Wetsuit Required?

[mostlyirish]

Booked for May 14-21 trip aboard T&C Explorer. Is a 3 mil wetsuit going to be sufficient?

 

[jameseg]

Booked for May 14-21 trip aboard T&C Explorer. Is a 3 mil wetsuit going to be sufficient?

I was on the T&C Explorer several years ago around that time of year. I generally did the morning dives in my 3 mil, but was happy to have a 2.5 mil vest to add for the afternoon dives and night dives. Water temps were right around 80 degrees as I recall. For reference, I'm pretty wimpy when it comes to water temp - many other divers on the boat were fine with 3 mils the whole time.

James

 

[diversteve]

I dove it the week after (May 21-28) in a t-shirt/board shorts but I'm always that guy on the boat that does even when others are wearing 3mm's. My buddy wore his 3MM all week - he usually gets cold but I don't recall him mentioning it on that trip.

I remember being cold once - at night off a deep wall, the upwelling was a lot colder as I approached the edge.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

My GF takes a drysuit on her ExVen trips in August. Asking here if a 3mm is going to be ok is like asking if you'll like the taste of something you've never tried.
No possible way to accurately tell you. I thought I'd be ok in a 3 mil in Bonaire for a weeks diving. At the end of the week I wish I'd have taken my 5. Doing 3, 4, 5 dives a day is going to take a toll on your core temp.
Think about what you'd normally use in those water temps and take a suit one thickness heavier or at least a core warmer.
My GF got looks the first time she took her dry suit and pulled it out. At the end of the week some of those divers were still looking, with envy and wishing they had something more than what they brought.
Going on what she describes I'd take my 5 mil merino. Can always flush the suit if a little warm. Can't warm up as easy if you're cold.

 

[mostlyirish]

Thank you all for the replies. If the water temp is at least 80 I think the 3 mil will be plenty.

 

[jameseg]

If you haven't see it before, the site below will give you current surface water temps almost anywhere in the world - just need to find a buoy close to where you'll be and click on it (most provide water temp, but not all). I like to check a couple days before I leave for a trip.

National Data Buoy Center

 

[Mia Toose]

Hi MostlyIrish!
I've been working on the Turks & Caicos Explorer and the water temperature is still around 80F. If you tend to get a chill, bring your 5mm, but I think most people are doing great in the 3mm. We do have some various sized vests/hoods onboard for rental if you decide as the week goes on you need a bit more protection.
I'm going diving tomorrow in my 3.5mm Truli Wetsuit shorty, so I'll report back and let you know how I did

 

[mostlyirish]

Hi MostlyIrish!
I've been working on the Turks & Caicos Explorer and the water temperature is still around 80F. If you tend to get a chill, bring your 5mm, but I think most people are doing great in the 3mm. We do have some various sized vests/hoods onboard for rental if you decide as the week goes on you need a bit more protection.
I'm going diving tomorrow in my 3.5mm Truli Wetsuit shorty, so I'll report back and let you know how I did

Thanks much. I think I'll be good with my 3 mil. I appreciate the response.

 

[mostlyirish]

If you haven't see it before, the site below will give you current surface water temps almost anywhere in the world - just need to find a buoy close to where you'll be and click on it (most provide water temp, but not all). I like to check a couple days before I leave for a trip.

National Data Buoy Center

Thanks for the resource.

 

[Mia Toose]

Thanks much. I think I'll be good with my 3 mil. I appreciate the response.

Water temperature was 79F so a bit of a chill. Sun was shining though