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#70
Wetsuit Mill for Orange Beach - Pensacola dives
DrewD - 5/07/2017 8:39 AM
Category: New Diver Q&A
Replies: 7

We are diving Orange Beach AL and Pensacola FL the first of June and need to know what mill wetsuit we should use? We have 5 mill suits. Hoping that’s not to thick.
#321
Divertissimo - 5/07/2017 9:47 AM
Pensacola sea water temperatures peak in the range 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) on around the 14th of July and are at their coldest on about the 10th of February, in the range 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at Pensacola beach climb to their warmest in mid July. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. The coldest seasonal sea water temperatures at Pensacola beach in early to mid February lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots, it is all about comfort
Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Pensacola beach can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Pensacola beach. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.
#321
Divertissimo - 5/07/2017 9:50 AM
Pensacola sea water temperatures peak in the range 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) on around the 14th of July and are at their coldest on about the 10th of February, in the range 16 to 20°C (61 to 68°F). Year round warm sea water temperatures at Pensacola beach climb to their warmest in mid July. Even then a rash vest and board shorts should be fine for surfing at any time of year. The coldest seasonal sea water temperatures at Pensacola beach in early to mid February lend themselves to a 4/3mm wetsuit or a 3/2mm suit and 3mm neoprene boots, it is all about comfort
Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Pensacola beach can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Pensacola beach. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.
#89
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Nikko7219 - 5/12/2017 9:12 AM
I do deep with a lot of sharks in June off of Jupiter and use a 5mm and have no issues with overheating. I just wait until we are about on the spot to suit up.
#30
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DrewClearwater - 5/30/2017 6:06 PM
I dive year-round in the gulf (Tampa Bay area). It IS all about comfort. Find out what the current temp is 1 week out and plan for that. Personally, if below 68 5mm with hood. 69-76 3mm, 76-80 1mm tropical, and rash guard above 80. If wreck diving, minimum is a skin/ 1mm tropical. Dive the environment and be comfortable.
#70
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DrewD - 5/31/2017 8:13 AM
Thanks for the info guys. It did help! I have a lot to learn...

I picked up a ScubaPro Everflex 3mm suit for next weeks dives. Our dives will average 40-60ft. Nothing fancy.
#30
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DrewClearwater - 6/01/2017 5:07 PM
The Everflex is great wet suit. You will be happy.
#55
ChadS - 12/12/2018 11:07 PM
I have never had to end a dive because of being too hot, but I have because I was too cold. Just a tug on your collar can help with flushing the wetsuit to bring your temperature down.

Good article on wetsuit thickness.

aquazealots.com/how-to-select-the-right-wetsuit-thickness/