Snorkelling in winter can be tougher than you think with the challenges of both visibility and colder winds, but if you love being in the water as much as I do, you'll be happy to take these challenges on board as there are still so many beautiful things to see. Don't forget that freshwater sites and rivers are going to be colder than the sea, so make sure you wrap up even more!
There are so many different choices about, so I thought I'd share some ideas to help you choose the right suit as it's more important than ever to keep warm at this time of year. And yes, a good coat to keep you warm when you come out of the water is an absolute must.
I would definitely recommend a 7 mm suit for winter at least to keep you snug. I use a 65 O'Three Semi-Dry Suit which is a 6 mm in the body and 5 mm in the arms and the legs. The torso has been laminated with Thermal Plush, a unique weaving technique which helps to keep warm and also speeds up the drying process. I also wear a Fourth Element Artictherm layer underneath which gives me extra warmth, plus it also acts as a wind barrier when I'm taking my wetsuit off. Yes it is supposed to be worn underneath a drysuit, but trust me, it has really helped me to stay toasty even when it's wet!
Another option is an 8 mm suit and the Mares Pro Therm 8/7 mm wetsuit is able to combine thermal comfort, resistance, freedom of movement and functionality in a really nice design which even has a useful pocket on the side. It also has a front zip, making it nice and easy to put on and take off. It has Fire Plush on the Torso and the back which, like my O'Three suit, provides thermal comfort. It also has an anti-slip area on the wrist which is a great touch for those who wear a watch or computer to stop it from slipping.
Other great companies offering top quality suits are BARE, Scubapro, Cressi and Fourth Element. Choosing one with an open cell liner will also increase warmth.
Don't forget that you can also pop on a shortie over the top for extra warmth too but remember you still need to be able to move.
Drysuits
There's nothing that beats the feeling of emerging from a winter snorkel (especially a long one) and still being dry and warm! There are two kinds, a membrane or trilaminate drysuit or a neoprene drysuit.
The key differences between the two are that a membrane or trilaminate suit are lighter and offer no thermal protection which you will need to purchase separately. However, this can be an advantage, as you can buy an undersuit appropriate to different weather temperatures and needs.
Neoprene suits are naturally warmer, reducing the need for additional thermal layers and stretch with movement allowing for a comfier and snugger fit. They are much heavier though and are harder to transport.
There's so much more information on this on Mikes Dive Stores site:
https://www.mikesdivestore.com/pages/choosing-a-diving-drysuit
What Other Accessories Do I Need?
Do I really need a hood? Absolutely YES! It will make a huge amount of difference (as long as you choose one which is the right size) when you are in the water, especially for long periods. A separate hood can easily be removed, but it can also be lost easily when you have so much more kit to carry. Choosing a wetsuit which has an integrated hood is a great option and will keep your neck snug too. I wear a 5 mm all year round and would definitely recommend at least a 5 mm for the winter, or even a 7 mm.
Gloves? It's a huge yes to these too as they will help to keep your hands and fingers from getting too cold and offer protection from the elements too. Again I choose 5 mm gloves, but if you have a camera, then checking the size of them is important to make sure that you can still operate your camera or Go Pro underwater. Make sure that they are snug and that there are no air spaces between your glove and your finger, otherwise the air in that space will get very chilly indeed.
Dive boots have thicker soles as well as providing extra support will keep your feet snug and cozy whilst also protecting your feet. Choosing at least a 5 mm will also make it far easier and safer to walk back to shore in rocky areas.
Choosing a Zip
The position of your zip is so important, especially if you are snorkelling alone. A front zipper can be far easier than a back zip, which will inhibit flexibility and let in cold water down your back which is not the nicest feeling if you are snorkelling in the winter months for the first time. It is also much easier to do up if you are by yourself.
Seams and Seals
There are many different kinds of seams which help to determine how watertight and comfortable your wetsuit is going to be. Choosing the right one for a winter suit is even more crucial to keep the suit as watertight as it can be.
Blindstitch Stitching or Glue Blind-Stitch (GBS) is one of the best options for colder water. This is where the edges of the panels are glued together and then stitched on the inside of the neoprene to help enable a fully watertight, really flexible and strong seam.
Taped seams is where tape is applied to the inside of the seams to strengthen them where necessary, particularly in those areas which are under the most amount of stress.
Sealed seams are also known as liquid sealed, fluid sealed or welded seams and is when a liquid rubber is put over the seams, making them completely watertight. Some suits will have this on the outside as well as the inside. Also check your seals on your wrists and ankles that they are nice and snug to keep water in and stop it from gushing in and out.
To sum all of this information up as I know that it is a lot to take in if you are new to snorkelling and how to choose the best suit for your needs, always look for GBS seams as a minimum. If your suit is going to take a battering, then it's worth investing in taped or sealed seams for extra durability and waterproofing.
Also think about how much flexibility you require. More seams mean less flexibility, but they also produce a better-fitting wetsuit.
Finally don't forget to invest in a quality changing robe to keep you warm before and after your snorkel, ideally one which is windproof. I have recently been using one made by VOITED which has been a complete gamechanger and is completely made with recycled materials and plastic bottles too. I honestly never dreamt that rubbish could keep me so warm during these recent storms and it's really put a smile on my face knowing that I am helping our planet too.