Cold-natured, which wetsuit?

[frogger0724]

I'm a newbie, I tend to be very cold-natured and I'm trying to figure out what thickness I need for the Carribean. We are going to dive in Roatan and Cozumel at the end of Feb. I was going to bring a 5 mil suit, even though the water temp should be between 75 and 85 degrees. During my OW this past weekend I was told by 3 mil will be plenty, even if I tend to get cold. However, my female dive instructor said she rarely uses anything less than a 5 mil. I already have a 5 mil, wondering if I should invest in a 3 mil or if 5 should suffice. Any opinions?

[awap]

My wife always takes her 5mm to Cozumel and has never been too warm in the water. Her 3mm was not enough.

[Vlane]

Go with the 5mm if you're worried about getting cold. It's easier to get colder by flushing water into the suit than it is to get warmer. No reason to risk ruining some fun dives by getting cold.

[rayaa3]

Go with the 5mm if you're worried about getting cold. It's easier to get colder by flushing water into the suit than it is to get warmer. No reason to risk ruining some fun dives by getting cold.

+1 for that advice.

[WaScubaDude]

My wife always takes her 5mm to Cozumel and has never been too warm in the water. Her 3mm was not enough.

+1 with my wife. She also uses a neo beany.

[SEMO Scuba]

I'm not cold natured but I only have Henderson 5mm and 7mm suits. I have used my 5mm on two trips to Bonaire and two trips to Cozumel. I have never been too hot under the surface, but have been warm/hot on the surface before the dive. I don't think you will have any issues using a 5 mil suit.

[dkh6070]

Go with the 5mm if you're worried about getting cold. It's easier to get colder by flushing water into the suit than it is to get warmer. No reason to risk ruining some fun dives by getting cold.

Very good advice. You can always leave partially unzipped as well of you are too warm.

[LeeChamberlain]

I agree with the consensus of opinion, invest in the 5mm suit. I dated a lady who was talked into a 3mm she like you was cold natured. She almost left diving because of the investment she put in her suit and really only wears it when kayaking. The 5mm will offer you better thermal protection and god forbid you scrape against corals or some object you would be less likely to have a cut. I dive all year round and experience has taught me as well that a little more is better than feeling you have less. . Go with the five, as well it will afford you more opportunities in other waters.....Lee

[Long Island Diver]

I tend to agree with the others. If it were me, I'd go with the 5mm suit, but you could also go with the 3mm and use a chicken vest to keep your core warmer. Good luck and have fun on your trip

[scubarobin]

I love my 5mm, used it in Roatan (water was 78 degrees average) and in Cozumel last march (water temp also around 78). I also wore a hood... people laughed at me the first day, but then by the end of week at both destinations people were asking me where I got it and how much did the hood cost.