Drysuit won't be available... what to wear?

[billster]

Background:
I have a DUI TLS350 custom fit on order. Originally estimated to take 4-6 weeks for delivery, the latest update is more like 9 weeks.

As a result, it won't be available in time for training before and use in a December dive trip to Catalina (California Pacific) .

So I have two options:
1. Rent a wetsuit from the LDS as I have been doing, and take the pee smell, holes and occasional broken zippers that go with it.

2. Buy a wetsuit, probably a Henderson Hyperstretch 7/5 because fit isn't so critical with that brand & style.

My question:
In order to justify owning both drysuit and wetsuit, I'd need some confirmation that there are frequent enough occasions in the California Pacific where a drysuit is "too much", or the wetsuit is "more convenient".

Can you provide some justifications?

TIA

 

[Arnaud]

How long is your trip over here going to be?

You could rent a drysuit if you're certified. As to renting a wet suit, the good LDS will clean them in between customers...

Re: your other question, I wear my DS year round. I do not own a wetsuit.

 

[scubasean]

Have you called DUI to tell them that you have a trip in Dec?

My custom TLS350 took less than five weeks from order placement to arrival at the LDS. My LDS is a preferred LDS in their system, but I'm not sure if that helped.

I'd rent the wetsuit if the drysuit doesn't arrive, but also only if the rental is inexpensive. I have an LDS nearby that rents by the week for the same price others rent for a day...

The Henderson Hyperstretch (with hooded vest) that I owned (and really liked...) prior to buying the TLS is now being used by my son. He seems to like it...(Fortunately, it fits...)