Malta Fishing Forum

Free Diving => Apnea - Spearfishing => Topic started by: bahri on April 17, 2009, 17:15:56 CET

Title: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: bahri on April 17, 2009, 17:15:56 CET
Guys,

I am interested in a wetsuit to be able to extend my snorkling season, which is typically limited to the summer months, by a couple of months before and after summer. Also my diving is for relatively shallow waters (-10m) so apologies if i am in the wrong forum! There is lots of info here however i have two newb queries which do not seem to be covered before:
- I was thinking of starting off with a 3.5m or is it more recommendable to go for 5mm?
- Also tricky question to answer as I believe it boils down to the individual but would one typically have to also buy a pair of boots & gloves for diving say in November?

many thanks.
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: SPNOTTA on April 17, 2009, 21:43:43 CET
3,3.5mm...great for summer, 4,5mm...better for spring and autumn...go for internal open cell...also, would recommend gloves and socks.
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: bahri on April 17, 2009, 23:20:17 CET
thanks! What exactly is a internal open cell type pls? can you point me to a link which spells it out?
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: SPNOTTA on April 18, 2009, 09:52:01 CET
The inside of the wetsuit is rubbery and smooth unlike most scuba diving wetsuits. This kind of interior offers a much better insulation and is much more comforable. It is more delicate but with proper handling (you have to lubricate it with water and soap or conditioner to wear it...also  take care with the finger nails) you shouldn't have any problems.

If you puncture or tear...do not worry too much...there is neoprene glue. I only punctured my wetsuit once (slipped on a slipway...typical of me...LOL) and after fixing it...it looks like new.

good luck.

Wiki definition:

"The return of single-backed neoprene
As wetsuits continued to evolve, their use was explored in other sports such as open-water swimming and triathlons. Although double-backed neoprene is strong, the cloth backing is rough and creates a large amount of drag in the water, slowing down the swimmer. A single-backed suit meanwhile has a very smooth, slick exterior permitting water to slide easily over the bare neoprene. With the advances of elastic lycra backings and blindstitching, single-backed neoprene suits could now be made that outperformed the early cousins from the 1970s. Other developments in single-backed wetsuits include the suits designed for free-diving and spearfishing. Single lined neoprene is more flexible than double lined. To achieve flexibility and low bulk for a given warmth of suit, they are unlined inside, and the smooth surface of the neoprene is removed mechanically to reveal a rougher "open cell" surface which adheres closely to the skin and reduces flushing of the suit. The lined outer surface may be printed with camouflage patterns for spearfishing."


Reference:

Wikipedia The Free Ecyclopedia, Wetsuit [online]. Available from:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetsuit [accessed 18 Apr 2009].
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: ciappinu on April 18, 2009, 22:37:19 CET
Bahri, I use a 5mm shortie and its fine until November. I then start swimming again in April. No gloves or boots for me. Most important is the head and back/chest I find.
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: baghira on April 19, 2009, 08:33:42 CET
agree with spnotta.........
Be careful about booties...........not like the ones for scuba, but as spnotta said 'socks'.
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: bahri on April 20, 2009, 15:57:01 CET
thanks guys.

will keep you posted on progress.

caw

Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: bahri on April 20, 2009, 16:00:13 CET
Quote from: SPNOTTA on April 17, 2009, 21:43:43 CET
3,3.5mm...great for summer, 4,5mm...better for spring and autumn...go for internal open cell...also, would recommend gloves and socks.

Is this a shortie type or full length?
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: SPNOTTA on April 20, 2009, 18:51:51 CET
full...pants and vest.
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: bahri on April 21, 2009, 09:23:54 CET
Grazzi chief tal pacenzja!

Wahda ta l-ahhar fuq wetsuits ... would you recommend a second hand one?  Is there a second hand market in Malta?

James
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: Granitu on April 21, 2009, 09:27:25 CET
second hands? niccekja sew kieku li mhux ghandha hafna uzu. wet suit normalment isservi sa 1.5-2 yrs, imbad n neoprene jispicca

jien ninvesti f wahda gdida hawn il varjeta u ta kwalita

second hands? i would check that it wasn't over used. wet suits normally serve up to 1.5 to 2yrs, after hat the neoprene will not be insulating so well

if i were you i would go for a new one. there is variety and a lot of quality ones.
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: SPNOTTA on April 21, 2009, 15:01:42 CET
Second Granitu...would not recommend seconds unless the respective wetsuits were rarely used.
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: baghira on April 21, 2009, 19:50:48 CET
SHOULD i COUNTINUE BY TELLING YOU HOW MANY TIMES i PEE'D IN MY WETSUIT BY NOW??????????????????????????????????HUNDREDS OF TIMES...... WOULD YOU BUY A SECOND HAND ONE NOW???????????????????????
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: Granitu on April 21, 2009, 20:25:01 CET
lol jaqq mur oqod hdejk wara min jaf kemm tibda tinten

