Wetsuit solutions for cold diver in tropical environment

[Bombarie]

Hi -

Would be grateful if you could provide me with your comments / thoughts re the following.

I dive (almost) exclusively in tropical waters, i.e. 25 C or up. Last November on a dive-trip to Southern Egypt (Wadi Lahmi near Marsa Alam - highly recommended), I made 3 to 4 dives a day in 26 C waters and typically, after the second dive of the day, I would only manage to heat up by sitting in the (blistering) sun for extended periods. It came to a point I was thinking to skip the next dive because I got so chilled - it was that serious! I dove in a well-fitting 3mm long john.

Having learned from this, I gather I need a thicker suit for future trips; now looking at 5.5 or even 7 mm suits for my multi-dives-per-day tropical trips. A typical dive would require a (long) boat journey to get to the divespots - so something that is easy to zip on /off would be nice. Would you recommend a 2 piece suit over a jumpsuit in this respect? I believe it might be a little bit more flexible - but does it isolate as good (never want to be cold again underwater!) Any recommendations for brands / suits?

Thanks for your thoughts - Arjan.

[ScubaSarus]

I'de recommend a 5mm Semi-dry. Just got my Bare suit a 7mm and it feels like I'me wearing a tight soft sponge. Will try it out today with a hooded vest in 37 F water. The suit is completely contoured for calves etc. Should you still be cold you can easily us a hooded vest for additional warmth. This lets you adjust your suit for different temps and multiple dives.

[Doc Intrepid]

I made 3 to 4 dives a day in 26 C waters and typically, after the second dive of the day, I would only manage to heat up by sitting in the (blistering) sun for extended periods. It came to a point I was thinking to skip the next dive because I got so chilled - it was that serious! I dove in a well-fitting 3mm long john.

Having learned from this, I gather I need a thicker suit for future trips; now looking at 5.5 or even 7 mm suits for my multi-dives-per-day tropical trips. A typical dive would require a (long) boat journey to get to the divespots - so something that is easy to zip on /off would be nice. Would you recommend a 2 piece suit over a jumpsuit in this respect? I believe it might be a little bit more flexible - but does it isolate as good (never want to be cold again underwater!)

Arjan,

People are different. What works for other people may not work for you. If you are routinely experiencing what you've described above, and you truly "never want to be cold again underwater", then the answer for you may not be the same answer that others would choose. (But,...you are not alone!)

Heavier wetsuits are one option, but they involve feeling completely encased in thicker neoprene which contricts movement, as well as requiring additional weight. There is an alternative.

Check this out:
http://www.dui-online.com/newsite/dry_30.htm

Something like this would work from Sharm to the Galapagos, and most points in between.

Food for thought,

Doc

[Charlie99]

If you aren't wearing a hood, try it. Even just a beanie makes a tremendous difference.

[fdog]

Listen to Charlie99! I carry a 3mm hood. Plus a beanie, for when the hood is too much.

If a 5mm or 7mm suit is what it takes to keep you warm, so be it. I've seen DMs wearing 7mm in the tropics before

FWIW, I'm probabally taking a 7mm semi-dry to Bikini.

All the best, James

[nwdiver2]

Bare 4/5 mm with an added hood and gloves. The red sea gets cold.

[Bombarie]

...much appreciated.

I prefer to be a little more restricted in moving u/w versus being cold, so a thicker suit is not a problem. The additional weights should be managable, I only need 2 lbs in my 3mm, so even the additional burden with a 7mm should be survivable? Last summer I made a couple of dives here back home in the in Netherlands in a rented 6mm Scubapro suit with hood (20 C waters - rented a steel tank, dunno how much weight I used). I recall that the suit was quite comfortable, but the hood I needed to get used too. Couldn't really move my head freely but from your remarks, I gather that a (thin) hood is mandatory for cold-boned divers like myself - thanks for the tip.

The bare suits look great - I left them an e-mail to see whether they sell them here in NL.

Doc, I like you suggestion but USD 1400 - I think I will try a thicker wetsuit first...

Prior to the red sea last November, I had exclusivley dived hot Asian waters (28 C plus). I would not have expected that the additional 2 C's over the Red Sea would make such a difference. Well - learned that!

Thanks for your input - regards, Arjan.

[Charlie99]

I recall that the suit was quite comfortable, but the hood I needed to get used too. Couldn't really move my head freely but from your remarks, I gather that a (thin) hood is mandatory for cold-boned divers like myself.

A partial hood such as this 3mm beanie works for me in tropical waters. It covers the top of your head and your ears, and is held in place by a velcro strap. It doesn't tuck in under the wetsuit, and doesn't restrict head movement.