What thickness of wetsuit should I buy?

[bionerdgirl]

Hi I'm a relativily new diver, I only have 10 logged dives. I did my open water certification dives in the Midwest with a wetsuit, and the other six dives were in Belize without a wetsuit. I'm a plus size girl and the last time I rented a wetsuit it was hard for me to find the size that fit me and even when I found one, it was a farmer john where I had one size for the bottoms and a completely different size for the top, and the arms were too long, and it was just very hard to work with, so I know I need a custom wetsuit if I want to continue diving, which I do. I'm going to California soon, and considering diving there, but I'm afraid they won't have wetsuit that will fit me well, so I'm thinking I should get a custom one before I go. But I don't know what thickness I should get? I mean ideally I would like one that I could use in Cali and also in the midwest here, but if I get one thick enough to dive with in the midwest, will I be hot if I wear it in Cali? I don't know what to do does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Frosty]

My wife is a plus size as well and after a lot of searching she decided on a 5mm farmer John two piece.
This means that she has 10mm through the core for cold dives. for warmer dives she uses the bottom half of the farmer john and a rash vest. For slightly cooler dives the farmer john bottom and a 3mm steamer top We have dived tropical waters down to 16 degree (C) water and she hasn't had cold issues

 

[spectrum]

Well, midwest means freshwater and fresh water means thermoclines. If you're going to have any range to your local diving you will be getting down to 50F and below. That spells 7mm with 2 X on the core. California due to currents is not know for warm water either.

I suggest a 7mm full suit and a hooded step-in vest, also 7mm. See more here.

Your initial local dives are probably not entirely indicative of reality. You were pumped with adrenaline and 1st time divers tend to be more active. As you settle down your need for protection will increase. For milder situations you can swap the vest for a bibbed hood. After that you add to the wardrobe.

Pete

 

[fjpatrum]

I agree with Spectrum on this, go with a 7mm and a hood. If you're planning on diving west coast, it's going to be "cold" though that is relative. You're not likely to be "too warm" in a 7mm unless you're diving in bath water and it will keep you comfortable in temps down to the mid 50s at least (lower for some people).

 

[fisheater]

Wetsuits for California should be, at a minimum, 7mm full with a hooded vest or a 7mm Farmer John/Jane.

With those thicknesses, finding stock sizes that fit is more problematic for those of use without stock bodies.

Consider custom. I love my FJ from AquaFlite. Www.aquaflite.com


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SaltyPirateBastard]

7 mm body, 5 mm extremities. I like them because they're one piece, cover the whole body, and only keep you extra warm where you need to be kept extra warm.

 

[--tom--]

Welcome to diving Bionerdgirl. I dive primarily in the Monterey area of California, the range this past month has been 48F coldest, 56 warmest. So 7mm all of the way. If you go custom, (which I think is a very good choice) talk to the suit maker--they know their product. I prefer a one piece suit with a hooded vest, others prefer Farmer J with step-through jackets. I prefer an attached hood (with a wetsuit) rather than a separate hood--fewer shots of cold water down the back of your neck.

Regarding overheating in California--that is a great question & it happens pretty often in the summer. The overheating occurs BEFORE you reach the water, so if it is a nice sunny day, make sure you set up your scuba unit first, and get into your wet suit just before kitting up to get in the water. Second note, if you are even a little bit damp (sweaty?) a dive skin is worth its price for ease of donning your wetsuit. Many custom suit makers offer skins as well.

Good diving.

 

[TMHeimer]

Yes, I also vote for 7 mil--farmer john (pain in the neck, I know). It seems to be the best overall. If it gets over 60F water I only use the top (screws up buoyancy a little, but for long swims underwater I stretch my arms out in front). Looking ahead, a shortie is good (for me) at 65F water (AND NO JELLYFISH). Body suit in the tropics for BCD comfort and protection from scrapes, etc. Of course, it all depends on personal cold tolerance. But these 3 cover all diving for me. Even in 35F water if I do one short (20 min.)dive.

 

[scubadiveilat]

The dive shops around your area will be an information source. What they carry is likewise the suits suitable for the water temp there. Consider a 2 piece suite. Long john sleeveless and a shorty that's long sleeve and the length of shorts.

You may require in addition other wetsuits a shorty 3mm, a rash guard or turtle neck with or out a hood. It's all preference.

You should determine what you need. Try on different suits and explore before you buy!!!

Have fun diving...

 

[Tardigrade]

Greetings!

I have a farmer john/shorty combo that I've been ignoring for the past 2 years since I bought my Pinnacle Merino full body suit, 5 mm. I dive PA quarries and lakes year round. This May I compared my suit on same day dive against DUI and Whites drysuits, and I was warm enough.

FIT is absolutely important.