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Do I need a wetsuit in Hawaii ?

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Old Mar 20th, 2006 | 06:46 PM
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Do I need a wetsuit in Hawaii ?

I'm going to the Big Island in May and plan on doing lots of snorkling and scuba diving with my wife. Do I need a wetsuit for both activities?
dan115 is offline  
Old Mar 20th, 2006 | 08:35 PM
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For scuba, definitely.

For snorkeling -- only if you have zero body fat to keep you warm (never an issue with me...I'm well-insulated!)
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Old Mar 20th, 2006 | 10:33 PM
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Gawd, I love you Auntie M. What would this site do without you?
8-)
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Old Mar 21st, 2006 | 04:34 AM
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I was in Hawaii mid-March a couple of years ago. The weather was warm enough to wear shorts and bathing suits but I was always cold in the water. Personally I wish I had just a wet suit top on. One time it got cloudy while we were snorkeling and I came out of the water shivering. But the fact that you will be there 2 months later than I was may make a difference. Have a great time, I think about going back all the time.
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Old Mar 21st, 2006 | 06:24 AM
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I've found that a tee shirt is enough for extended snorkel jaunts (plus it's good for sun protection). My daughter likes her short-sleeved poly ski underwear. Scuba--wet suit for sure.
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Old Mar 21st, 2006 | 06:33 AM
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The watertemp in Hawaii is always surprisingly cool. Everytime I enter the water and hit that certain part of my anatomy (armpits!) I am a little shocked.
I am a big guy, but can only snorkel for forty minutes or so without becoming chilled. I get so warmed-up preparing for scuba that I only wear a tee shirt.
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Old Mar 21st, 2006 | 06:36 AM
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I also get a little cold snorkeling (I get cold easily). I like to wear a splash top or rash guard shirt over my swimsuit top. It keeps me warm and it blocks the sun. And the rash guard is nice for boogie boarding, too.
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Old Mar 21st, 2006 | 06:49 AM
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was just in hawaii for 2 1/2 weeks and needed to purchase a long-sleeved neoprene for surfing. was fine the last 2 trips also taken in March, but found the water to be much cooler this year (lots of rain & cooler temps)

You won't need wetsuit, but may want a rashguard or neoprene top. You can always decide once you are there...

have fun! aloha!
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Old Mar 21st, 2006 | 08:49 AM
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I will say that you probably will need a wetsuit for the scuba, depending on your tolerance. Water temperatures around that time will likely be in the high 70s. Repeated dives will chill you more.

However, I know people who dive all the time here in just their swimsuit. Personally I don't know how they do it, as I require a minimum of a full 3 mil in the height of summer - but it depends on the individual.

You need to assess the water temperatures to which you're used to and what you wear for that to get a good idea of how thick a wetsuit you may need in Hawaii.
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Old Mar 23rd, 2006 | 12:11 PM
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You will need a wetsuit if you are staying at the Marriott on Kauai.
8-)
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