What do you recommend to make it pleasant?

[diver 85]

I would think 5 mm minimum @ all places(even head & hands)....some here(not me) wear a 7 mm in sunny southern Cozumel....

 

[Teamcasa]

Thanks for all great advices guys. Like I mentioned I am here at the Catalina Island and working as a tour boat captain. I worked as a captain all over the world throughout my life but I never got a chance to get certified or just simply ignored it since I was younger and could dive to good depths while snorkeling to chase fish, octopus or lobster. That was enough for me then...
I became friends with guys at LDS here in Avalon called Catalina Diver Supply and I'll refer their help when I'm ready to get certified. First I will go to an introductory dive session to see if I will feel comfortable. If I do, the rest will follow quickly. I also do have a 30 ft. boat here at Avalon which is very suitable for a small group private diving. I want to get the most use out of that boat.
Again thanks for all the good advice.

Sorry Jim, I did not see this the first time around. Say hello to Cindy and take her advice. They run a good operation and will treat you well. If you run into Dr. Bill, and I know you will, say Hi for me.

I'll be diving at the dive park Saturday June 6th. Stop by and say hi.

 

[Jupiter31]

Ok tubby, listen up:

First, you are NOT that fat - many of us, me included, could loose a few lbs - your problem is you live in CA, where there are so many skinney, beautiful people.

I see many GREAT divers - today in fact saw 2 - who are really heavy, much more so than you - and they are truly super divers; great air consumption, outstanding boyancy control.

Diving is much more about skills and practice vs being in shape to be a contender in the "Tour de France"

I'll go w/ the posters recommending a custom dry suit - but first I'd dive wet and be 100% certain that diving is for you.

And while some of this post is tongue in cheek, I would not sweat the weight issue - you will be fine.

Good Luck!

 

[Scott L]

Hate to rub it in CA divers but the water temp hit 78 degrees this week here in the subtropics. Will be moving from a 3mil to a skin in another month or so...

 

[Alkiman]

Jim,
One thing I have not seen discussed here is the weight harness vs. the belt. For people who are rockin the keg as you are, the harness is the way to go since you don't have those built in weightbelt holders(hips). Nothing is more frustrating than trying to keep a weightbelt on in addition to dealing with all of the other minor inconveniances you encounter when starting out. If cold is really an issue, than I would suggest a trilam drysuit. I've seen people diving them even in HI, and they offer more flexibility than the neoprene suits as to what you can wear under. Best of luck, and have fun with it