Shortie For Keys In May?

[jay515]

I am thinking of buying a Shortie for my Keys trip in May. I believe that when I went out on dive or snorkel boats I rented them and it adds up. (I use a "skin" for very shallow water just to protect against jellies, sun burn, etc). Should I get a 2 mm or 3 mm, also what about a regular size one? Also do you "size" by weight or height? I am a VERY short guy, probably could wear a kid's.
Thanks.

 

[KevinNM]

Depends on just where you are going. I made the mistake of looking at the water temp at Key West before a trip to the Dry Tortugas in May a few years ago. Was cold the whole trip.

 

[jay515]

Not doing Dry Tortugas (this time anyway). Going down the keys starting in Key Biscayne via Hy 1.

 

[diver 85]

I am thinking of buying a Shortie for my Keys trip in May. I believe that when I went out on dive or snorkel boats I rented them and it adds up. (I use a "skin" for very shallow water just to protect against jellies, sun burn, etc). Should I get a 2 mm or 3 mm, also what about a regular size one? Also do you "size" by weight or height? I am a VERY short guy, probably could wear a kid's.
Thanks.

Split the difference & get a 3/2(shortie).......along with skins.......

 

[gcarter]

Did the week before the Memorial Day weekend in Key Largo 2 years ago. 3/2 full suit was perfect, 4 dives/day x 5 days.

I prefer the full suit for protection.

 

[seeker242]

Also do you "size" by weight or height? I am a VERY short guy, probably could wear a kid's.
Thanks.

I find chest and waist measurements to be more important than height or weight. Some brands have short versions of various sizes, like "medium" and "medium short". It seems to me the priority should be chest, waist, hips, then height and weight last. For some wetsuit brands, the weight recommendation can be 30-40 lbs off and still have a good fitting suit.

 

[jay515]

Very helpful posts. Thanks for the sizing tip Seeker. I'm more boy sized.