What suit for this time of year ?

[JRScuba]

I've only been here ( South Florida ) for a couple of years and have found the LAYERED approach works fine with me. Most of the year I dive with a .5mm. Then around December out comes the 3mm and I wear both of them up until April or May. As the above messages have stated : everyone is different. You might try the 3mm since the temperature will be around 70-ish and if it just does not quite do the trick put the .5mm on. Of course that depends on having the above wetsuits. You have a good collection ideas on how to stay warm.

Happy Holidays and Safe diving.

Joe

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

out & back in is where you are more likely to get cold. Also during the SI if the sun is not out & the wind is blowing 10-15 knots you can easily get cold.

I try to encourage the divers who rent gear from me a 3 mil farmer john & a 3 mil shorty over the top of it. Those divers stay warm enough for the entire 3.5-4 hours we are on the boat.

Water temp today in the Lower Keys was 74° - I have seen it drop to 64°.

Because of the wimp that I have become..I dive dry in the winter here.

 

[Walter]

Mike,

I don't think she brought ego into the discussion. She merely described what is comfortable to her. Some of us get cold more easily than others. I just bought a 3/2 suit so I can be comfortable diving the east coast and Keys in the winter. My ¼ inch farmer john/jacket with hood is a necessity for winter in the Gulf, it's overkill on your side. I can't wait for mid May so I can go back to diving in just a swim suit. There's nothing macho about diving cold, I agree. OTOH, there's no good reason to get over heated either.

Jim,

For the boat rides, strip off the wet suit and put on warm dry clothing. There's nothing warm about a wet wetsuit in cold air.