Tropical Diving with or without wetsuits?

[JayWong]

Hi,

I am currently living in the philippines and the temperature here is about 23-30 degC.
I have been diving with my 3mm wetsuit and that keeps me pretty warm.
What are your opinions on diving without a wetsuit, but with a hood and an exposure shirt and beach shorts?
Will that keep me warm enough?
I am thinking that since 75% of heat loss is via the head, a hood should suffice.
What are your opinions?

Cheers!

 

[Twistedarts]

It is not just about keeping warm. I like to have some protection against scrapes and stings. just my opinion.

 

[battles2a5]

If I have the opportunity, I'm diving w/o a suit. I was diving w/ just swim trunks in Coz a few weeks ago. The locals and europeans thought I was crazy, but it is so, so warm compared to my local diving holes. I think you will be fine. You should bring a suit in case. You could get chilly if doing multiple dives/ day.

 

[D_B]

I think that diving with a 3mm would be more comfortable than a hood, and offer more protection like Twisted says
I had a great time in the gulf in my 3/2 fullsuit, gloves at 27c (Was kinda deep 80ft and 5 dives a day)

 

[snoballz]

I did a dive a month ago in Grand Cayman with just a UV shirt/skin and swim trunks without a problem. But I just recently did a three days of multiple dives each day in Punta Cana and I'm glad I decided to wear a 3mm wetsuit.

Your body will get cold sooner if diving multiple dives. Also, I liked the idea of having some protection from scrapes. If you are too warm just unzip and let the water in.

:14:

 

[Walter]

If you can, dive with just a swim suit. It's a different world.

 

[JayWong]

Thanks for the comments!
I'll definitely try it without the suit once but i'll bring my 3mm along just in case.

Cheers!

 

[kuma1720]

I swear by my wetsuit for any dive. I can feel more comfortable throughout the latter part of the dive when your core temperature gets affacted. Others wear their bathing suits/short without an issue during the same dive.
Unfortunately it is on personal preference and tolerance. I just love to stay warm and cozy!!

 

[prskate2]

Why don't you try it and see?

I use a 3mm full suit. Since I am a photographer I go in crazy positions to get my shots so I might get scraped.

 

[RJP]

Tropical Diving with or without wetsuit?

I vote "without wetsuit" personally!