What other than a wetsuit (for a guy)?

[WarrenZ]

If the water is warm do you need anything more than your thong?

Check out the Lavacore suits and surfing clothing I tried one in the Bahamas down to 75* and it worked very well the first couple of minutes when you jump in with it and it is soaking up water it seems to be a bad idea but once that is over it warms up nicely.

 

[Aloha Joe]

I guess I’ll find out! I might be fine with water temp (can swim all day, all year) but it might be good to have a layer for shore dives near the lava rock.


I thought Rash guards were just cheap thin polyester shirts (that’s what I saw at Macy’s, lol). Now I’m seeing there is neoprene and other materials.

So “Skins” and “Rash Guards” seem to be what I should be looking for...

 

[Aviyes]

I guess I’ll find out! I might be fine with water temp (can swim all day, all year) but it might be good to have a layer for shore dives near the lava rock.
I thought Rash guards were just cheap thin polyester shirts

I've dove in thin polyester shirts as well, but that was when it was really warm, mid 80s, and I was roasting in my 3mm wetsuit.

 

[outofofficebrb]

You can look at rashguard a designed for surfing. They fit much more fitted than casual rashguards so it’s better for diving. You can also look for a Lycra onesie for diving if you don’t need neoprene and just want protection. No added buoyancy.

 

[DavidFL]

I have a Sharkskin "full suit" that I have been wearing for several years when I don't need more thermal protection. It's machine washable (but most of the graphics are gone); works great for me. It has some small thermal protection, so I wear it even on LOBs in the warm Carribbean; I also need/want the protection fro the sun.

 

[Aloha Joe]

Is a 'lycra onesie' the same thing as dive skins? I didn't realize lycra would provide much protection - awesome.

If I dive a steel tank I'll actually need the neoprene. But I guess that's not so likely renting at first... My rig in a pool with a steel 85 was overweighted.

 

[extremetito]

Henderson makes a polyolefin full suit ("Hotskins") that is cheaper than Sharkskin. They fit snugly, but maybe not as tight as neoprene does. Works well as a protective layer and for mild thermal insulation (more than lycra). These days, I tend to use two piece lightweight neoprene tops and bottoms from surf or paddle lines. For me, in the tropics, it works well.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Is a 'lycra onesie' the same thing as dive skins? I didn't realize lycra would provide much protection - awesome.

If I dive a steel tank I'll actually need the neoprene. But I guess that's not so likely renting at first... My rig in a pool with a steel 85 was overweighted.

Yes, same thing!

 

[Steve_C]

If I dive a steel tank I'll actually need the neoprene. But I guess that's not so likely renting at first... My rig in a pool with a steel 85 was overweighted.

Fresh water pool? How over weighted? You will be less over weighted in saltwater.

 

[uncfnp]

Henderson makes a polyolefin full suit ("Hotskins") that is cheaper than Sharkskin. They fit snugly, but maybe not as tight as neoprene does. Works well as a protective layer and for mild thermal insulation (more than lycra). These days, I tend to use two piece lightweight neoprene tops and bottoms from surf or paddle lines. For me, in the tropics, it works well.

I have a Henderson polyolefin and didn't care for it at all and its been so long since I wore it, in fact I think I sold it, I can’t tell you why I hated it.

But Eric has one of these for skin protection in warm waters and loves it...

Mares 1mm Coral Mens Wetsuit