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I heard the January water temps in the VI's were cooler than normal this year.
What impact will this have on a slightly wimpy northerner? I wasn't planning to pack a wetsuit but now I am thinking I should make room. What do you think? I am not planning to do any diving but typically spend 3-4 hours at a time snorkeling.
Will be in STJ the end of February.
Also - what does "cool water" in STJ mean? Average is supposed to be around 79 in the winter. Does it drop as low as 75? Is there a place to check actual water temp as opposed to the average water temp?
Thanks!
Trekker
I just got back from 10 days in the water at STT finishing my Divemaster.My dive computer never read below 79 degrees even at depth.Now Im from Oklahoma and am really a BIG WUSS about the cold.I did wear a 3mm wet suit but not because it was cold,just for protection.Id think that snorkeling on top of the water a rash guard to keep from getting burnrd on your bad would probably be a better investment.Man those divemasters that are used to working there in that warm water all day were moaning the "cant get warm blues" Did I have fun with that. Enjoy
Another Okie!!! I'm glad to see you on this board. My wife and live in OKC and are going down to STT & STJ in April for our honeymoon, 11 months late. We can't wait to get there and out of this cold (we are supposed to get some snow tonite)
I have heard about rash guards on this site and I wasn't quite sure what they were. We plan on doing lots of snorkeling while we are there so they will probably be a good investment. What exactly are they and how do they work?
a rash guard is like a t shirt except it made out of lacra or a thin stretch material.you usually see surfers wearing them. they breath so they arent hot but also protect you from the sun and dry very quickly. they also provide some protection from things you could brush up against. Most of them are around $30. I know they have them at the Caribbean Surf co in Havensight or you could try one of the dive shops in OKC. Academay Sports may have them.
by the way,Im up in Stillwater and from the radar looks like you guys are gonna get the brunt of the snow and we are just gonna get dusted for a change.Sorry for you.Actually Im planning on being back on island in April also.Have a great time.
Do you know of any good dive shops or a place I could get some snorkel gear from in OK. I work in Norman, live in Edmond and travel to Tulsa every few weeks so I have a better part of the state covered. Are you a frequent traveler to the usvi's?
Franks Underwater Sports in Edmond is good,dont have their number off hand but Im sure its in you book ,In Tulsa Posiden Sports on Peoria is really good,the owner is Randy and hes a PADI course director. My advice is buy your own mask,fins and snorkel and a bag for them. youll be much happier with a mask that fits you instead of rental stuff.If you decide to rent just do it down there and you wont have to carry it with you.I have some buddies down there and I usually go down 3 or 4 times a year.Just havent figured out how to stay with out my ex wifes lawyers tracking me down.hahaha
Consider getting before you go. Type in "rashguard" at froogle.com and you'll get many e-tailers to choose from to order.
