Warm-water wetsuit suggestions?

[chojan]

I'm used to diving in cold water (46-50 F), and finally get a short opportunity to freedive in warmer waters (apparently 80-85 F ).

I have no idea what is appropriate as a warm-water freediving suit!

My guess is that I'd want UV protection and maybe (?) some warmth (as after a couple hours perhaps I'd get cold if I were just in a swimsuit?) Plus, maybe it would be safer to have some positive bouyancy to allow for the ditching of a weight-belt.

I just bought a Bare 2 mil shorty, but maybe this would be too much? Would a lycra shirt be a better idea?

What do most of you tropical divers use?

Thanks!

 

[cdavis]

I dive in the kind of temp you ask about, and it really depends on the individual. I am long and skinny, spend a lot of time in the water and get cold fast. Around 80 F or slightly below, I use a 3 mil farmer john surfer suit, which is plenty. Slightly warmer and a hooded vest alone works great, keeps the sun off and the head and gives a lot of warmth while requiring almost no lead. If I are diving down a line and not using much energy moving around, I use a little more suit. A long down the line session, even in 85 F, will get me into a 3/2 surfer suit. Note: none of these suits are anywhere near as warm as a real freediving suit.

Where are you heading?

Connor

 

[chojan]

Thank you Connor --

I think I'll keep the shorty then... I don't tend to get cold, but my girlfriend does, so if we end up spending a lot of time in the water, it'll probably be a good idea.

After asking around on DeeperBlue for a honeymoon recommendation (is that bad or what? ), we decided on Bonaire.

Thanks!