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#667
Florida springs wetsuit thickness
Hogfish1 - 6/06/2016 8:57 PM
Category: Web Site Help
Replies: 8

I’m debating on a 3mm or 5mm full wetsuit. Florida springs temperature is 72 degrees year round. What thickness does everyone recommend? I’m using a 1.5mm but get cold before dive is over. Thanks for any info.
#1639
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SeaGoat - 6/06/2016 9:31 PM
Some springs are 72 like Ginnie. Others, like Vortex, are a bit cooler. I get cold easily so I usually wear a 5mm or a 3mm with a vest and beanie. I highly recommend investing in a beanie. Even if you don’t want to wear it at first, you can keep it in your BCD pocket and put it on during the dive if you get a bit chilly - the sooner the better.

Also, think about your activity level. If you plan to do a lot of swimming, you can get away with a thinner suit. If you’re less active or planning a longer dive, wear a thicker suit. If I know I’ll be in for much longer than an hour, I wear a 7mm and a beanie.
#279
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Bhutas - 6/06/2016 11:45 PM
I was in Blue Grotto a couple weeks ago in a 3mm. Felt chilly after about 30min. Was wearing a beanie too. Next time, I’ll go 5mm.
#8590
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dalehall - 6/07/2016 7:24 AM
It really depends on you.. Normally a 5mm will work for most folks. I get cold quick, so I have a 5/7 that I use in the Springs. I also wear a hood and gloves. I despise being cold first, but since a couple of surgeries on my neck/spine, if I get really cold, that area starts to hurt on the inside so I don’t take any chances.
#2727
ram04769 - 6/07/2016 7:32 AM
I dove Troy Springs, Blue Grotto, Devil’s Den and Rainbow River using a 3mm and was comfortable. But then again, I live in northern Maine and am used to colder waters. In your case though as many have stated, a 3mm would get you by but possibly only for a short dive. A 5mm might be best otherwise.
#48
cpharris21 - 6/07/2016 10:12 AM
It’s Florida, so i would say the most important part is before and after the dive. I get ready pretty fast and usually end up waiting on others to get ready, which was miserable. I dove lava core top with hood and bottoms, with technical shorts over for three to four dives a day when i did my cave course. Only started to cool off on the last dive which was over two hours. My instructor wore a dry suit and he sweat so much it was just as wet inside the suit.
#667
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Hogfish1 - 6/07/2016 4:09 PM
Thanks everyone, I decided on buying a 5mm. I won’t worry about being cold! I’ll be buying a hood also.
#556
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urbaneve - 6/10/2016 9:17 AM
would using a long sleeve shorty be okay for the keys and blue heron you think