Been an avid reader of BT for two years now, since just before our first visit to Bonaire. I figured it was time to jump in the water and start participating. I would first like to thank Mary Pequinot for her great advice in helping my wife and I book our January trip back to Bonaire. It's not often you find someone willing to respond so earnestly to a random email and provide so much advice. Thank you!
Now the real dilemma. Our previous trip was in late April, early May and we are snorkelers, thus the water temp was perfect. On this trip I am expecting some cooler water temps and we are planning on trying a Resort Course. I have been unable through Internet Search and local Scuba store in NH to find a Shorty for myself. I am almost 6'5" / 310#'s with a 54 inch chest. Does anyone have any idea what direction I can turn. I also am very rarely cold (Nanuck of the North has been used as a description) so do you think I can get away without. Thanks in advance for your advice. Big Ed

Hi Ed,

Have you tried www.leisurepro.com? I didn't see the actual size chart on their site but there is a 800 number you can call to inquire. They do sell up to xxxxx large shorty's.

Have a great trip.....paradise is wonderful!

Ed,

There are many that dive the water of Bonaire without the benefit of a wetsuit and survive very nicely. I am NOT one of them. Based on your statement I believe you to be one of those that can survive. However, you will be far more comfortable and much less tired at the end of a day if you are able to maintain your thermal core. This is done with the benefit of a wetsuit. I wear a 3mil one-piece suit even when diving the 86 deg waters of Cozumel and the Caymans, and I am better for wearing the suit at the end of a multi-dive day and it also offer significant protection against the chance encounter with a jelly or heaven forbid... the reef.

This being said, I find a visit to your friendly neighborhood dive shop that carries the Henderson line can benefit almost anyone. Henderson can tailor a wetsuit for anybody. True, custom suits will cost extra, but you will know what you are getting, exactly how it will fit (improperly fitted suits offer little or no thermal protection) and will also have the benefit of personal contact in purchasing your suit.

Thanks so much for your quick responses. It does look like Leisurepro.com might have some options. Nothing like a XXXXXLG to boost ones self esteem.

Ed, they also make the hyperstretch suits now which can stretch 250%

And some companies, Henderson for one, make custom wet suits to your dimensions. They are more comfortable if your shape is not 'normal'.

Like you, I don't get cold easily. I have been diving Bonaire for years at all times of year, wearing sometimes just swim trunks and tee shirt for 2-hour dive without being noticeably cold.

That said, I have also been more comfortable in a full length 2 mm jump suit. Even a long sleeve shirt and jeans will help; and they cut down on risk of coral cuts-- useful in diving until you have experience and the buoyancy control that comes with it.

And don't forget head insulation. As the course will tell you, 40% of bare-body heat loss is through the skull so the most bang for the buck of protection is a hood or the cap that Europeans wear. Some think that warm water head protection is sissy but it works.

Excellent timing I was just about to start hunting for suits for my parents. They do not dive, but snorkel. Last trip we took to Provo left them both severely sunburned on their backs and back of legs. :D I am off to see if Leisurepro has a skin or something minimal to help them out.

Ed, a Henderson hyperstretch in the largest size will likely fit you and is FAR easier to get in/out of than regular neoprene.

David

Ed: I think David makes a good point. I own a 3 mil Henderson hyperstretch and wouldn't go back to anything else for diving warm water. I was able to purchase a large due to the suits "stretch" quality; this is 1 size down from my other regular neoprene suits. This suit is definately easier to get in and out of than my other suits. My wife has one too! Have a good dive.

Ed...check these guys out. Eva got a custom wetsuit made to her size for the same price as an off the shelf suit. In about 10 days. You fill out a measurement form for dang near everything. I had alot of fun measuring her ;)

http://www.aquaflite.com/

Hi Ed,

Glad I could help you. I would definitely recommend spending a little money and getting a wetsuit, particularly for diving. My proportions are weird; I got a custom Henderson 1/2 mil which is stretchy and works pretty well-although, at times on second dives, I got chilled. Keep in mind that wetsuits also protect you. I quit wearing a shorty when I got banged up one time.

Looking forward to your report! Have a wonderful holiday.

Good afternoon and thanks to all for your help. Have contacted leisurepro.com and talked with a rep about some of my options. Akona 5x looks like it might do the trick, but going to have to take it easy at Mona Lisa, De Tuin and It Rains Fishes. Oh well. Going to place an order when my wife gets back from her business trip, so she can get a suit and some other assorted stuff. Can't wait to get away from this NE cold. 34 days and counting.

Just an update......Got my 5xl Akona from Leisure Pro. It arrived early, was packed up with two new snorkels and a Strobe perfectly. The shorty is not exactly like the one pictured on the website...which for me was an improvement. It is all black as opposed to black with blue stripes. It fits fairly well. As with most big men stuff, manufactures think we're all big in the belly. That being said it has plenty of room in the mid section but is a little short in the torso and narrow in the shoulder. For the most part it fits ok. Seeing it only cost $65 I think I can live with it. Once again thanks for all of your help!

Big Ed (No longer a "NEW" Bonaire Talker)