1 wetsuit for San Diego, Hawaii, Okinawa?

[johm77]

I'm a new diver about to go on a series of trips to San Diego (July-Sep), Hawaii (Late Sept-Early Oct), and Okinawa (Oct-Nov).
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<DIV>It looks like the water temperatures are quite different. </DIV>
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<DIV>I was thinking of buying a 3mm for Hawaii/Okinawa, and renting while in San Diego. Any suggestions?</DIV>
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<DIV>-johm</DIV>

[Jason]

If it were only that easy to buy just one suit to fill all needs!
Buy the wetsuit for the area that you will be diving in on a normal basis. Example, I dove in Terrell, Texas in the summer (allot) and a 3 mil shorty served me just fine. When I dove in the fall or spring, I also purchased a 5 Mil full. When ever I would go to a colder region I would wear both. We call it a "Poor mans farmer John". Sometimes it could be a little to warm for me, so I would pull the neck out a bit and let in fresh cold water. If I ever would get cold, usually the dive would end.

In summery, Its easier to cool off with too much exposure suit than to warm up with too little.

[CompuDude]

3mm for Hawaii should work, unless you're doing a LOT of diving, and then I know some prefer 5mm due to cumulative heat loss. I hear the same about Okinawa.

You'll need at least a 7mm for San Diego, if not a drysuit. Renting is probably a good option. (You won't be able to rent a drysuit without a drysuit cert)

[johm77]

Thanks for all the replies. You're suggestions have been very helpful.
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<DIV>I've never actually dove with a wet suit. I learned to dive in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba back in may. I wore swim trunks and a t-shirt and was never cold.</DIV>
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<DIV>I've used wetsuits back when I was a kid boggie boarding in Santa Cruz.</DIV>

[jacewindu]

i just got back from hawaii, diving with a 4/3. i was on a liveaboard though, and after 5 dives a day, i would get cold easily. i'm not sure i would have liked a 5mm, but a hood would certainly have been helpful...

[somewhereinla]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

3mm for Hawaii should work, unless you're doing a LOT of diving, and then I know some prefer 5mm due to cumulative heat loss. I hear the same about Okinawa.You'll need at least a 7mm for San Diego, if not a drysuit. Renting is probably a good option. (You won't be able to rent a drysuit without a drysuit cert)

Sorry but I actually disagree with you. I go to Hawaii every year around December/january/February and a 3 mil is not enough. The water is not that warm in Hawaii and it can be very windy and cloudy. I dive with a 5mm and even a 7mm full suit when I am there. As far as San Diego, the water get fairly warm in August-september , I dive with a 7mil in L.A during the winter and I am never cold. If I had to choose one suit to bring to all the destination you are going I would get the Mares Trialastic 7-6-5

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by somewhereinla

Sorry but I actually disagree with you. I go to Hawaii every year around December/january/February and a 3 mil is not enough. The water is not that warm in Hawaii and it can be very windy and cloudy. I dive with a 5mm and even a 7mm full suit when I am there. As far as San Diego, the water get fairly warm in August-september , I dive with a 7mil in L.A during the winter and I am never cold. If I had to choose one suit to bring to all the destination you are going I would get the Mares Trialastic 7-6-5

I grew up in Hawaii. My name is Kalani.

I dove there every summer during my late teens for the entire month of August. The trade winds sure kick up, but they're warm. I can't speak for the water temps in the winter, however.

I wore a shortie or a 3mm fullsuit and never had a problem with the water temp.

*shrug*

[thesmoothdome]

For traveling purposes, a 3 mill packs easily while a 7 mil takes up a lot of space. I think you're plan is a good one. While a rental suit won't be as warm as your own, you can definately get away with one during the summer months out here. If you're worried about a 3 mil not being enough in Hawaii, you can always add a 3 (or even 6.5) mil hooded vest.They pack pretty well.