Snorkeling in Hawaii/do I need a shorty?

gassy · 11-11-2006, 03:14 PM

Hey now. Going to Hawaii in a couple weeks and plan on snorkeling a lot. Total novice--should we plan on wearing shorty wetsuits or no?
Thanks, Christian.

scottmandue · 11-11-2006, 03:27 PM

Temps vary, never stuck a thermometer in the water but I would guess in the mid seventies with air temp and humidity in the eighties. I have been there over a dozen times, only took a wet-suit once and I go swimming/snorkeling in the ocean almost every day, but then I am pretty well insulated on my own.

There is a chain in Hawaii called snorkel bob's, they will rent you fins, mask, and snorkel for 10-15 bucks a week (as will most dive shops) and yes they soak the mask and snorkel in disinfectant after every use. I tell you this because on my last trip I decided I would skip the fins because they don't fit in a suitcase... well, to rent fins is around ten bucks so I could have got the whole shebang for a few dollars more... ended up just sharing fins with my dad and brother.

scottmandue · 11-11-2006, 03:49 PM

Oh and if you haven't been there before you can pack light on the clothing (I know good luck talking the wife into that). During the day you can go just about anywhere in shorts, T-shirt, and flip flops... a Hawaiian shirt and long pants is formal wear for most fancy resturants. I can pack two weeks of clothing into a small back-pack and a carry-on.

Post some pics when you get back!

Aloha,
Scott

Moses · 11-11-2006, 03:50 PM

No need for a wetsuit. Water is WONDERFUL! Even at 60' for 40 minutes you won't need a wetsuit.

austin552 · austin552's Garage

Well I am 5-11"???

Dan in Pasadena · Dan in Pasadena's Garage

You do NOT need wetsuit!

RoninLB · 11-11-2006, 09:01 PM

I'm a coldie. After 2 hrs in warm water I get cold without a shortie. As a matter of fact I own the only custom shortie around with an attached hood.

So it depends on how long you expect to be in the water. If the routine single 30min snorkeling there is no need for a shortie.

dd74 · 11-11-2006, 10:33 PM

If you want to look like a foolish mainlander, by all means, wear a wetsuit.

jim72911t · 11-12-2006, 12:14 AM

Foolish mainlander here.

Went to Maui in the spring, and I wore a shorty when I snorkeled. Did it for three reasons: 1. I'm a skinny little bastard, so I don't have much "natural" insulation. 2. Keeps the sun off your back. 3. Aids in buoyancy. (which can be both good and bad. Good because you can stay out for much longer without getting tired, bad because it makes it a bit harder to dive.)

One more reason, actually. I grew up surfing and spending most of my youth on the beach, so I figured it was my right (and duty) to look like one of the idiot "inlanders" that I made so much fun of as a kid.

Served me right.

RoninLB · 11-12-2006, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jim72911t

Foolish mainlander here.

3. Aids in buoyancy. (which can be both good and bad.

... I grew up surfing ..........

Beaches are great to grow up with. Your lucky, I'm lucky. I also have bonus coupons. I live 200' from a nice deep and wide channel.

This is a great pic, for me anyway, of the Atlantic 1,000' from here. Their is a dark area of rock jettys almost pic dead center.
They extend well beyond the breakers and may hold small fish that attract the stripers.
A little further right past the pic is Ambrose light tower about 15mi out marking the entrance of NY Harbor. When running deep fishing you have to cross the sea lanes.

Also.......

I always use a weight belt and it's easy for me to use one. It's easy to dial in if you have a plan. It's a tool. I have a pretty decent act free-diving in severe conditions and I love'em.

Best safety is no belt at all. Actually a newbie should Not play with lead.

I still figure that the time in water should determine the use of a shortie.

Neilk · 11-12-2006, 07:29 AM

If you are going to Maui and want to go snorkeling, don't bother going to Molokini. It's a really nice boat ride, but the snorkeling is better right off the beaches and you don't have to deal with throngs of people.

My g/f gets cold easily and was happy to have her shorty in summer! I had no problem with the water temperature. If you own a shorty, bring it with you, otherwise rent one at Snorkel Bob's.

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

You do if you are a pussy, can I say that?

I used running tights when I was in the Caymans and it helped me. If you have a shorty suit take it, if you don't need it, no big deal. Do not leave any valuables at all in your car when you park it to go snorkeling

LakeCleElum · 11-12-2006, 01:30 PM

No wet suit needed. If going to Maui, Costco is right next to the airport. You can buy snorkel gear for the cost of one or two days rental...

gassy · 11-12-2006, 02:35 PM

Thanks guys.
Christian.