wetsuits?!

[annasea]

Thx for the advice, Pete and Chris!

I haven't yet started to look into wetsuits -- I thought I'd buy a prescription mask first -- but I thought it best to start researching before I actually need a suit and have the time to pick and choose wisely.

 

[CSD1129]

thanks again to everyone who replied.
I think this week I'll be down at the dive shop trying on the bare wetsuit. The vest idea sounds good too!

I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[CSD1129]

Well, I ended up buying my first cold water suit!
I got a 7mm Bare Alpine suit. It's a semi-dry with an attached hood. We'll see how it works. I should be getting it in about a week. Can't wait to go diving! (and hopefully not freeze!)

 

[paula paz]

Well, I ended up buying my first cold water suit!
I got a 7mm Bare Alpine suit. It's a semi-dry with an attached hood. We'll see how it works. I should be getting it in about a week. Can't wait to go diving! (and hopefully not freeze!)

Congratulations!!! Wellcome to the Bare club (LOL)

I'm starting to believe that Bare should pay as a commission (LOL)

Now, seriously, the Alpine is a very good wetsuit because it is extremely comfortable and fit perfectly, but is not the warmest, if you are going to dive in really cold water I absolutely recommend to get at least a 3mm thermalskin vest (with out hood) to use underwear.

FYI. We sell Bare wet and dry suites in the dive center I work. So believe me, under 12ºC you will be cold soon. (in 20 to 30 min)

 

[spectrum]

I think Paula Paz is on the mark. You will still want a little something extra on the core and to mute the zipper. A warm water shortie would do the trick, worn under is my suggestion.

If you stick to modest NJ shore dives you may be fine as is.

Pete

 

[ScubaDivaDivemaster]

Congrats on your suit purchase. I'll wait to hear how it goes. I dive Hyperstretch because of the comfort and ease of use. I wear a 7/5mm in the Caribbean because I'm cold natured too...I want to hear how it goes!!!
happy diving!

 

[CSD1129]

Thanks again guys.
I usually wear a skin underneath my wetsuit no matter what. I think that'll take care of the zipper. I guess I'll make a few dives without a vest (because I don't own one...yet) and see if I'm chilly. If I get cold I think I'll be looking int othe vest.
I'll be making a trip up to good ol' dutch springs quarry in PA soon to test out my suit.

ScubaDivaDivemaster - I'll post back after I use my suit. It'll be arriving in about a week.

 

[ScubaDivaDivemaster]

I look forward to reading your report. I don't add a vest with my config, I just use a hyperstretch hood and that keeps a lot more heat in. When I layer, I put my shorty on the outside, that way it helps keep water (if water can get in there?) from coming in the zipper. Best of luck to you, I hate being cold! Fill us in on the Dutch Springs and NJ diving too...is it worth traveling from Dallas?