest Contour 7 suit with second layer farmer john with integrated hood. I came out after 15 minutes barely able to speak and no feeling in hands or feet. Everyone has different temperature tolerances but I would not consider diving in a wetsuit beyond November up here. For what you would pay for that wetsuit you are approaching the cost of a neo drysuit which would be much much warmer. $500 for a brand new O'Neill neoprene suit, about $150 for thermals.

--Matt

 

[Gidds]

$500 for a brand new O'Neill neoprene suit, about $150 for thermals.

I'm in the process of going dry and I'd like to hear more about these suits. Right now I can only stay in the water wet for about 20 mins. in a 7mm jumpsuit w/ appropriate accessories :frown:

 

[xtreme9m]

I've been in 50 to 42 degree water in a 3-5mm and 7-5mm and been ok.Recently went dry and don't think I'll go back untill the water hits 60. I also do a lot of cold water diving on average of thre to five days a week.

 

[Diesel298]

You people are all way tougher than I am diving wet in 36°, 38°, 45° waters. I was in Lake Boca changing zincs today and thinking that I needed a dry suit.

sounds like u need a hot water suit

 

[bikeflip22]

during the summer i freedove to the bottom of folly cove when it was roughly 60ft deep or so , out by the point, and i did that without any suit..i think a thermocline starts after 15ft or so if im correct

im thinking i have a good tolerance for the cold. i really like the 7mil 1pc suit and want to give it a shot.

 

[ScubaSarus]

i DOve the Oneil neoprene suit with the clown boots. Its a nice suit can be had for 300 if you can find one almost the same as the harveys and henderson neoprenes. Dont knock neoprene, its tough and warm and about 5 lbs more bouyant than trilam. No special undergarments needed just a good set of underclothing. Neopprenes ten develop earlier seam leaks than trilams.

 

[Diesel298]

my neoprene suit is awesome..
i wore a set of thermals, with a fleese shirt and sweatpants and was perfectly comfortable doin a 70 minn dive in low 50's water