In Reply to: suit against cold posted by David on May 08, 2009 at 14:44:44:

I'm like you. I use to dive So Cal in a 6.5mm one piece, but was getting really cold on multiple dives. I made the jump to a dry suit and wear that year round here, and adjust the undergarments. I've never been to warm. And my 6.5 mm I take on tropical trips were the water is around 78 degrees.

Back to So Cal, I assume you are not local to the area. So. Cal. is considered Cold Water diving. If you're visiting in the summer, and depending where you dive, the water will be around 60, can be colder can be warmer, but it's a good average. The water warms later into summer. I think the warmest is around Sept., but others might feel differently.

If you get cold you'll do well with as much neoprene as you are comfortable. Possibly a 2 peace (aka Farmer John) Always you need a good fitting suit is the key to staying warm. If you are renting that can be tuff to find a good fit. I’m not an off the rack type, so I have my wetsuits customer made, which is not much more expensive than off the rack.

This board is a good place for local info, if you know when you’ll be in the area.