How much extra neoprene for repetitive dives on liveaboard?

[<*)))><]

I've done multiple Caribbean LOB trips including T&C. Bring the 7mm IMHO.

 

[Marie13]

Thanks! I'm going on the Explorer II through Single Divers; it looks like we will be giant striding right off the boat and able to get right into a hot shower afterward.

Have things changed in the 3 years since I was certified? I was taught a hot shower/hot tub right after diving was a big no-no as it could contribute to DCI.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Have things changed in the 3 years since I was certified? I was taught a hot shower/hot tub right after diving was a big no-no as it could contribute to DCI.

Ya, you still don't want to be doing that.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Thanks! I'm going on the Explorer II through Single Divers; it looks like we will be giant striding right off the boat and able to get right into a hot shower afterward.

I appreciate everyone's input and welcome more (also welcome any trip advice beyond the subject of thermal protection.) I'm still not sure what suit(s) to bring, though I'll definitely get some lycra socks and toss my hood and Sharkskin jacket in my suitcase. Maybe I'll bring my 7mm and rent a thinner suit there too.

Ask Kamala what she thinks is appropriate. I'm sure she's done this itinerary and then some before!

I enjoyed the Explorer II. Sadly, I was coming down with a cold and had to sit out half of the week. I'd always meant to get back but it hasn't happened.

 

[Neilwood]

If you go with a 7mm I doubt you will need anything with it.

I would agree with the socks though (although I use cotton ones and not lycra ones). The combination of softened skin and a lot of heel movement was not a good combination. I found that wearing booties and diving 4 times a day was creating sores on the sides of my Achilles tendon through movement. Adding socks helped a great deal - never had the issue again.

 

[Marie13]

There are various Lycra socks out there. I have the ones from XS Scuba. I found it more comfortable to turn them inside out so the seam is on the outside.

 

[W W Meixner]

I've just booked my first LOB to Turks & Caicos in January. I understand the average water temperature that time of year is 79F/26C. I've comfortably dived in water that temperature in a 3mm, but only for 2 dives per day; this trip offers 5 dives per day including a night dive. I know I'm often colder on subsequent dives, and I've never done more than 3 dives in one day. I currently own a 7mm wetsuit, a 7mm hood, 5mm booties, 1mm gloves, and a Sharkskin jacket, all of which I use together for local diving (water was 56F/13C at depth yesterday and I wussed out of the third dive). I'm open to buying and/or renting more stuff, but I want to try to pack light. I also hope to do more traveling to tropical locations for diving in the future, though I've never brought gear on vacation and I'm not sure how I feel about that vs. just renting as needed when I get there (which so far has worked out fine.)

I've seen charts offering guidance on wetsuit thickness; has anyone come up with a rule of thumb on how much extra neoprene you'll need for 5 dives vs.1?

Considering my cold tolerance is below average but not nonexistent, should I buy and bring a 3mm? A 5mm? Should I just bring my 7mm and to hell with the weird looks? Should I rent instead? As far as renting, I have a pretty average size and shape; I've never had an issue getting rental wetsuits that fit properly. But I'm planning on bringing the rest of my gear (which I'm in the process of acquiring now), so that would be the only rental. Thanks!

EM...

Just checking my logbook...dove with Caicos Adventure Divers...West Caicos wall...multiple dives...December 23rd/24th...2015...

Full 3mm Pinnacle steamer...7mm hood...as I only have 7mm dry-hoods...light gloves...5mm boots...

Air temp was 78 F...surface temp 76 F...temp at depth...110 feet...76 F...

No problems with the 3mm as far as feeling cold...

Hang your suit inside out between dives...let the wind blow it dry...it will dry very quickly...

You're going to love it...

Best...

Warren

 

[Searcaigh]

A lot of good information so far, surprised however that nobody has mentioned a lightweight drysuit

While doing multiple dives in Lembeh a few years ago the water temps were around 26C as opposed to 28C across at Bunaken and Bangka, and I was noticeably colder at the end of the day in my 3mm + hooded vest. All the guides were wearing 5mm suits and when I return to Lembeh I'll be bringing a 5mm suit as well as a hooded vest.

Having a spare dry wetsuit for the second set of dives after lunch is also a good idea, so two 3mm suits + hooded vest might also be an option.

Back to the drysuit option, you will need some spare undergarments though. I traveled with my drysuit a few weeks ago to Cyprus and after two days of diving I really needed to do some laundry, which might not be an option on a LOB.

 

[Esprise Me]

Have things changed in the 3 years since I was certified? I was taught a hot shower/hot tub right after diving was a big no-no as it could contribute to DCI.

Good point. I'll hold off or make it a warm shower only. I remember learning that, but it's never come up because I've never had a shower or hot tub near the dive site.

 

[Darnold9999]

A lot of good information so far, surprised however that nobody has mentioned a lightweight drysuit

While doing multiple dives in Lembeh a few years ago the water temps were around 26C as opposed to 28C across at Bunaken and Bangka, and I was noticeably colder at the end of the day in my 3mm + hooded vest. All the guides were wearing 5mm suits and when I return to Lembeh I'll be bringing a 5mm suit as well as a hooded vest.

Having a spare dry wetsuit for the second set of dives after lunch is also a good idea, so two 3mm suits + hooded vest might also be an option.

Back to the drysuit option, you will need some spare undergarments though. I traveled with my drysuit a few weeks ago to Cyprus and after two days of diving I really needed to do some laundry, which might not be an option on a LOB.

Did the Red Sea in March a couple of years ago. Was in a Fusion with minimal undergarments and was perfect. Everyone on the boat was amused the first day and envious by the last. Many more $ than a spare wetsuit however. And temps were a bit colder as well.