what's a good type of core warmer?

[Mello1]

I've gotten certified recently using a regular 3 mil wetsuit. Considering where I live, North GA, I'll probably do most of my diving in rock quarries like I did last weekend. I discovered the real meaning of thermocline. It was COLD so I didn't stay at that depth for long. However, I'd like to go back down and explore but I need something else in addition to my wet suit.

Should I get a shorty to wear OVER my wetsuit, or a shorty to wear UNDER my wetsuit, or a hooded vest type of thing to wear under my wetsuit or WHAT????

I'd appreciate any and all suggestions because I want to get something soon so can go back down and see what's there.

Thanks.

 

[skdvr]

I am not sure what the temps are that you are diving but in Mo. right now the temp at the surface is in the mid 50's and below 30 ft in the 40's. I personally like my 7mm suit with a hooded vest that I wear under my wetsuit. I would think that any kind of extra neoprene would help you out. If you do not think that you need a hood then just get a 3mm shorty that you can wear in warmer water if you head down to Fl. and then you can wear it under your current 3mm full for added warmth. I think you would probably be fine. It really just depends on your tolerance for the cold water. Some people would not be caught diving wet below 70* water, while other will do 50's in a 3mm. wetsuit. Try to borrow some friends gear or rent something to figure out what will work for you...

 

[fisherdvm]

Why don't you look up and see what the temp is like in those quaries. Or ask the folks who dive in your region about the temp down there. If it is 55 or less, you might want to get a 7 mm suit. If you are going to dive with the 3 mm, I would try at least a 5 mm shortie over it.

In Michigan, I am comfortable with a 5 mm and a hood at about 55 degree. I also have a 5 mm/7 mm full suit that I wear under a 7 mm shortie (a hyperstretch corewarmer that I wear over the full suit) that keeps me fairly warm in 40 degree water. I am skinny and get cold easily. Don't know about yourself though.

 

[Deoje]

The temp in the quarry we dove last weekend was 65 near surface, 60 at 10-12ft, and then at 28-32ft. dropped off significantly. I didn't look at the temp. at 28-32 ft. I was too cold and came back up. We spent the rest of our dives at 20-25ft and we were relatively comfortable at those depths.

I have since gotten a 3mm core heater (shorty) and a hood to add to my 3mm full wetsuit and gloves. Hopefully that will be enough for now.

My mom (Mello1) was wearing a beanie and gloves on those dives with her 3mm full wetsuit and was also comfortable in the 20-25ft range, but not below. I'm sure she will correct me if I'm wrong about the comfortable part.

Hopefully this additional info will help with suggestions. We hope to go back this weekend and dive again. I have a bunch of new equipment that will (hopefully) be here by Friday. So I have lots of testing and configuration to do.

Thanks everyone for any suggestions you might have.

 

[Mako Mark]

once you have dived dry, you will never want to get wet again.

 

[Garrobo]

Best core warmer I know about is to wrap up in a blanket with a Hot Chick after the dive. You'll forget about the thermoclines and other silly stuff right away.

 

[mwhities]

My dive buddy and I dove in January at ABWA quarry in Pelham. I think the water temperature was 45F or so and the air temp was 31-33F. I made out fine in a full (head to toe) 3mm henderson gold suit and a 3mm shortie underneath all of it. Granted, if you stopped at anytime especially the safety stop, it did get down right cold. Otherwise, no problem.

Michael

 

[Mello1]

I hope to dive in Pelham during June, but I can't imagine diving when the air temp is in the low 30's. I know people do that, but I'm not sure I'll ever be able to it. Where do you go during the surface interval since you sure can't bask in the sunshine!!!! Too wet to sit in the car - brrrr. Is the water more clear in the winter - seems like it might be.

 

[HowardE]

See this thread for ideas - http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=189785

 

[Texasdivechick]

I dove a quarry at 55 F. with a dive skin, a hood, and a 6/7 full suit and I didn't get cold until I got OUT of the water. Just make sure you wear something on your head, a hood or beanie.