What wetsuit to purchase if diving around Sydney + QLD?

[freeze43]

Hi everyone.

I've been looking at buying a wetsuit but I'm trying to keep costs low (being a student and all). I live in Sydney and will probably do most of my diving there, but I'm looking at changing it up, heading up to Queensland, or maybe down a bit near bermagui etc.

What sort of wetsuit thickness etc. should I be looking at?

Thanks in advance

 

[ozzydamo]

Hi everyone.

I've been looking at buying a wetsuit but I'm trying to keep costs low (being a student and all). I live in Sydney and will probably do most of my diving there, but I'm looking at changing it up, heading up to Queensland, or maybe down a bit near bermagui etc.

What sort of wetsuit thickness etc. should I be looking at?

Thanks in advance

Where I dive it's 19*c at it's coldest and a 753 mares(paid $179 new @adreno) with boots and hood is fine by me. over 23*c I wear a 3mm waterproof(paid $150 new@adreno)
The waterproof is a better quality suit, I will buy a 5mm one once my mares wears out- http://www.waterproofwetsuits.com.a...roductName=W1 5mm / 7mm Wetsuit&CategoryID=24
You will need 6mm+ down there!
try as many brands on to see what brand fits your shape the best(waterproof n mares was the best off the rack for me) semi-dry would be best, get boots to stop the suit breathing/flowing.

http://www.waterproofwetsuits.com.a...&ProductName=Taurus 7mm Semidry&CategoryID=25
http://www.mares.com/products/divin.../flexa-865-flexa-543-flexa-322/221/?region=as the 865
Budget limited??? http://www.splash.co.nz/shop/Scuba+Products/Wetsuits/1-Piece+Wetsuits/ATLANTIS+LEGACY+W20.html

 

[gnulab]

My current setup is the Fourth Element package: 3mm Proteus (wetsuit) + Long sleeve Thermocline.
Thermocline on the inside, and the wetsuit on the outside.
That setup serves me well till 17 deg C of water.

During surface interval, undo the wetsuit to waist and keep the thermocline on. The thermocline is windproof and has fleece on the inside don't need a jacket while on the boat. Since the thermocline dries very fast, I had it on before boarding the boat and well after dive till I reach home. Along with thermocline neutral buoyant feature, I don't need more weight to bring me down.

Hope that helps
Henry

 

[clownfishsydney]

For Sydney you need a minimum of a 5 mm two piece or a 5/7 mm one piece. This will also be good for north, but in Winter may be cold down the South Coast.

 

[gnulab]

Ultimately, how tolerant are you in and out of water. Go for rental and see how it goes for you.