kelp26 0 Posted August 27, 2014 I'll be on the Galapagos Sky in early September. I have a 7mm suit. and I also have a 5mm suite with a separate hooded vest. Can you advise? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Interceptor121 763 Posted August 27, 2014 This year temperatures are warmer but septmber is the coldest month. I was there in may with a 5mm and was plenty but I would think a 7mm is probably safer for the thermoclines Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevindale222 3 Posted August 28, 2014 Following topic. As I'm on Galapagos sky next sept and was gouged to ask the same question. . Let me know how the trip goes. Will be very interested to hear. Many thanks. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tassietraveller 4 Posted August 29, 2014 Hi, I spent 3 months on the Galapagos a few years back. The water temp was always unpredictable due to the currents. But more importantly you never quite knew when you would hit a cold upwelling current. You can actually see them as you approach - a kind of "shimmer" in the water. They'd instantly drop the temperature by 5C or more! Most people dived with one piece 7 mm suits, although one guy I dived with didn't wear a wetsuit at all! For me a 7 mm was overkill and I'd be fine with a 5 mm. However, if you feel the cold I'd recommend the 7 mm. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shorty 1 Posted August 29, 2014 i took the fouth element 5mm wet suit with the shorts and top then you go either i found this a good combo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Interceptor121 763 Posted August 29, 2014 I have an oneill 5 with the 4th element short John. I think that's the best compromise but more expensive. If you have a 7mm you can buy an oneill or fourth elements thermo top and you will be fine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevindale222 3 Posted August 29, 2014 I already have a fourth element 3mm full and love it so am thinking the 7mm proteus and also have a thermocline vest 2mm if needed. Sound good? What gloves are recommended. Are kevlar necessary. If so any recommendation? As you guys have had the experience of Galapagos. Any other great tips on gear etc whoh I might forget would be greatly appreciated. Any thanks guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Interceptor121 763 Posted August 29, 2014 Depending on surge you want kevlar gloves. I bought oneill 3mm worked fine. However with a bit of getting used to it I then went to one glove only as I had the camera. To be safe just get them. Some people used kevlar gloves for DIY as well. No thermal protection just avoid cuts Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bear35 11 Posted September 4, 2014 In my experience I would stick with a 7mm not only are there cold thermoclines but also the barnacles on the rocks are sharp and the more protection you have the better. Also you are likely to be doing 4 dives per day and if you start to feel cold and your core temperature drops you will be feeling cold all the time. Is it worth the risk? As far as gloves go Kevindale222 go to somewhere like screwfix and get some (I got a pair of scruffs) leather palmed work gloves, they are much better to operate cameras and tough enough to last a 10 day trip unscathed and about £6-10. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevindale222 3 Posted September 4, 2014 Thanks bear35 understand where you coming from with regards to feeling cold. I really don't want that to be an issue and spoil dives. I'm thinking def 7mm fourth element know. With regards to gloves would the screwfix gloves provide enough thermal protection. I was thinking down like of some kevlar 3mm??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Interceptor121 763 Posted September 4, 2014 (edited) Thermal protection is not really required and the DYI gloves may be OK However for less than £25 you can buy a pair of 3mm kevlar and you can operate the camera just fine Edited September 4, 2014 by Interceptor121 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevindale222 3 Posted September 4, 2014 That's what i was thinking interceptor121. May aswell just get the 3mm's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oceanshutter 121 Posted September 9, 2014 We went in August last year. A 5mm is fine for wolf and Darwin. It was 72-74 degrees however if you end up doing the mola dives or iguanas...west fernadina...that got down to 56 degrees. I was glad I had a 7mm and a 3/5mm hood. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bear35 11 Posted September 15, 2014 Sorry Kevindale222 I have been away. You would not need thermal protection as far as gloves go. Personally I would like a better feeling operating the camera than 3mm gloves give but each to their own! What ever you decide I am sure you will have a great trip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevindale222 3 Posted September 15, 2014 Hi bear35. I managed to get a fourth element proteus 5mm on an offer I couldn't refuse. Gonna look into a farmer john suit for under 5mm on the colder islands. Have any of you guys tried the fourth element farmer john is is there a better option. I get what you saying bear about feel for camera. Is this something you went for. http://www.thesafetysupplycompany.co.uk/p/378008/Supertouch-Kevlar-Black-Jack-High-Abrasion-Glove---Conforms-to-EN---Pair---ST-.html?gclid=CPGd_rLg48ACFfMZtAodVlkAew#.VBcizNm9LCQ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelp26 0 Posted September 18, 2014 Thanks all. I just returned from the Galapagos. I used a 5mm with a hooded 5/3 vest. When we hit the colder water, a 1mm rash guard really saved me. I'll take 7mm next time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevindale222 3 Posted September 18, 2014 Thanks for info kelp26. Where is everyone local dive locations?? I'm in UK so pretty used to cold conditions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BengalBoy 2 Posted March 7, 2015 7mm suit is just right.. I spent a week diving Wolf & Darwin. As one other Member has said, its not so much about the temperature, rather, the boulders, rocks, stone fish & Morays. The more protection you have the better. I also highly recommend gloves, really, they are more of a necessity. I bought and enjoyed the 2mm Oceanic Cyper Skin glove for protection and pretty good feel of my camera controls. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BengalBoy 2 Posted March 7, 2015 (edited) https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200796942509274&l=1439746921 Edited March 7, 2015 by BengalBoy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevindale222 3 Posted March 7, 2015 Thanks for advice and Great pics Bengal. Can't wait for sept now. . We're the gloves kevlar. If not how did they fair against the sharp rocks and boulders? What camera rig are you using? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davephdv 0 Posted March 7, 2015 Wore a 5 mlm last Jan. Fine for Wolf and Darwin. Not near warm enough, even with an added 6 mm hooded best for the Penguins. Bring a 5 and a 7 along with a hooded vest Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BengalBoy 2 Posted March 8, 2015 (edited) Here is a video of Diving Darwin,,, and Wolf.. alittle compilation. I have many others, there are 5 albums of my Galapagos adventure in my Albums basically detailing my experience with the Humboldt Explorer live aboard. Feel free to look and ask questions if you like? Yes, the gloves are a Kevlar model of the CyberSkin. They did wear very quickly, but, I still use them as they are so much better for feeling the camera housing controls. I watched many other Divers struggle with the thicker gloves ant their cameras. Buy a couple pair in case you tear one on a boulder, but, one pair should get you through a week dive excursion. Just depends on the currents you get while your out at Wolf & Darwin. I think this video will definitely Fire You UP!! Be sure to click the HD button. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10202925368198586&l=89298422658872665 Edited March 8, 2015 by BengalBoy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BengalBoy 2 Posted March 8, 2015 Eagle Ray!! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201321583544972&l=c3f9ba5051 Hammer Head!! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201676312892984&l=3de146c2af Whale Shark!! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200797161754755&set=a.10200796408215917.2207861.1334505596&type=3&theater Sea Lion!! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200796746344370&l=f7752a1469 Sea Turtle!! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200828425296324&l=0f3b2dd1af Grouper!! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200837726048837&l=42b8f00e35 Gear for Darwin..... https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200868939709159&l=d24515f14f Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
