Straits of Mackinac - Dry suit only for July/Aug??

[sparacing]

Might be a silly question, but I've not dove in the straits. Is the prevailing thought that you only dive dry suits up there, even in July and August?

I know the water temps are mid-high 40's....and the coldest I've dove was upper 40's / lower 50's (May this year). I was ok with a 5mm wetsuit/hood/gloves.

There's a dive scheduled for next weekend that I would like to try, but I don't have a dry-suit. However, I do have a lavacore that I can wear under the 5mm ws.


I'm not particularly cold sensitive...I dive 70 degree waters in just a lavacore (Atlantic...NC). But I don't want to go ill-prepared and have to cut a dive short and/or screw my dive buddy.

Thanks,
Sean

 

[Jared0425]

It depends on what wrecks or dives that you are doing. In northern Lake Huron the water is 40 degrees at the surface and 38 at the bottom below 80ft. In would play it on the safe side and go dry, you would be much more comfortable.

 

[spectre184]

I dove Thunder Bay last July/August. Surface was 72 and below thermal was 45'ish IIRC. I had farmer 2 piece 7mm and was fine with hood and gloves too.

 

[dsc2679]

I had 46 bottom temp and 48 deg above 40' two weeks ago. That is always subject to change. I dove dry, as that's all I have. 5mm would be a too thin for me, but I'm a wuss. I would want a 7mm suit/hood/gloves as spectre suggested.

 

[Diverb72]

I personally dive it dry year around, I hate shivering on a surface interval.

 

[sparacing]

Hey, thanks a ton guys, I really appreciate the input.
I guess I'm going to skip it for now....I have no experience in a dry suit...nor do I own one (obviously). Sounds like I need to change that.

The Mrs and kids are away this weekend, so I don't want to waste it...will have to find another spot to dive!

Sean

 

[Rex Aubrey]

Sean,

I don't know your size but I have a 7 mm Neoprean drysuit, that doesn't fit me, that i am trying to sell. It says it is an XL but i think it is a XLS. I am 6'1 250lbs and it would probably fit but I can not get the legs past my calfs. If you have thin legs it would probably fit you. Let me know if you are interested. I will be on Beaver Island from June 28th to July 12th.


Rex Aubrey

Hey, thanks a ton guys, I really appreciate the input.
I guess I'm going to skip it for now....I have no experience in a dry suit...nor do I own one (obviously). Sounds like I need to change that.

The Mrs and kids are away this weekend, so I don't want to waste it...will have to find another spot to dive!

Sean

 

[sparacing]

Hi Rex,
Actually that would probably fit me perfect, but I don't have the cash to shell out for a drysuit right now. You can PM me what you are asking just in case ...and if you would let me know the brand and model?

Thanks,
Sean

Sean,

I don't know your size but I have a 7 mm Neoprean drysuit, that doesn't fit me, that i am trying to sell. It says it is an XL but i think it is a XLS. I am 6'1 250lbs and it would probably fit but I can not get the legs past my calfs. If you have thin legs it would probably fit you. Let me know if you are interested. I will be on Beaver Island from June 28th to July 12th.


Rex Aubrey

 

[dab]

Just returned from the Straits, temps averaged 47 on bottom and 54 at 15 - 20 ft. Several people were diving wet with no problem (7mm).