I will be arriving after Christmas and was wondering if I would be ok in a 3mm shorty, is the water cooler now than during the summer?

Usually around 80 F in Dec. on past trips. I wear a 3mm full,& see folks in everything from swim trunks to 3-5 farmer jane / shorty combo with hood (my wife).

David

Mike,

I always like to weigh in on this topic. You should be good in the 3mm full; if you start to get warm, just let a little water in. It's good to have the full protection in case the surf knocks you down on the way in. 78-80 is pretty typical through the winter months, in fact it hardly changes throughout the year.

My wife and I did a lot of evening and night diving and on the last couple night trips out I would gladly traded my 3mm for my full 7mm. It was the coldest, most miserable experience of my life. This was partially due to logging so many dives that our bodies were rebelling against us.

Last time we went I packed the 7mm because I had enough room under the luggage weight restriction. I never used it, but on our last dive at Salt Pier (around midnight) it would have been to nice after getting out of the water.

Have a great time!

(Message edited by mgaunt on December 9, 2005)

Just got out of the water.Temp was 81 tonight at Beri reef. We wear full length 3/2 mm and were fine. The biggest challenge I find is how much we dove that day and if we have eaten properly. I find that if i haven't fueled the body the dive seams colder. The biggest reason for full length is surge protection.

"Just got out of the water"..... wowwww I think I hate you....

Just kidding. Have fun for all of us who are freezing right now.

Kelly, you got snow?

Cold?? I just spent several hours outside with the snowblower plowing through over 12 inches of packed snow/ice & then the wind blows it right back & it stings your face..THAT's cold.

yea baby...packed snow/ice/wind...that's a good time...NOT! OK Vince, you win the "I need to go to Bonaire soon" award...

Yes we have snow; just a small amount on the ground but it's there! It's really cold and windy though....

Lots of snow here in Iowa. I strongly agree with Rob and Michael above. Full 3 mils (this depends on the individual) should keep you warm enough on Bonaire and will protect you fromabrasions/stings when shore diving. There are those who take pride in their wounds (not that that there's anything wrong with that)so get ready Mike - you may be hearing from them on this subject shortly. That said, this is just one diver's opinion. Have great dive!

Yes Cynde..truer words were never more spoken..
I DO need to get to Bonaire soon..Fortunately for me it's only about 6 more weeks (yes I am counting). ;-)

Vince, each time you get the snow blower out...feel that ICE WIND hitting your face, close your eyes (after turning off the snow blower) and imagine the warm water and lots of fishies

Kelly, time for my Feb visit...LOL! But I want snow this time! LOL!

Mike,
Say hi to Sherri and Andy. We missed you guys this trip! Andy would have loved diving Candyland! Ask Bas.
Are you planning night dives? I wore my full wet suit and hood for a night dive at Old Blue and wouldn't you know I got a jelly fish sting on my upper lip!! No night lights ON going out or coming in. Paige, on the other hand had on her shorty and ended up with very bad welts on her face, neck, arms and legs. These lasted for 3 days. She was treated with high concentration vinegar. Other divers (6) in the water only had mild stings on their faces.
I am already missing Bonaire.
Looking forward to June..
Yana

Hey Yana, check your e-mail!

Sherri

Sherri,
Candyland is located north of BOPEC. It is a nice shallow dive. It's a Andy and Yana Dive for sure! Very, vey nice for Mike's macro shots. You could even snorkel above them! Wear a skin because you float out over some coral. We did a drift dive from Candyland to Taylor Made. Will call Mike this AM.
Yana