USVI-On-Line

I love to snorkel but last time we were in STJ in January, I always got chilled being in the water so long. does anyone have any suggestions besides a wet suit. I don't want to try to wiggle in and out of one of those every day!
THanks!

Rash guard baby! Long and short sleeves are available. Some are pretty cute. also kepe you form burning.

You can find them everywhere on line here's a link to the first site I came across so you cna get a visual: http://www.rashguardshirtco.com/

I also get very chilled in the water. I bought a hydroskin shirt from NRS and feel that it helps quite a bit. It also provides sun protection. Be aware that it is a very snug fit.

My snorkel-addicted friend bought a neoprene vest while we were in Anguilla last year. She has yet to use it but it certainly looks like it would keep you warm while leaving your arms free. A rash guard underneath would work, too!
http://www.houseofscuba.com/vests-hoode ... vest5.html

My husband (a water skiier) has a neoprene shirt that he uses for spring skiing. It's thin enough that he can move his arms freely.
http://www.bartswatersports.com/catalog ... /index.asp

Neoprene keeps you warm by trapping water between you and itself, which then warms up with your body heat. You're wet but warm!

I use a company called Coolibar (coolibar.com) that has nice rashguards for all sizes. I like them too because the fit is not too snug (which allows room for expansion and contraction depending on consumption levels

The one time we went in January I brought down a couple of different rashguards, ranging from standard short sleeved all the way to a long sleeved high necked one that came down to my knees. To be honest, none of them kept me warm enough to stay in the water for an extended snorkeling session. If we come down in the winter again, I am either purchasing or renting a shortie wetsuit.

My mom is a total sissy about water temps.

She wears, much to my husband's horror, her skiing long underwear. I don't know what fabric it is but it is something tech-y/super warm as she works at a ski resort and is outside 14+ hours a day in the winter.

She swears it keeps her warm. I don't know what properties allow it to work when wet. It does look odd but she doesn't care.

We (the PA family) did look into getting her a lighter weight dive "skin" for her b-day and the suits weren't terribly expensive.

I used to get chilly in the water very quickly. Rashguards didn't make much difference for me, unfortunately, so my only other option was a wetsuit. I started wearing a neoprene shirt that kind of looks like a rashguard but thicker and warmer. I can snorkel much longer now so am happy. The shirt is snug, though... but it wouldn't be as warm if it fit loosely, I imagine.

In case you are interested:
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp? ... deptid=942 (short sleeves)
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2623 (long sleeves)

Just how cold is the water in January? I read somewhere that it is typically in the upper 70's. That isn't cold for a Lake Michigan'er who is accustomed to that temp in the dead of summer, but I imagine it could be a bit chilly for others.

Muhaha wrote:Just how cold is the water in January? I read somewhere that it is typically in the upper 70's. That isn't cold for a Lake Michigan'er who is accustomed to that temp in the dead of summer, but I imagine it could be a bit chilly for others.

Yeah, I guess some folks are more prone to getting cold than others. I've been snorkeling in Jan and Feb and was perfectly fine.

My answer to the original question was going to be "The Caribbean Sea" but I realize it's a serious issue for some folks so I refrained.

GraysonDave wrote:

Muhaha wrote:Just how cold is the water in January? I read somewhere that it is typically in the upper 70's. That isn't cold for a Lake Michigan'er who is accustomed to that temp in the dead of summer, but I imagine it could be a bit chilly for others.

Yeah, I guess some folks are more prone to getting cold than others. I've been snorkeling in Jan and Feb and was perfectly fine.

My answer to the original question was going to be "The Caribbean Sea" but I realize it's a serious issue for some folks so I refrained.

We spend a lot of time in the water and have never even thought about the water being cold.

My mom and the wife half of our travelling friends are the type that won't get in their pools, on a 100 degree day, if the water isn't above 86 degrees.

In fact, I remember one trip where my friend got in the water maybe once during the entire week.

My mom loves snorkelling so much that she "braves" 80 degree water wearing her ridiculous long underwear.

So, yeah, it all depends on your own tolerance and desire.

PEE!

Rashguards are good and especially for the sun.

However, if you want to stay warm you have to fight your body's natural radiators, namely your hands and feet (your head stays warm from the sun). I've always worn dive boots but in the last few years have added the gloves and it is like night and day. I can stay in the water as long as I want now and never feel cold at all. Gloves are definitely the way to go!

PA Girl wrote:

She wears, much to my husband's horror, her skiing long underwear. I don't know what fabric it is but it is something tech-y/super warm as she works at a ski resort and is outside 14+ hours a day in the winter.

I have done this before while taking scuba classes (not in the VIs). I have Hot Chillys and they really do make a big difference. I wear the long-sleeved crew neck with the thermal bottoms and they help to keep your body insulated. In addition, they can be used in the cold weather as well - can't beat that

I love my shortie wetsuit! Because it is short with short sleeves it is easy to put on and keeps me nice an warm when the water is a little cool. If you want more sun protection wear a long sleeve rash guard under it, but I have never had a problem with that. It also helps you float, so if you like to dive down, I suggest putting on some weight. I suggest a hyper stretch one so it easy around the curves.