Buying a wetsuit

[Bubble Dragon]

Since I'm trying to save on volume & weight for my 6mnths trip, I'm not bringing my wetsuit on the flight. I'll be doing my DM, so I'll be needing my own suit (right?) Any good shops in BKK, Phuket, Koh Lanta or Koh Tao where I could pick one up? What should I expect to pay for a decent 5mm?
I'm not too snobby so I'd be happy with a housebrand from Decathlon aswell, do they have branches in Thailand?

 

[Arizona]

5m is over kill. Consider buying a skin or something similar. This will give you the protection you want and be appropriate for 29c average water temps. Having trained and worked in Thailand for several years it worked for me. For the pool you may be able to just borrow a wetsuit from the rental stock if needed. Buying a 3m will not be a big deal if you feel you need it. I would not worry about it too much, but getting a skin is more difficult. IMO, also get a light weight hood for the sun. I found that I was a rarity diving with this but it makes so much sense. Choices can be limited for skins and hood. I bought most items from scuba toys on line.

Good luck,

 

[Divemastersintraining]

A rashy and board shorts is the norm around Koh Tao. Tell me what you'd like I'd look up the price for you

 

[Bowmouth]

5m is over kill.

For some maybe, but not for me.

Call me a whimp but I will not get in the water here without my full 5 & 7 mm wetsuit plus 3 mm hooded vest on top. And after 90 minutes in the water I still come up freezing...

I really think it's a personal thing.

 

[Bowmouth]

A rashy and board shorts is the norm around Koh Tao.

You guys go surfing or diving?

 

[Divemastersintraining]

lol ... i wonder myself some times! FYI hooded vest top on the island 2,725 baht (2.5mm Scuba Pro)

 

[lord khram]

For some maybe, but not for me.

Call me a whimp but I will not get in the water here without my full 5 & 7 mm wetsuit plus 3 mm hooded vest on top. And after 90 minutes in the water I still come up freezing...

I really think it's a personal thing.

I agree I always dive with a full 3mm or 5mm suit, particularly this time of year with lower water temperatures, for those of us that do hour plus dives in the water I would rather be comfortable. yesterday I was diving Samaesan and there was quite a strong cool wind, had anyone been diving in shorts and t shirt as has been suggested they would certainly be uncomfortable on the surface interval.

 

[Divemastersintraining]

ok im koh tao thought you knew that