Wetsuits for young kids?

[1 Tadpole]

My six year old son wants to get in the water! Nothing knarly though, just floating and looking at sealife. He really loves the water and has expressed a desire to go "diving" with his old man.

Knowing from experience that a well fitted zipper-less, two-piece suit with an attached hood makes a huge difference, I'd like to make sure it's a good experience for him and that he doesn't freeze in our 50 degree sheltered water here in Seattle.

So I'm setting out to look for a suit for my future dive buddy. One that's warm, and durable. I won't say that cost isn't an issue, but I'm willing to pay a bit more for the right one. Would custom be a complete waste of money?

Does it make any sense to have "smooth" on the inside or would I just be looking at endless time spent on repairing fingernail damage?

Would a 5mm be warm enough for a lean body in 50 degree water? I think 7mm would probably be too restricting. I know 3mm wouldn't be warm enough.

What about mitts vs. gloves? I could just see the battle to get gloves on his hands! Mitts probably?

Would it make sense to tape the glove/bootie overlap areas to keep the water circulation to a minimum?

If any of you have any advice, opinions or can point me to some good suits I'd really appreciate it.


Dive on!

 

[BlueWaveC]

I am a strong advocate of wetsuits on kids...their bodies can't regulate temps as well as an adult....so it REALLY makes a big difference for them.....

For someone that young you might have to look for a custom made hood, but bigger companies like O'neill make kids sized full suits, booties and maybe gloves (but I could be wrong on the gloves)........

If they don't have a suit that is heavy enough, think about a spring suit to wear over or under the full suit.....

And it's great that you are getting your little one in the water and sharing the experience !!!!!

 

[eshepard]

When I was 8 my dad bought me a custom wetsuit, and it was great. I loved being in the water as much then as I do know, and a wetsuit was a brilliant idea.