9 replies to this topic

[scubaclint]

Last weekend I decided to go to the quarry with my LDS. Since the water was 63 degrees and I just about froze, I am now officially a cold water wimp.

It did bring up a couple of questions. A year ago I got my certification wearing a 5mm wetsuit and wearing 18lbs of extra weight. The suit was rented as was the rest of my gear. I had actually started with 24lbs of weight and took some off after the first couple of dives. This weekend I had my own 5mm suit and started with 18lbs. I floated on the top like a life raft! I ended up with 26lbs of extra weight and still thought I could have used another pound or two.

Now I am relatively the same body weight as last year. Is there going to be that much of a difference in bouyancy between an old suit and a new one? Are there differences in bouyancy between manufacturers? I was expecting having to adjust for the new suit, just surprising with the amount.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

I know that as wetsuits age, the tiny air pockets in the neoprene break down, and those air pockets is what gives the suit it's buoyancy. But that is a big difference! I don't know if it's a 'normal' difference. Having never worn a 5mm, and I've not worn my 3mm enough to have it break down, I'm going to defer to someone else.

Sorry you froze.....at least you spent time with some friends!

[MNJoe]

Wetsuit bouyancy characteristics vary with age, amount of use, and manufacturers. 10 pounds does seem like a lot, do you know if you had an aluminum or steel tank? You can worry about and speculate why you needed less weight last year or you can just focus on being properly weighted and trimmed out now, that is up to you.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Good point, Keith! My LDS only has steel tanks, and in fresh water I use very little lead with their tanks! (Clint, you know how much lead I have to wear with an alum. tank in salt water!)

[scubaclint]

Hmm.. same body of water and it was an aluminum 80 like last time as well.

It was more curiosity than anything. I don't mind what amount of weight I have to carry, I just want to be prepared for it. When starting to get some of my own gear, I thought "used 18 with a 5mm, instructor thought maybe 24lbs, I'll buy 26lbs to be covered". I found it surprising that I varied that much and used all the weight I had.

Need to buy a few more "just in case" weights. Thanks.

[peterbj7]

I'm shivering at the thought of going into 63F water in any sort of wetsuit!

[Jerrymxz]

i have to second the shiver in a wet suit in 63 deg water temp. the only thing I thought of was the construction of the two suits. was either of them a two piece? an old 5mm single piece vs a new farmer john type especally in a larger size could make up 10lbs without too much trouble. just a thought

[georoc01]

i have to second the shiver in a wet suit in 63 deg water temp. the only thing I thought of was the construction of the two suits. was either of them a two piece? an old 5mm single piece vs a new farmer john type especally in a larger size could make up 10lbs without too much trouble. just a thought

Other gear can make a big difference too. I know I dropped 8 lbs going from my vest type BC to my BP/Wing.

[Racer184]

When you first get in the water you may have a lot of air trapped in places like your armpits and behind your knees, etc.
This is a problem for me when I wear my shorty plus "farmer john." I cannot submerge until I work the air out, then everything is fine.