We're coming down to Bonaire for the first time in 12 days for our honeymoon(Can't Wait!!) I will be doing my open water cert. dives there and I am concerned about renting a wetsuit. (I get cold easily and was cold in the pool.) The last time in the pool I tried a Body Glove wetsuit that seemed smaller then the other ones I wore and I didn't get cold. (I am small about a size 2) Should I buy something before we get there or will I be able to rent a small enough suit on the island? If not, any recommendations on the brand? (I've been told not to buy until I've tried different stuff, but I HATE being cold!)

To be perfectly honest, what is holding you back from buying one? If you plan to dive aqain for a few years, by all means buy your own. Wet Suit rentals are iffy. Finding your size could be a problem. I think you will be happier if you try on something and it fits. A very long way to go and not find a good fit. Can spoil your trip (a little after all it is BONAIRE). Buy a 3 mil. and relax and enjoy!

I forgot that you are taking your open water check outs. Another reason to have a suit that fits. You don't need the distraction.

David gave you excellent advice, Jamie. First, if you go to your local dive shops and try on wetsuits, they will help ensure you get a good fit. Different dive shops carry different brands so shop around. 3 mil wetsuits aren't that expensive and you'll have it for years. Bonaire Dive and Adventures does rent full 3 mil suits (no guarantee on your size, though) but they charge $10 a day. That fee goes a long way toward paying for a wetsuit you would own and could use for years.

One other thing - I also get cold easily. I have found that I am only comfortable in a 3 mil wetsuit when the water is 84 degrees or warmer. for 80-83 degrees, I like a 5 mil, and below 80 (like in Hawaii) I wear a 7 mil. I know there are people who think that is ridiculous, but everyone's thermostat is different - so don't assume that a 3 mil is the answer for you.

If you get cold easily, you might be better off buying a 5 mil wetsuit (what I took to Bonaire for our trip last October). And if you dive multiple dives every day, your core body temperature does drop so you'll appreciate the warmth even more. I hardly ever wear my 3 mm wetsuit because I also hate to be cold.

So I say, definitely get your own wetsuit but consider making it a 5 mil. If you are cold in the water, diving isn't nearly as much fun.

Finally, regarding your question of brand, my three wetsuits are 3 mm O'Neill, 5 mm Henderson and 7 mm Scubapro. I didn't buy based on brand as much as fit and availability - but if you can find one of the "hyperstretch" suits they tend to be easier to get on and off.

Enjoy your honeymoon in Bonaire!


(Message edited by edge on July 16, 2008)

Jamie
Welcome to Bonaire Talk.
The first item I purchased when I began diving was my wetsuit. One that fits and is comfortable will make you experience more enjoyable.
Congratulations on your certification and your marriage!

Jamie

David's advice is good, for Bonaire a 3mm FULL wetsuit is ideal for most of the year. In the cooler months - Feb/Mar a 5mm full would be better.
Most rental suits are shorties, so another good reason to buy.

Also you need to be aware that suits are cut differently "just like clothes" so just because you wear a size 4 in a Henderson does not mean you are a 4 in an O'Neill.

My 20 year old daughter is very small and the Henderson size 4 suit fits perfectly.

The Scubapro size 4 swallows her!

Jamie, if you purchase your wetsuit at home and get to the island and find you are still cold I would suggest going to the shop at the Carib Inn and consider adding either a beanie or a vest with hood. Keeping your head covered really does help!

Another option is to buy your wetsuit but also buy the vest with a hood that goes with it. It is like a wet suit without arms or legs and fits over your regular wet suit if you find the water too cold. I dive in Bonaire in a 7mm and often use the vest and hood also.

Being cold under water will ruin your diving experience.

And then there is the issue of people peeing in their rental wetsuits.......... yuk.....