I'm thinking of buying a lightweight dive skin before I visit Bonaire in late November. Any advice as to what I should purchase and where I can buy it would be appreciated. I want the skin mainly to avoid sunburn and to protect me if I accidently brush against something sharp. Thanks! Sue

Sue, I have JUST the thing. Check out www.divegoddess.com !!

I have two of their skins and absolutely love them !

Sue -

We, too, are snokelers and we can assure you that you are on the right track to want something to protect you from the sun and scrapes while in the water.

In addition to Kelly's idea, I thought I would tell you about the product from Sun Precautions that I use. They are two separate pieces called a "water legs" and "water shirt:" http://www.sunprecautions.com/cgi-bin/sgdynamo.exe?HTNAME=_shop_catalog.htm&UID=2005110709491408.

I am not sure of their thickness, but I can tell you they are quite light and dry very quickly so they are comfortable out of the water as well as in, and they are reasonably tough. They are not intended to keep you warm, but their special benefit is they are SPF 30. I have used them on four trips to Bonaire and never had even a hint of sunburn nor have I had any scrapes from casual encounters with rocks.

Hope this helps.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Charles and Kelly - thank you both very much for your advice. I checked out both web sites and now have to decide if I want to wear a conservative suit (sun precautions) or a rather wild suit ( Goddess). I do not have a goddess figure so I may go with the former! Sue

There are lots of lycra skins out there by many manufacturers -- Henderson Hot Skins are pretty good, Akona makes 'em, many more too --available at lots of places online. Do a Google or Yahoo search or visit online dive stores like www.leisurepro.com or www.diversdirect.com or lots of others. Or, of course, try your Local Dive Store; lots of places sell lycra skins on Bonaire too. Online, I've had decent experience with Leisure Pro. Generally good prices, too.

Maybe you want to take a look at this one. http://www.joediveramerica.com/scubagear/prods/1296W_AA.html

Kelly, I love your website you posted! I did find my husband's reaction a little strange when I showed him the one I wanted to buy though. He nearly fell over laughing and saying, no way, no way,...... I liked the one with the fishes all over it and he just said, your luck a baracuda or shark will think I am a bait ball and attack! Guess he doesn't share my same view on these cute diveskins! LOL I should buy it anyway, but then I got to thinking, what if he's right? I really hate it when he rains on my parade like that. LOl
He didn't hang around long enough to see the one I picked for him!!!

Debbie, I have that one ! LOL ! I've had it for several years and can assure you that it's not shark bait.

I have one called Tide Pool, and the one called Reef Madness. BUY IT ANYWAY !!! Tell him he doesn't have to look at you if he doesn't like it... lol

Kelly, Glad to hear you say that. I knew he was just making that up! LOL I am thinking of getting one anyway, I really like it. Sometimes, he just a little too conservative, but they say opposites attrack, so...I better stop here, he may be lurking! LOL

Be extravagant, treat yourself and you will love your new dive skin! I promise...

Hey, if you don't love yourself, how can you expect anyone else to love you?? That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

Debbie, buy one of the skins and join us girls!

I am about ready to do it, been thinking about it all day, then power went out and no puter for awhile, now it is back, sooo... just might, just might.

Debbbbbieeeee..... come to the dark side.......

Kelly, I thought that you are on the wild side, with no darkness about you.

Kelly, shouldn't that be
'.....come to the colorful side........'?

Thanks everyone for your advice. Kelly, I took the plunge and purchased a Dive Goddess dive skin. Just hope I have the nerve to wear it! Sue

My friend I go to Bon with bought a dive skin our first trip there at Carib Inn. She was plenty pleased with it and has used it on subsequent trips.

Sue, which one did you get? I'm so excited !!!

Linnea... nice to see you popping in too by the way !

Hi Kelly - I bought one called Mars. It was on sale. It is red and purple with vertical stripes of yellow flowers. With my zaftic figure Lord knows how its going to look on me. But at least I'll be comfortable and sunburn free. Sue

Sue, you will look like a Goddess !!!

Enjoy and happy diving !