What wetsuits do I need to bring to FLA ?

[fookisan]

For diving in May or June at the springs or beach dives in shallower depths, what do you need in the line of wetsuits? Are shorties all that are needed or full suits?

Thanks,

Dan T

 

[Scuba_Dad]

For diving in May or June at the springs or beach dives in shallower depths, what do you need in the line of wetsuits? Are shorties all that are needed or full suits?

In the springs, you want at least a 3mm. The water stays around 72 degrees. The water should be warming up pretty good in May and June.. depending on where the water temp is.... I dive with a 3mm when it's below 78, then I go to my 1mm.

 

[Upwelling]

I've been to the Keys (all shallow dives) in April & Dec. and a 3MM was fine. I would not to go lighter than that, but that's just me. There were some people there using shorties, or just trunks & t-shirt.

 

[showboat]

For diving in May or June at the springs or beach dives in shallower depths, what do you need in the line of wetsuits? Are shorties all that are needed or full suits?

Thanks,

Dan T

If you are planning on comming anywhere near Ft Liquordale in June. All you need is skins as the water temps here are in the low 80's. let us all know as a bunch of us do get togethers for beach diving..

 

[H2Andy]

well... to be a contrarian... i get cold easily, so i usually use a 3 mil shorty or
the 3 mil bottom of a farmer john, with a skin underneath.

in the springs, i use the full 3 mil farmer john and a 3 mil hood

(i'm such a cold wus that i've now gone to a dry suit)

 

[Tom Winters]

Oceanwise, the sea lice season runs from Mother's Day to Father's Day (early May to late June) so you're not covering up for warmth - to avoid the criters, you either cover up everything with at least a skin suit or dive naked.
72° water in the springs gets cold after an hour in anything less than a 3mm.

 

[Rick Murchison]

For diving in May or June at the springs or beach dives in shallower depths, what do you need in the line of wetsuits? Are shorties all that are needed or full suits?

Thanks,

Dan T

Florida is a very long state!
In our part of it (Lower Alabama), the springs are at 68 year round; the Gulf will most likely still be in the 60's on the bottom well into June. We dive full 5 mils with hoods generally. If you're accustomed to cold, a 3 mil might do.
If you're headed anywhere other than the panhandle then the advice already given in previous posts is good.
Rick

 

[fookisan]

Oceanwise, the sea lice season runs from Mother's Day to Father's Day (early May to late June) so you're not covering up for warmth - to avoid the criters, you either cover up everything with at least a skin suit or dive naked.
72° water in the springs gets cold after an hour in anything less than a 3mm.

Sea lice...never knew about them. How big are they and do they work the same as head lice? Are the lice more of a problem on beach or boat dives? After a dive anything special to do to combat the lice?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Tom Winters]

sea lice = larval form of the thimble jellyfish
Good articles:
http://www.fau.edu/safe/sea-lice.html
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/health/content/health/guides/sealice.html

 

[MY01SHADOW]

sea lice = larval form of the thimble jellyfish
Good articles:
http://www.fau.edu/safe/sea-lice.html
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/health/content/health/guides/sealice.html

Good links. Thanks, Tom. I'll be there over Mem. Day so the knowledge may come in handy.

Mike