wetsuits

Question
I'll be heading off to Guam for the summer and am planning on getting scuba certified. Along with a mask and fins I'm thinking about getting my own wetsuit. I'm wondering if a farmer john triathlon wetsuit coupled with a wetsuit jacket would do well in the 85F (surface) water? I'm also interested in doing more triathlons but have not bought a suit yet. I'd like to get something that will work for both if I can. What are your thoughts? I should mention that I get cold easily. Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Kristi,

Congratulations on your decision to get scuba certified!!  I think you'll enjoy the new underwater experiences that will open for you.  I'm not familiar with the triathlon suit material but I'm guessing that it's some sort of woven nylon (Lycra).  We use suits made of this same material for warm water diving and also to use as a friction reducing liner under heavier wetsuits.  This material doesn't provide much thermal protection but it will protect your skin against jellyfish stings, minor scrapes and, to some degree, from the sun.  In the 85 degree waters of Guam, this may be the only protection you'll need for short duration dives (an hour in the water followed by some surface time to rewarm).  

If you feel that you need additional thermal protection, I'd recommend a 2mm sleeveless shorty wetsuit.  This is a light weight one-piece sleeveless neoprene suit, 2 millimeters thick, with legs which reach to mid-thigh.  It has a velcro closure shoulder strap to permit you to put it on and take it off.  You would layer it OVER your triathlon suit.  The advantage to this arrangement is that it will provide thermal insulation over your entire body core and will also provide balanced buoyancy so you can remain horizontal while underwater.  Neoprene is buoyant so wearing just a top will tend to keep you head-up in the water and make it difficult to dive.  These suits are available through almost any dive shop and can also be purchased online.

I think the above arrangement will permit you to use the same suit for both your triathlon activities as well as diving.

There are also thin (0.5 mm) neoprene wetsuits but they will provide far too much insulation for your triathlon activities and you'll quickly become overheated while wearing one when you're out of the water.

Kristi, I hope this provides the information you need to make an informed decision.  Best of luck with your triathlon activities and your scuba diving!!

Sincerely,
Mike Giles
Mike's Dive Center
mikescuba.com