Wetsuit by Thickness

Frequently asked questions

What wetsuit thickness do I need for diving in Canada?

Most Canadian lake and ocean diving requires a minimum 7mm wetsuit for water temperatures that commonly range from 4°C to 15°C in spring, fall, and winter. In summer, surface temperatures in some Alberta and BC lakes reach 18°C to 22°C, where a 5mm wetsuit is comfortable for most divers for recreational depth dives. For any diving in Canadian water below 10°C, or for extended dives regardless of temperature, consider whether a drysuit is more appropriate than a thicker wetsuit — below 10°C, a wetsuit's thermal efficiency diminishes significantly with dive duration, and a drysuit provides more reliable warmth for Canadian year-round diving.

What does a two-number thickness like 5/3mm mean?

A two-number wetsuit thickness — such as 5/3mm or 7/5mm — indicates that the neoprene is thicker over the core (torso and upper body) and thinner at the extremities (arms, lower legs). The first number is the torso thickness; the second is the limb thickness. This configuration prioritizes warmth at the vital organs while maintaining greater flexibility and mobility at the joints. A 5/3mm suit is warmer at the core than a uniform 3mm suit while being more flexible at the arms and legs than a full 5mm suit. Two-number suits are more common in quality surf and dive wetsuits than in entry-level neoprene.