Wet Suit help!!!

[Bigazsben]

I don't surf but I plan on diving for abalone in California. I've had trouble looking for a wet suit and was hoping experts here could help me since you guys practically live in the water! My problem is I'm about 6'4"-6'5" and about 300lbs. What brands and size would be good for me? I need something around 5mm thick to withstand the cold waters of Northern California. Any help would he amazing! Thanks!

[jaffa1949]

Bigazben, i don't think surfing wetsuits would be the go for you.
I suggest you try dive forums and dive sites for custom made suits , surfing suits and diving suits are fundamentally different in cut for different purposes of action.
Hopefully some of our Californian crew can advise you further.
Another thing to consider your diving techniques, hooka scuba free or rebreather, might mean a difference too.
I hope you know your diving stuff, dangerous waters both in conditions and the presence of the landlord.

[billie_morini]

Big,
you are correct. NorCAL water is cold-ish (Avg 50F, 10C) near shore from Monterey to Mendocino. It's colder at depths below waves surfing water depths, plus you may not be as active grabbing abalone as with surfing (although, it's all free diving by regulation). If you are going north of Mendocino, it's colder.

You may find more useful information in diving forums. We're surfers and some of our members surf in places where NO wetsuit is required!
billie