What Suit for Diving Springs in FL in March

[Roggen]

Hi! I am heading to Florida in March to dive some of the springs and was wondering what thickness wet suit will be best for the Springs at this time of year.

I currently have a dry suit for regular diving in the Great Lakes, but I think that will be too much.

I also have a 3mm jumpsuit.

I was thinking about the following:

1. Get a 1mm jumpsuit to layer underneath the 3mm.
2. Get a core warmer for under the 3mm.
3. Get a 5mm wet suit.

Any suggestions?

BTW - I do get chilled somewhat easily.

Thanks!

[chefchris]

Originally Posted by Roggen

Hi! I am heading to Florida in March to dive some of the springs and was wondering what thickness wet suit will be best for the Springs at this time of year.

I currently have a dry suit for regular diving in the Great Lakes, but I think that will be too much.

I also have a 3mm jumpsuit.

I was thinking about the following:

1. Get a 1mm jumpsuit to layer underneath the 3mm.
2. Get a core warmer for under the 3mm.
3. Get a 5mm wet suit.

Any suggestions?

BTW - I do get chilled somewhat easily.

Thanks!

I don't think a dry suit would be too much. Water should be a constant 72 degrees but you gotta think about surface temps, too. I know it doesn't get too cold in Florida, but when you're wet ... it's a different story. I know a DM down there that just changed over to a dry suit for the season.

[BuzzGA]

A 3 or a 5mm will probably work. I usually use a 3mm but I tend to be pretty warm blooded. The water temp is a constant 72 and while the air will be "cool" by Fl temps...it should be low 70s I usually just pack a sweatshirt and warm up fairly quickly

[Buoyant1]

I did my AOW in a quarry up here in PA on the 22nd and 23rd and the water was in the mid 70's above the first thermocline and I was very comfy in my 3mm (with a 3mm hood) for 4 of the 5 dives...(deep dive bottomed out at 42 degrees...thank GOD for my 7mm!)

I did a few dives in January of 2006 in Key Largo, and I just checked, and the temps were also mid 70's...I didn't mind it, but the locals were cold!

If you get chilled easily, I think the 5mm would be your best bet! For me the 3mm with a hood would be good enough!

[BobArnold8265]

I dove in the springs March two years ago. I took my 3 mil but got cold. I think a 5 mil would be much better or maybe even a 7 mil if you tend to get cold. Don't forget to take a hood as well.

[Roggen]

Thanks Everyone! I think I will end up with a 5mm wetsuit.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a wetsuit that is relatively inexpensive, but easy to don/doff? I was looking at the Mares Trialastic 5/4/3 for ~$150 at LP.

[creggur]

My wife wears a 3mm suit with a 3mm hooded vest when we dive the springs and is fine...(She's cold natured by the way). I dive them in a 4/3 without any problem...

[in_cavediver]

I dive the springs frequently and I always dive dry (all times of the year, from Dec, Jan, March, June, July, August, October). Simply put, you can wear much less insulation and be comfortable all day. There are some divers doing longer dives wearing hoods and beanies.

Before I dove dry, I did my cavern/intro in a 7mm wetsuit which was comfortable. The dry suit is nicer though. Good for a couple dives of 1-2 hours each.

[mike_s]

I'd go with a 5mm also.

I dove Morrison this last saturday in my 3mm and nearly froze my ass off. ( I guess I just can't take those colder temps like I used to).


In March the water temp should be the same. It will vary per spring, but most springs output somewhere aroune 68f or maybe a little warmer. Your air temps will be your limiter.


Note: Adding a hood or a vest is always a way to add a little warmth also.

[prodjbm]

I use a 3mm, the water in the springs is always around 70 degrees. I did my check out dives in Feb.in Fla. and used the 3 and I was fine Now my friend who is always cold, used a 7 farmer john lol....