My First Wetsuit...

[Noodles]

Hi, just wondering if anyone can tell me..

I start off with pool training in a 3mm shorty.. nice, comfy, easy to put on and it didn't break the bank.

Next stop.. open water... why shouldn't I get a 6mm or a 5mm full length and either put the shorty over the top or underneath?

Surely this would keep me warm enough for a couple of 40 min dives (at 12m - I'm guessing) at Stoney Cove or similar during mid summer - late summer?

It just seems painful having bought a shorty that I've grown rather fond of during my training that I won't see much use of in the "real world"...

Is a 3mm shorty really so limited.. even overseas people talk about using a full length (as protection from jellies and fire coral etc)..

[AllynCarter]

I think a 5mm full length is fine for diving in the UK during summer. The water at Capernwray this weekend was 17C at the surface and not much colder at depth. I was very comfortable in a 5mm - no need for a second layer.
A 3mm shorty really is a pool suit.

[Noodles]

Thanks Allyn, that really concretes what I had begun to think - good stuff..

So today I ventured into a dive shop and tried a couple on.. and the O'Neill 5mm sector full length wetsuit was REALLY comfy..very tight too which I'm led to believe is just as it should be.. now the only question is.. should I try a 7mm to give me a longer period that I could wear it throughout the year?
Would it be any good for diving in the open seas.. along with some windproofs?
I've sort of been put off dry suits for now - they seem such high maintenance...

[Roz]

I've sort of been put off dry suits for now - they seem such high maintenance...

No not really. Wash it down in fresh water. Lube/wax your zip. Talc your seals (if they are latex). Hang up. It's not rocket science. Oh, and you might want to check your inflator is not gummed up with talc. Ask someone at your local dive club or LDS to talk you through how to look after your drysuit.

Personally, even thought I did I think 5 years in a semi dry whilst I saved up for my drysuit, if you can get a drysuit instead, you'll find you will go diving more frequently than if you have a wetsuit. (Warmer, cosier, protects you from the wind, quicker to don and doff, etc).

[Maria CM]

I often use my 3mm shorty in the Red Sea if it is later in the season and the water is therefore warmer. I always take a full length as well for going on the wrecks though....

best wishes,

Maria

[paul_c]

ive been using a 3mm full suit in the uk of late, 14 degrees gets me 50 mins before im feeling the cold at 15 ish m
thats a 3mm hood, suit which was a cheep off the peg one which isnt a fantastic git but good enugg and 4 mm boots cause they are just the ones i have.

17 degs im doing hour plus comfortably.

a decent fitting hood is a must tho.

[ChristianG]

if you can get a drysuit instead, you'll find you will go diving more frequently than if you have a wetsuit. (Warmer, cosier, protects you from the wind, quicker to don and doff, etc).
I'm no expert on dry suits, wearing my DUI Trilam but rarely in our conditions but, your conditions, what Roz said. Comfy is lots better than freezing, especially when you step out of your dry suit and you are already dry. In a wetsuit the wind chill factor (especially) will kill you when you get out of it simply because you are yourself wet.

[paul_c]

no its doesnt have to,


a simple change from suit to dry cloths is all that needed.