wetsuit/rash guard for tropical waters

[htatton]

I really like the 1.5mm wetsuit. Thick enough for a little warmth and protection, but thin enough not to mess with my buoyancy. NeoTech makes a good one that is super stretchy and easy to don and doft.

 

[urbaneve71]

@dmaziuk ... I'm bringing 80 spf lol..I don't want to burn the first day and be miserable the rest of the week

 

[Scubamat]

I live in the tropics so I'm used to the high humidity. I dive a full 3mm. Full because of stingers 3mm because it is easier to cool off than warm up in the water. Some dives I could get away with just a stingers suit but most of my diving is flying to other tropical destinations and it would be one more thing to carry. I put sunscreen on my arms because I burn easy and just strip back the top half of the wet suit put on a t shirt and get a shady spot on the boat to avoid over heating during SI.

I will dive a 3mm down to 20c on a warm day with only 1 day of diving.

 

[motorref]

My wife (5'2" & 130#) prefers her 3mm (full) and will be using that in a couple of weeks in West Palm Beach, current water temp is 77 degrees. I, on the other hand, will probably just use a long sleeve rash guard and a bathing suit or shorts. The difference? I'm 6'1" and 270#, and don't get cold easily - I usually don't bother with a wetsuit unless it's about 72 degrees. Yet in October, she wants a 5 mil, and I'm still comfortable in a rash guard and shorts.
So, it really is about your tolerance, how many dives, etc. - the best advice is to be prepared for the colder temperatures of deeper water.
This might help: Palm Beach Water Temperature (Sea) and Wetsuit Guide (NSW - Sydney North Coast, Australia) there's a ton of info out there for you to find.

KevinL