What size wetsuit do you know need for scuba diving?

Question

I live by the great lakes and i want to know how thick of a wetsuit do i need to scuba dive? i am taking a scuba class at the end of august and need a wetsuit before then? i was told 7mm by a couple of people and me and my buddy are diving 50 to 70 feet down.

Answer 1

I got certified last September.  The next week I dove in Logansport, IN (about an hour South of Lake Michigan) and wore a 7mm shorty plus a 7mm farmer john and was fine.  But I went in Kankakee, IL about a month ago, wore the same, and froze my butt off.

I agree with the other poster - just rent at first.  If the shop says you have to own a wetsuit in order to take the class, find a different shop.

Answer 2

Rent a suit from the dive shop that is providing the lessons.  I recall doing my qualifying dives off West Palm Beach, FL.  I used 7 mm farmer john bottoms, and a 7 mm jacket.  I was comfortable in October.

I now dive in the Pacific NW (Columbia River).  When I am working hard, I use a 2-3 mm one piece.  When I am just drifting, I will still go back to the 7 and 7, then sometimes freeze.  A lot is depending on what you are doing underwater i.e. how much exercize are you getting there?

Rely upon your dive instructor.

Answer 3

It all depends on how cold the water is. I dive in the Puget Sound and the water ranges from 40 to 55. During the summer some people can get away with wearing a single 7mm suit. but during the winter most people use a full 7mm suit and a 7mm shorty on top of that. When I started my diving it was in the month of March. I froze my *** off in the 14mm stuff. Right after my Open Water certification I got my dry suit cert. If you are going through a class they should have rental equipment so you don't have to buy a whole kit just to learn. If they don't or if they say you have to buy it all then go to a different shop. For most Open Water classes all you have to buy are mask, fins and snorkel. Everything else is rented from the shop. They will have the proper suits for you to wear.

Good luck with your diving.