lol should any one stay beside you smelly baghira
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: SPNOTTA on April 21, 2009, 21:40:37 CET
Good Baghira...the pee attracts fish :)
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: MartinB on April 21, 2009, 21:56:38 CET
QuoteGood Baghira...the pee attracts fish
Really? LOL!!! if so ill pack an extra thermos when i go fishing  8)
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: markcam on April 21, 2009, 23:23:00 CET
If your going to buy get a new one.  As I mentioned in another post a new 5 mm wet suite cost me 150 euros, which is cheap considering it will last another season.   For the summer months a 3 mm will be more then enough and costs less.  I'm lucky I have my old wet suite to use this summer as it now became a 2mm...........   

Talking about piss, has anyone ever tried making a piss kit (a method of relieving yourself outside the wetsuite without any water coming in) ?
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: SPNOTTA on April 22, 2009, 00:48:05 CET
No piss kit yet. :)
BTW what was the weight of Regina?
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: EmicMalta on April 22, 2009, 07:21:00 CET
Regards second hand I woukldn t recomend it if its used  more then 5 time especcially if its zippless. normally it takes the shape of the diver s body.

As for piss kit I had it. I dont agree with it especcially getting out from a bay full of people  :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o and even this was a problem to piss in it. the best thing is try to keep it and go back on the rocks. With this cold waters it decrease your body temperature too
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: mellieha on April 22, 2009, 10:19:24 CET
probably that's why baghira makes quite some catches.  It all depends on the peeeeee ;D ;D ;D

I need to pee alot then in mine. ;D ;D
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: Seahunter on April 22, 2009, 12:06:08 CET
QuoteAs for piss kit I had it. I dont agree with it especcially getting out from a bay full of people 

;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D


Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: fish-noob on April 22, 2009, 12:09:37 CET
what the hell is a piss kit :0
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: markcam on April 22, 2009, 12:28:53 CET
Quote from: fish-noob on April 22, 2009, 12:09:37 CET
what the hell is a piss kit :0

(http://www.medfish.com/gallery/data/media/81/1_Piss_Kit_1.JPG)

(http://www.medfish.com/gallery/data/media/81/2_Piss_Kit_2.JPG)

(http://www.sportsdykker.dk/micrositeimages/interid_26_1078176755_pissette2.jpg)  (I'd never do this :p )

Like this or something similar  ::)  I have no idea how to install one yet!!
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: fish-noob on April 22, 2009, 12:32:09 CET
OMG!! whilst i thank you for the info!! i am scarred for life..... heheh no way Hossseee
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: robby017 on April 22, 2009, 12:38:05 CET
OMG!! dik biex tghinek timmira lolololololololol  :o ::)
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: rammx on April 22, 2009, 12:40:16 CET
no comment :S lol  :-X :-X
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: EmicMalta on April 22, 2009, 13:03:03 CET
thats good to relax when having a girlfriend spearfishing  :D :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: SPNOTTA on April 22, 2009, 13:22:38 CET
Quote from: mellieha on April 22, 2009, 10:19:24 CET
probably that's why baghira makes quite some catches.  It all depends on the peeeeee ;D ;D ;D

I need to pee alot then in mine. ;D ;D

That is nothing, you should see the fish that accumulate when I find it mandatory to release small brown spnottas in the sea when I get tummy probs!!!! It seems that most fish find it of great nutritional value!!!!
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: LapsiBoy on April 22, 2009, 15:40:38 CET
Im interested in buyin a wetsuit. Im doing some research, Im still a beginner so i dont want to spend a lot of money, what would you guys recommend so i can hear deifferent opinions and ideas..
Im only interested in a full suit no shorties. Something not too expensive, what do you think????
Title: Re: wetsuit query from a newbie
Post by: baghira on April 22, 2009, 19:13:58 CET
hahahahah

What the heck
Once emic told me that he had one...
As iffffffffffffff
There are enough things to take care of whilst underwater, I do not need any hassle with my dear Mr. Peppi hanging around.. ;D ;D If I had to meet a sirene, then it would be another issue.
You made me remember of some times that happened also to me spnotta. There is no way that you can hold your breath with the no. 2. :o I remeber my friend, surfacing under my a..ho.. And aslo a funny adventure is to do it underneath a cliff. You have to take off all your equipment, with small boats passing by and asking themselves, What the heck!!Is this guy crazy? Guess they could not see what I was doing underneath the surface ;D ;D