Anyone is diving dry in NC?

[vlada]

Just wondering - with the water temps getting close to those in Carribean - does anyone still dives dry in NC in the summer?

My buddy and i are going there for a week, 1st week of July

I am bringing my steel LP95s and currently considering my exposure protection options - CF200 drysuit (that's what i dive at home year around) or 5mm wetsuit - would really want to avoid diving steels with w/s - but am i gonna fry in d/s?

THanks,

Vlada

[RICHinNC]

My buddy went out last weekend. Most were wearing either 3mm or 6mm. A couple had hoods. Not bad unless you are really sensitive. good luck.....

here is a good source for you.... www.aquaticsafaris.com

later...rich

[notabob]

You could dive in a drysuit. Just minimize on the undies. It might get pretty hot up top, but you should be ok underwater. even 75 is still >20F below your normal body temp.

And are you diving doubles or singles? With a single 95 you should have no problems in a wetsuit. In fact, you might even need some extra weight. If my math holds out, I should be neutral with no weight in full gear in a 3/2mm wetsuit. I dive a faber 95 w/a backplate.

-Roman.

edit: Almost forgot, there will be at least one other clown down there next week in a drysuit :D He might even chime in here before long...

[Spectre]

notabob once bubbled...
Almost forgot, there will be at least one other clown down there next week in a drysuit :D He might even chime in here before long...

yea... that would be me. After a little experience in florida diving dry; I would say you are _much_ better off with the drysuit then with a 5mm. I know last year I was dying in my 3mm down in NC [granted air temps were 99 day one, 93 day 2, 91 day 3], although since then I've learned a trick with ice cubes in your suit while gearing up.

In florida, water temps were 81-86, air tems 82-91. With a trilam suit and just shorts and a t-shirt, It wasn't bad on the surface, and I was perfectly comfortable under water. I think the trilam has less thermal protection than a 3mm does.

[Big-t-2538]

Spectre once bubbled...

I think the trilam has less thermal protection than a 3mm does.

yeah, but you're dry....being dry is a really cool idea.

[finstotheleft]

I was there last weekend, water temps. 72-76 deg. I used a 3mm and was perfectly comfortable.