Florida Springs Wet Suit

aqua_man06 · 12-14-2006, 08:19 PM

My girl friend and I are traveling with a dive shop to the Florida springs in mid-Jan 2007. I was wondering what size wet suit people recommend for that area. She has a 6.5 mm 2 piece and I have a 5/3mm and a 7mm and was just curious what water temps were and what wet suit folks thought would work best.

thanks

**dalehall** · 12-15-2006, 05:00 PM

Just got back from the Springs a few weeks ago. They are 70-72 degrees year round. I've got a 3mm Farmer John I've used and it was fine. I've also used a 7/5 that worked great. (Except that I had one heck of a time with my buoyancy as I had never dove with a brand new suit of that thickness before) A Dive Buddy of mine used her Henderson 5mm and she was fine. So, your girlfriend's 6.5 FJ will be great for her. I, personally, would not go in them with a straight up 3mm. Then again, I'm a wuss when it comes to being cold. Anything thicker than a 3mm has worked great for me.
Another quick note: Even Florida can get cold in January. Bring enough outerwear to keep you warm during your surface intervals.

Gypsy Diver 319 · 12-15-2006, 08:09 PM

Our water temps around that area average 68-72 this time of year. All we ever wear is a 3mm. . I have never gotten cold and have always been comfortable. Just in case you might want to bring your extra suit. You always want to be able to adjust your basic gear to your comfort level in order to get the most out of your dive. I also wear a 3 in the keys and I have been fine both places. This time of year it can get chilly at surface intervals & at night so bring something warm to put on that's easy to get in and out of. Good Luck, Be Careful, and have Fun!!!!P.S. which springs?

rick00001967 · 12-26-2006, 08:19 PM

i am going to the springs as well this jan. i will be bringing my bare 5/4mm full one piece suit. i have used this suit in water that is in the 60`s and was fine. i don`t think a 3mm is enough unless you have a very high tolerance for colder waters. 3mm is great for warm water like in the tropics but it probably will not do in the springs especially if you are doing multiple dives. adding a hood does make a huge difference by the way if you have one. rick