67F water too cold with 7mm wetsuit

[Rick56]

Hi folks;

My kids were certified last weekend in 67F water. Although they were ecstatic to be on scuba, we all became much too cold in the well-fitting, but well worn, 7 mm wetsuits we had. Two questions for you all:
1. How much thermal protection might we have gained with hoods and/or gloves?

2. We'd eventually like to dive southern California (e.g., Channel Islands). Given that we run cold, what would we have to do to be comfortable in 55 to 65 degree water? Is a dry suit likely to be our only option?

Thanks!
Rick

[NitroWill]

Well, if a 7mm is not enough for you in 67F water it will deifntely be nowhere near enough for 55F degree water..

Hood and gloves are definitely helpful and I know you would feel the difference considerably. Also, you might consider a core warmer - although that will be packing on a lot of neoprene - but will be much more cheaper then a drysuit for several people.

you also mention that your 7mm are well worn - wetsuits do lose some thermal value as they get old and stretched and used so maybe a new 7mm or thicker suit is in order!

[skdvr]

67* should be plenty comfortable with a 7mm although I too would want gloves and a hood. Like Nitro said I like the core warmer. I personally use a hooded vest, which adds some insulation to the midsection. I have dove my 7mm with hood and vest into the mid 40's. I have been quite comfortable in low 50's. If I could only use one between gloves and a hood I would choose a hood. It makes a world of difference...

Phil

[RoadRacer1978]

I use my 5/4/3 mm with a hood and was quite comfortable in 57 degree water exceprt for my hands. I didn't wear my gloves, if I had I would have been very comfortable indeed. With a 7mm hood and gloves I could dive in quite cold water I would think.

You could try the core warmer, a hooded vest would give you some extra insulation on you core. They make wetsuit warmers you could try. Hotsuits heated wetsuits, the world's first heated wetsuit

As Will said wetsuits will lose some insulating properties as they age, so you may just need a new one. Hope you figure some things out. I'd hate for ya to not get to dive due to the water temps.

[thor]

I use a 7mm with a 5 mm hooded vest, and 5 mm gloves. I am toasty warm to about 50 and then it starts to get a little chilly. You will notice a big difference if you start wearing a hood and gloves. Once again, it all depends on your, and your kids tolerance for cold.

[Aspendiver]

Try adding the hooded vest before you buy another suit- most heat loss is through your head- the brain uses a lot of blood to stay warm, and your body starts shutting down the supply to your extremities to keep your head supplied. We were always told when skiing to "put a hat on if your feet are cold"! Gloves will help, too. A suit that seems like it fits may still be allowing a lot of water circulation inside, through the neck, wrists, and ankles, and that's where energy is lost, too.

[Tableleg]

I was rather happy in a 5/4/3 the last time I was in 62F water without the hood and gloves (which I don't like wearing because I'm a goober), but it takes a lot for me to get cold.

[cheebaweebie]

I wear a 7mm, 5mm hood and 3mm gloves an booties and I am good in a 58 degree surface temp (54 or so on the bottom). Also carry a thermos or jug of warm water and pour into your suit before you jump in which will help (I just learned that actually) Always wear gloves !!! and if the temp is in low 70's or below a hood is a must. Makes a HUGE difference.
Core warmer is nice as well added to a 5 or 7mm suit. And as roadracer pointed above, the older the suit the less effective it will be. Also store your suit flat if you can... don't fold up. That will help the suit last longer

[BobbyWombat]

Agree with Cheebaweebie, a hood makes a huge difference for me. Really cold without it, pretty happy with it.

A core warmer is a great idea too. i like a hooded vest under or over my wetsuit since it keeps my core warm but doesn't feel too constricting on my arms and legs.

-BW

[mitsuguy]

I agree with everyone - try a hood first... I was fine down to 50 degrees in a 7mm suit with 5mm hood and summer gloves - my hands were cold, but by choice - I hate thick gloves...

67 is almost warm enough for a shorty for me...70-80 degrees is shorty temps for me, and above 80, I'm ok with just trunks, although I'll still wear a shorty...