Help! I'm going to Jamaica to Snorkel...Henderson Skin or .5 mil?

[Qwikman]

Everyone,

I am relatively new to Snorkeling (maybe diving later) and I am going to Jamaica to do several water sports including snorkeling. I am going June 2-9 for my Honeymoon, and I've been looking at Henderson's Lycra Skin and .5 mil suits. Which one should I buy and why? The lycra is $46.00 and the .5 mil is $99.00. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Qwikman

 

[dc4bs]

Depends on how much you plan to be in the water.

The "skin" is for abrasion protection only (scrapes, stings etc...) and will not give much insulation at all.

The .5 Mil will provide a small amount of insulation as well as protection. Even though the water is 80 degrees, if you're in long enough, you will start to get cold.

While the "skins" are generaly neutral in the water, the .5 Mil might require a pound or maybe 2 on a weight belt to cancel its bouyancy.

I have a Henderson "Microprene" (.5 Mil) and it's great. I wore it for diving off Grand Cayman last week and never got cold at all diving up to 4 times per day. My budy got a bit chilled on the dives later in the week as the bodys energy reserves get lower with repeated daily diving.

If you plan to be in the water every day for long swims or get chilled easily, I'd reccomend the .5 Mil.

If you only plan to go in for short swims or only on a few days than the less costly skin should be fine.

Go to the shop and ask to try them both on to see which one is more comfortable as well.

 

[herman]

Hi Qwikman,

First, welcome to the board.

Either would do. As stated above, the .5mm will give you a little extra bouyancy, not a bad thing if you are new to snorkeling but it does make diving down to the bottom a bit of a pain. A fleece lined nylon skin, one brand being Polartec, is a good choice. It gives you a little insulation without the extra bouyancy. I have another question. Is the .5mm a shortie or a full suit, long sleeves and legs? You are not going to need much insulation BUT a full skin will give you almost complete sunburn protection that will not wash off. I usually dive a Polartec for the added warmth and abrasion protection and snorkel in a skin, just for sunburn protection.