Coldwater

[harrisonb]

Hey all,

I am new to free-diving. *My main goal with it is to use these skills for underwater filming. *I have quickly realised that I could do with a few wet suits and wanted to pick your minds to try and find the best solution. *So one wet suit I wanted to use out doors in the uk, filming nature. *So this is in lakes and in the ocean. *I eventually want to move to tropical waters however wanted to know what I could do here in the uk first.

What I have been recommend so far is a two-piece 7mm suit with hood. *(Apparently free diving suits are 2 pieces?) It was suggested to: "buy a*tailor-made open-cell suit. *An off-the-peg suit will be just a tiny bit loose somewhere on your body...and this will allow cold water to circulate and take away your body temperature with it."**Elios was a company mentioned.

Then there is all of the different linings: neoprene, linings etc. *quite a lot of information.

I am sure i will also need a different suit *for the pool, since it will be too buoyant, and too warm for the pool.

Any thoughts. *

Many thanks,*
Harrison

 

[martin366]

For cold water (+20 to 0; from my experience) is 7mm good, two-piece. Open cell neoprene inside (warmer than nylon inside), nylon outside (more durable).
Like spearfishing suits

For warm water or for pool, go with two-piece 1,5-3mm suit. Nylon inside (more durable). Smoothskin or nylon outside

btw, Elios is very good, especially tailor made suits

u can also check this: Freediving Suits - DiveSkin - Quality Neoprene Products

Good luck!

 

[malt1977]

I've got a 2 piece Esclapez 5mm suit which I have been using over the winter here (sea temp @9deg C) and its been fine. The fit is great and I have no complaints.

The good thing with a 2 piece is that the thickness nearly doubles over the most important part of your body.

You should check Esclapez out anyway.

Marc

 

[Erik Skoda]

Usually I freedive from the shore and mostly in cold water often recreational and not very deep.

I use an Elios tailormade suit, 5 mm Heiwa low density, open cell inside, kanoko anti-tear outside. I use the high waist pants, not the long johns. Having no zippers and the hoody attached also help to stay warm. If you fold down the high waist pants 4" you can make a seal preventing any water in your vest from flowing to your pants.

For the rest I use 5 mm 3 finger gloves with thermal pluche inside. Since I found the watch strap sealing my left glove keeping it warmer, I use a velco strap to seal my other glove. 3 mm socks are warm enough for me in full foot pockets.

Have fun!

Erik

 

[patbrassil]

As far as thickness goes, it really depends on your view of 'cold'. I went today in a 5mm, the water was about 6C. It was a little cold, i could have used a 7mm, but i managed an hour and a half. Conversely, i went to florida and was told the water was going to be cold. I brought my 5mm, and the water turned out to be about 24C, and was bordering on too warm for my 5mm. It's all a matter of comfort. I chose a 5mm because it gave me the longest range of dive time for my native seasons, i can't yet afford a suit for each season.

 

[harrisonb]

So it does seem that the 7mm is the way to go. I figure the 'made to fit' is going to be better, wile a little more expensive, I am sure it will be worth the money in the Long run. "Open cell neoprene inside (warmer than nylon inside), nylon outside (more durable)." Looking a lot at Elios.

I am still trying to get my head around actually swimming in the ocean in those temperatures… I guess a 7mm thickness is quite a thick suit. I am worried about my fingers and feet, since they already get real cold. I notice that a your talking about ensuring that water doesn't go into the suit in some cases. Is that actually possible? I guess with gloves and 3mm foot socks that might be easier than the suit it's self.

I have been looking at places to dive, in the south of England we are looking at temperatures of about 8 degrees, where up in Scotland we are looking at temperatures of around 6-7 degrees in March.

Aiming to get out in March. Looking forward to it.

 

[martin366]

For these temperatures is 7mm way to go!
+ 7mm socks and 5 or 7mm 3-finger gloves
I use also 3mm underwest, gives extra warmth in autumn and winter times
Wetsuit: Beuchat Mundial Elaskin 7mm (nice suit)

 

[timm]

A 5mm elios open cell has done me proud for years in the uk. March to may is chilly, but thats in inland lakes and quarries, the sea should be a little warmer.

The only thing to think about with a 7mm is the extra buoyancy you will have, another option is 5mm with a 2mm under vest, elios also do them, and then you can just hav eht extra warmth in the winter, and more of an all round suit. This is what i will dive with in march, or just 5mm, but will only be in for 30 to 60 mins. I find the Arms and legs don't matter so much as long as the core is warm.

Tim