How thick (a wetsuit)?

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Craig - 23 Oct 2004 19:08 GMT

I'm a fair weather topical diver, the idea of any diving needing a drysuit
does not inspire me. I've been happy with my custom made 5mm full semi-dry
suit for 3 years for places like Tenerife. But now I'm finding we are
holidaying much more in places like Kenya, Maldives, Bahamas and Bali where
my 5mm is just too hot. I end up diving in shorts and a t-shirt!!

I'm thinking of ordering a custom made shortie before we go to Kenya again
in May and would very much appreciate the groups advice regarding a number
of points...

1) What thickness of shortie should I be going for?

Looking through my logbook, I'm diving in temperatures between 25 (Tenerife)
and 31 degrees (shallow dive in Bali), with an average of 27-28 degrees.
The other factor is air temperature when moving kits around etc. when the
heat is 30-44 degrees because at the moment in even in Tenerife, getting
ready in my 5mm, I am big sweaty mess kitting up just dying to get in the
water. Finally on this point, it maybe worth noting I have a very good
layer of 'personal insulation' and don't tend to get cold diving compared to
others I dive with.

2) What is the best design to get in terms of easy to put on?

My flexibility is not very good, hence I like diving rather than other
sports, because under the water by quite poor flexibility has minimal impact
on my leisure diving. So easy to dress and zip is a factor I would like
some tips on. I've heard talc is good inside a tight suit? Getting it wet
is rarely an option before entering the water.

Finally I want to mention a very positive point... I'm not the generally
sporty type, I've suffered a lot with injuries and illness that prevent me
doing quite a bit in life, but the pleasure I get from diving is fantastic
and a very big part of that pleasure comes from the help, kindness and
support of my fellow divers and instructors. So please a big pat on the
back to everyone. My motives in spending on a new suit is to try an
minimise my impact on my fellow divers so I'm not such a burden.

Thanks for your help.

Craig

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CliveM - 23 Oct 2004 19:16 GMT

> But now I'm finding we are
> holidaying much more in places like Kenya, Maldives, Bahamas and Bali
> where
> my 5mm is just too hot. I end up diving in shorts and a t-shirt!!

> 1) What thickness of shortie should I be going for?
>
> Looking through my logbook, I'm diving in temperatures between 25
> (Tenerife)
> and 31 degrees (shallow dive in Bali), with an average of 27-28 degrees.

> Finally on this point, it maybe worth noting I have a very good
> layer of 'personal insulation' and don't tend to get cold diving compared
> to
> others I dive with.

I have recently been diving in carrbeen/greece etc with water temps 25-27
degrees. In all these dives I have always used a 2mm shortie (decathlon) and
been warm enough (with my personal insulation!) on dives of 1hr+. Girlfriend
with a bit of insulation(I didnt say that!) - ok not that much personal
insulation dived in the same 2mm shorties and was ok but has asked for a
full length wetsuit at the show!

A would guess that a 3mm shortie would be just the job.

> 2) What is the best design to get in terms of easy to put on?

Shorties are always (IME) always less restrictive and easier to put on.

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Morten Reistad - 23 Oct 2004 20:30 GMT

>I'm a fair weather topical diver, the idea of any diving needing a drysuit
>does not inspire me. I've been happy with my custom made 5mm full semi-dry
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
>1) What thickness of shortie should I be going for?

For comfort, nothing beats a 2-3mm one. See to it that you get a zipper
in the right place, so you can enter comfortably, and good seals.
If you don't have the dexterity of a navy seal, see to it that the
zipper is long enough.

But remember, a 3mm will be pretty cold in 27 degrees and colder.
You will not notice much on the first 1-2 tropical dive(s), but it will
get at your body heat.

What me and my wife bring along is a combo; a 3mm shorty, and a long
3mm. Both have good seals along feet/hands. The test of a good seal is
that the water stays in, even on land.

This gives us options of 3mm shorty in 30+ water, 3mm full suit 27-29,
and both 25-26; and you can add hood/gloves for 23-24. You may find a
good combo with the 5mm you already have, or plan to make a set later.

We are reasonably frosty and like long (70-90m) dives; and we can look
at a nudibranch at 4 meters for 10 minutes. This means we may get a
little colder than most. But I doubt the scales here are more than 1-2
degrees off for any diver.

There are some tricks for heat on deck. Adding a liter of water inside
the suit can do wonders for comfort while you wait to jump.

>Looking through my logbook, I'm diving in temperatures between 25 (Tenerife)
>and 31 degrees (shallow dive in Bali), with an average of 27-28 degrees.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>some tips on. I've heard talc is good inside a tight suit? Getting it wet
>is rarely an option before entering the water.

I managed to find a 3mm off-the-rack; but that was pure luck.

I prefer back zippers for shortys and simple 3mms, but front entry for
more cumbersome stuff. This is also about entring the suit while we
keep our balance on boats.

I also did install a little lower front zipper. Being able to pee
without soiling the suit was worth it on the first dive.

>Finally I want to mention a very positive point... I'm not the generally
>sporty type, I've suffered a lot with injuries and illness that prevent me
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>back to everyone. My motives in spending on a new suit is to try an
>minimise my impact on my fellow divers so I'm not such a burden.

It is nice to hear that. Also to you and everyone else that may have
some challenge; never be afraid to ask. Often, little things like
the right zippers and some water inside the suit may do wonders for
comfort.

-- mrr

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Dave Morgan - 25 Oct 2004 11:44 GMT

> But now I'm finding we are
> holidaying much more in places like Kenya, Maldives, Bahamas and Bali
> where
> my 5mm is just too hot. I end up diving in shorts and a t-shirt!!

And you need OUR advice...............

Dave Morgan @ Work in the UK
Take out the "goes diving" bit....
Trip photos on line at www.morg.co.uk

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