3mm, 5mm, 7mm for SoCal?

[Tim R Alcoser JR]

I'm considering buying a new wet suit in the near future. As far as So Cal goes, in general, what is probably a good wet suit for the water here based on Summer and Winter. I know there are more factors that can contribute, but I am just looking for a general idea. Or, what do you all wear?

Thanks in advance.

[jayaspock]

In the summer you are going to want a 7 mm (water temp ~65) in the winter you are going to want either a 7 mm semi-dry or a 7mm + a 5 mm hooded vest (water temp ~55). In the summer you are also going to want a hood, gloves and boots to go with the suit. I have a Bare sport 7mm that I like a lot. Excel makes a nice suit but is significantly more expensive. I had a Body glove but because it was a lower end model it was pretty buoyant. My understanding is that their upper end models don't have that problem.

[gsk3]

I would suggest thinner than either of those choices. A drysuit is about 2mm.... :-D

[Hatul]

On boats in San Diego I see about 60:40 7mm wetsuit : drysuit. Shore divers use mostly wetsuits in Laguna. A 7mm full suit with 5mm hooded vest is adequate.

[scubadada]

Agree with Hatul. I visit SoCal a few times per year and dive with a full 7mm and a 5/3mm hooded vest and do fine. If I lived there and dived frequently, I'd buy a drysut. I've found the bottom temps in San Diego don't vary that much over the year. For instance, seems like temps on the Yukon are frequently in the mid-low 50s but have been a couple of degrees on either side.

[keithbt]

You ll need a 7mm wet suit year round here. The only thing youll need to change for seasons is what you wear under it...
I suggest to buy everything seperate rather than built in to the wet suit so you can change it for water temps. I buy Oneill ....The inventor of wetsuits....

[Tim R Alcoser JR]

Good info, thank you for the tips guys!

[vladodessit]

It depends on your cold tolerance. While most wear 7mm/7mm with hooded vest or drysuit, I am totally happy with 7/5 wetsuit in the winter and looking into 5mm for the summer dives at Catalina. I am bigger Russian guy (not overly fat, 6'2" about 200Lb, with big frame), usually smaller/skinnier guys/gals are more sensitive to cold. But I have seen at least one guy that was smaller and was diving 5mm with 3 mm core warmer vest in December and was totally happy. And then there is a certain female captain that dives 3mm wetsuit year round and claims to be fine with it:)

[fxholt]

I'm a smaller guy, 155 lbs and I do 7mm with hood in the winter, 7mm without hood in the summer. gloves always. Don't need a hood when the temp is in the 60s. Those funky vests sound fun but never tried it.

[highveelocity]

I dive with a 7 mil with a hood in temps below around 57 degrees. Above that temp I am comfortable with my 1/2 mil wetuit underneath my 3 mil.

[scubadobadoo]

I dive a neoprene dry suit all year long and I love it. I get cold easily. Even after a long hike to the water on a hot day I am glad I dive dry after a few minutes in the water. The only down side is the extra time it takes to properly clean it and put it away.

[eelnoraa]

Anywhere in CA coast line, at least 7mm wetsuit if not more. Drysuit is more preferrable.

[CaboJim]

Depends on how often you're planning to dive. Age can be a factor as well..If its like once or twice a month/season, 7mm, or a semi-dry suit is sufficient. If more, go dry....

[Six2Life]

How would a 5mm farmer john with hood and gloves fare in San Diego waters? I'm thinking of diving there in August and would like to just use what I already have.

[CaboJim]

How would a 5mm farmer john with hood and gloves fare in San Diego waters? I'm thinking of diving there in August and would like to just use what I already have.

It may work in August. Water temps are usually in the mid 60's. If you wear a cheater vest, ie lavacore, 4th element, you should be fine.
I wouldn't advise diving the Yukon, though. There's a very cold current that runs right over that wreck.
Good luck...

[mdb]

7mm for southern cal.

[muzikbiz22]

7mm for southern cal.

+1 for 7mm & hooded vest all year round, mostly Catalina diving.

[GrumpyOldGuy]

How would a 5mm farmer john with hood and gloves fare in San Diego waters? I'm thinking of diving there in August and would like to just use what I already have.

FWIW: San Diego can be deceptively cold, even in August. I dived it in a 7/5 last August and was kicking myself for not packing my d/s and almost skipped my 3rd dive. The next day, I drove up the cost to Catalina and did 3 dives in the same 7/5 and was fine as the water was 8-10F warmer.

[drbill]

Hard to advise you when I don't know your body's response to cold. During winter I dive in a 7mm with a 3mm hooded vest, during summer I dive in a 3/2mm with the hooded vest. Currently I'm diving a 7mm Neosport XSPAN that has an effective thickness of 0.0mm in many spots. Yes, I'm a bit chilled... waiting for my new wetsuit to arrive.

[hoopa]

Another way to go is a 7/5 mil suit then get a full lavacore suit to go under... The lavacore is 1.5 mil but is as warm as a 3 mil and is neutrally buoyant (no need for extra weight)..This way your modular... If its warm-- your 7/5 will be more then enough(i actually go with a 5mil)-- if its cold you throw the lavacore under and your all snuggy.. Also-- if you go to places that are warmer but a body suit is still good--- then you can just wear the lavacore by iteself..

[drbill]

For year-round with a single suit, a 7mm or 7/5mm without question. I dive a 3/2mm during summer IF I am not going deep ( > 100 ft) or long ( > 45 min), would love a 5mm for the shoulder seasons (mainly spring) and a 7mm for winter (with hooded vest.