|
Users viewing this topic: none
|
|
Login  | |
|
Wetsuit question for divers - 1/13/2013 4:48:28 AM
|
|
|
uphillklimber
Posts: 5577
Joined: 2/17/2005
From: Bryant Pond, Maine
Status: offline
|
I have seen pictures of folks diving here, some with wetsuits, some without. I am from up north (Maine) so I am somewhat used to the cold, but... the dive instructor who got me certified said that folks who don't use a wet suit generally make a quick first dive and don't do a second or third for the day. I know that snorkeling, I am fine in a bathing suit, or if you look at my avatar, you'll see how I am all covered up snorkeling anyways (sunburn issues, I stay out for a long time!) But is it significantly colder at depth? I'll probably be in the 40 foot depth range for most of my diving, maybe touching on 60' at the beginning of a couple dives.
Opinions and observations, please.
_____________________________
Lovin life,
Bob
|
|
|
|
RE: Wetsuit question for divers - 1/13/2013 8:44:06 AM
|
|
|
Mike
Posts: 70
Joined: 11/18/2004
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Status: offline
|
I will wear a .5 mm wetsuit or a shorty. For me usually the issue is not the water temp, but the boat ride back in after a dive, particularly on a windy or overcast day. Another option to consider is a rash guard T-shirt.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Wetsuit question for divers - 1/13/2013 5:06:24 PM
|
|
|
reefhugger
Posts: 8906
Joined: 8/25/2004
Status: offline
|
What you need for thermal protection has to do with a few factors - what the water temps will be where you're going, how many dives you plan on doing a day, if you'll be doing repetitive dives on consecutive days (and if so, how many days in a row). Anything less than 96 and you will lose body heat to the water. Doing multiple dives over multiple, consecutive days, with each day you'll start feeling the chill faster. Keep in mind that water conducts heat 25x faster than air. We lose heat much faster to water than we do to air.
Winter in the Caribbean, if I've diving 2-3 dives a day and doing that for even 3-4 consecutive days, I'm in a 5mm full suit. I chill easily and have learned over the years that I'd rather stay warm then care about what anyone else might be wearing as far as wetsuits go. For years I wore a 3mm full suit and had a shorty and a polar fleece lined skin that I'd layer in as the week went on. One, good quality 5mm is so much easier. Worst case is that if I'm too warm, I can just let some water in the suit... although that rarely happens.
For a winter Caribbean trip, if you'll be doing even 2 tanks a day and doing that consecutive days, I'd think about a 3mm full suit. You can always open the zipper and let in water, but if you have a 1mm, shorty or nothing, and find by day 3 or 4 it's not enough, then you're kind of stuck or miserable.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Wetsuit question for divers - 1/14/2013 5:27:15 AM
|
|
|
uphillklimber
Posts: 5577
Joined: 2/17/2005
From: Bryant Pond, Maine
Status: offline
|
Okay, seems I have dived without a wetsuit before, resort course, or maybe it was Snuba... Can't really remember. But most times, they gave me a wetsuit, and being a conformist, I just put it on. I agree, I was never too hot in it, and I like RH's suggestion if I get too hot, let some water in. I do remember cold trips back to the dock out of a wet suit..... MUltiple days diving and multiple dives thrown in there.... wet suit it is.
_____________________________
Lovin life,
Bob
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Wetsuit question for divers - 1/16/2013 1:19:05 PM
|
|
|
linoleum
Posts: 151
Joined: 2/5/2009
From: Kansas City Missouri
Status: offline
|
I have never wore a wetsuit, and have never regretted that decision.
The water is nice and warm. I guess if you are a naturally cold person you might need/want one. But I have never had the need or desire.
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts
|
|
|
Printable Version
