How thick of a wetsuit to keep me warm through SoCal winter?

Question

It's December and my 2/1mm springsuit ain't cutting it anymore. Is a 3/2 enough or should I spring for a 4/3? Any specific recommendations? I'd like to keep it < $250, so sorry no E/F-Bombs or Psychos :(

Answer 1

A 3/2 should do fine. Just don&#039;t buy one of those $99 specials. You want to make sure the seems have the invisble stitch and are taped at least through the upper body and the crotch. I recommend the O&#039;Neil Heat which goes for about $220 and you can find them at most local surf shops.

Answer 2

how cold does it get.  I use my 6.5ml when the weather is below 70 or the water is below 80, but I only scuba dive.  Most of the dive shops have rentals so you could try some out.  Of course the heavier, the more restricted movement.

Answer 3

What about getting a dry suit?

Answer 4

Ok I live in SoCal and most of the time my 3/2 keeps me warm, on really cold days I wear booties and that keeps me warmer. It is sometimes too cold for my 3/2 but I can&#039;t see forking out that much money for a 4/3 that you are only going to need a few times. I only came in 1 time last year cuz it was too cold. It also kind depends on where you surf, if its in a cove or reef it will stay warmer. If you have the moolah and don&#039;t mind spending it go for it, it is much easier that dealing with a brain freeze and you will end up surfing more often. Plus it will prob last 2-3 seasons. Good luck.

I read this again and I think you&#039;re talking about surfing right? If you&#039;re talking about scuba then I dunno.

Answer 5

Everybody&#039;s cold tolerance is different. Here in Canada, I ice dive  occasionally with a 7mm wetsuit ,usually when my dry suit isn&#039;t available to me because I had to lend it to someone with less cold tolerance.

I can&#039;t speak for California surf shops, but  a good dive shop will let you give a shop rental a trial run, to try for fit, ease of movement and warmth before you pony out the bucks. At most they&#039;ll charge a small rental fee. They will often carry the same suits as a surf shop.

I assume you are using this for surfing, so freedom of movement and air exposure and heat retention are going to be important factors. Things you will only find out about if you try before you buy.

Answer 6

3/2 will be fine. Possible booties.

Surfing in a 4/3 in San Diego area you will be too hot.