Key Largo Wetsuit Advice

[AndyM]

I will be diving Key Largo next weekend for the first time. I'm from Michigan so the "thinnest" wetsuit I own is a 5mm. My question is, will I be too warm in that? I am only going to be there for a day and only getting in a few dives, so I would rather not buy a new suit that I will only use once in a blue moon.

My options as I see them right now are:
1. Renting (Though I've never been big on rental gear)
2. Wearing my 5mm and maybe being too warm
3. Buying a 3mm shortie or something similar

Any advice?

 

[Capt Gary]

I will be diving Key Largo next weekend for the first time. I'm from Michigan so the "thinnest" wetsuit I own is a 5mm. My question is, will I be too warm in that? I am only going to be there for a day and only getting in a few dives, so I would rather not buy a new suit that I will only use once in a blue moon.

My options as I see them right now are:
1. Renting (Though I've never been big on rental gear)
2. Wearing my 5mm and maybe being too warm
3. Buying a 3mm shortie or something similar

Any advice?

Hey AndyM,

Here's a good guide for the water temps.Water Temp Guides. Looks like you'll be OK. if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Good Diving,

 

[I Dive]

You'll be warm in a 5, but I don't think you will burn up. I am totally with you on rental gear, but when it comes to suits let's face it-what's the big deal? If you want to dive a 3, I suggest renting over buying since you already stated you wouldn't use it often. Why waste the cash? I'm normally a huge advocate of buying over renting (whether it's a snorkel or a house...), but when a person states they won't use it often, buying quickly sounds foolish to me...

 

[StreetDoctor]

I plan on wearing a 7mm farmer john when I'm there next month. Not because I need it but to make myself more buoyant for the steel tank I'm diving. I've dove locally in the quarries in high 70 degree water, I wouldn't worry about being to hot.

 

[KeyLargoBrent]

I suspect that you'll be quite comfortable in your 5mm.

Enjoy!

 

[ucfdiver]

but when it comes to suits let's face it-what's the big deal?

Wearing a suit that 300 people have already pissed in.

 

[cyberfed]

I wear a 5mm and I use it for all diving in Florida. In the ocean and I am nice and warm NOT hot. I get cold easy too (Florida boy). For spring diving (70-72 degree's) I add a 2 mm vest and I have a 2mm hood. That keeps me fine for at least an hour.

You will be just fine in a 5mm in the Key's. I seriously doubt you'll be hot, but if do just pull on your collar a bit add some fresh water and you'll be good to go.

 

[AndyM]

Wearing a suit that 300 people have already pissed in.

Exactly!

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I'll dive my 5mm that I know fits me and that I know what's been in it.

 

[rcpalmer1]

I did 6 dives this weekend in Key Largo. Five dives had a water temp of 79 deg. Some people did not wear a suit. I wore a 1 mil skin and was fine. On one dive, the flower garden it was 73 deg. A little chillie in a 1 mil.

 

[Buoyant1]

I suspect that you'll be quite comfortable in your 5mm.

Enjoy!

This coming from the guy that dove in a 3mm with a 3mm shorty over top and a hood in January of 2006!