miketsp:
I can't believe some of these answers.
28/82,4 as found in most of NE Brazil at this time of year certainly doesn't need a 7mm!
Why would anyone want to dive a 7mm which needs a lot of weight when they can enjoy the freedom of diving with much less?
At these temps I normally dive a 3mm shorty and when doing a night dive (3rd dive of the day) I'd just put a full skin under it.
When wreck diving it may be convenient to use a 3mm full but more for protection against scrapes than thermal protection.
Hi Mike,
As you see, every person has a different opinion, something really interesting. I'll dive in 7mm, I tend to chill in no time, and I know in Brazil the water is warm at surface, but colder when descending, so, what should I take the risk of getting cold, if I can prevent it?
Most of the guys who answered are used to 1) cold water 2) wear 3mm or 5 mm. I could also add, that men
in general are used to colder water than women. When I take a bath, my water is extremely hot in winter, and a bit more colder in summer (let me explain that in winter days of average temperature of 5/8°C I wear 2 or 3 sweaters if required!).
Two years ago I've been in the S of Brazil, Florianopolis, (Arvoredo), the water was 18/20°C and I had to wear 11mm. In my first dive I tried 5mm, and I could say I was cold. So, in my second dive I knew this and, therefore, needed more neoprene. My reasoning at the moment was that it was supposed to be a enjoying my dive, but I woudn't if I had to abort due to my mistake.
The other important fact is that I tend to be very relaxed when diving, which means that I need to be warm.
This time I think that in case I feel it's very hot I'll open the suit a bit, or even wear the jacket instead of the pants. And, if after my fist dive I feel it's still too much, I'll rent a 5mm.
I'll let you know once I'm back how everything worked out!
Obrigada,
Karen