Advice re: exposure protection

[sytech]

I am currently in the Florida Keys and the water temps are about 73 at depth (60 ft.) which is way too cold for me.

I brought with me a full Lycra diveskin, a 3mm shorty and a full 3mm wetsuit.

What's the best way to combine these to maximize my warmth?

Thanks,

Sy

[boulderjohn]

Some of the answer depends upon the fit--what are you able to put over what? Obviously, you could wear it all if they fit, although you may feel is if you are in a straightjacket.

A couple of years ago I went to Hawai'i being pretty sure I would have that same problem with my 3 mm suit. For several days I wore the 3 mm suit with a 3 mm vest under it, and was mildly cold a the end of the dives. Then one day I left the vest home by mistake. I had brought a hood and left it in my bag on the previous dives, so I took it out and wore it with the 3 mm suit. I was toasty warm.

IMO, your best choice is to use this opportunity to invest in a hood.

[diveprof]

Good idea about the hood. With your current items, I would probably skip the dive skin (yes I know it makes getting in a wetsuit easier, but if you are chilled and wearing it at the suface wet, you will be losing body heat. Some wetsuits (particularly skin in types) are more efficient w/o the skin. The skin adds NO warmth when wet. I'd wear the shorty and fullsuit together if they can be worn together (tightest item closest to your skin).