If you're spearfishing the Sunshine Coast, choosing the right wetsuit can make or break your dive. From the warm summer currents to the brisk winter bays, water temps can swing from 28°C down to 18°C or lower — especially in areas like Caloundra and closer inshore. Wearing the right wetsuit will keep you comfortable, help extend your dive times, and improve your performance in the water.
Here's a season-by-season guide to picking the right wetsuit for Sunshine Coast spearfishing:
Winter (Mid-June to September)
Water temp: As low as 18°C, especially in bays and shallows
Recommended wetsuit: Cressi Lampuga 5mm Open Cell Wetsuit
During winter, the water can get seriously chilly — especially on early morning dives or when river diving or heading into Moreton Bay. A 5mm open-cell wetsuit is ideal for staying warm and diving comfortably.
We recommend a 5mm long john suit like the Cressi Lampuga. The open-cell lining offers excellent insulation, and the two-piece design gives flexibility where you need it.
Autumn & Spring (April–June, September–December)
Water temp: Transitioning between warm and cool (20–24°C)
Recommended wetsuit: Cressi Scorfano 3.5mm Wetsuit
These shoulder seasons are a bit of a mixed bag — some days can feel balmy, while others bring a bite. A 3mm or 3.5mm suit strikes a good balance between warmth and mobility. The Cressi Scorfano is our go-to pick for these in-between conditions.
Pro tip: If you’re diving in early spring and find the 3mm suit isn’t cutting it, try wearing a 5mm top with your 3mm pants. Mixing and matching wetsuit pieces gives you more control over your thermal comfort.
Summer (December to March)
Water temp: 25°C to 28°C
Recommended wetsuit:
In summer, things heat up — both above and below the surface. A full 2mm wetsuit like the Cressi Tokugawa is perfect for protection against UV, jellyfish, and reef scrapes without overheating. Alternatively, pair a 3mm open-cell top with lightweight Lycra or skin pants for extra flexibility in warmer water.
Weighting Tips When Changing Wetsuits
As you change wetsuit thickness throughout the year, don’t forget to adjust your weights. Thicker wetsuits add more buoyancy, so you’ll need more lead in winter and less in summer. Re-check your buoyancy each time you switch suits to stay safe and efficient.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right wetsuit for the season helps keep you focused on the hunt — not the temperature. At Dive Cave, we stock a full range of spearfishing wetsuits from Cressi and other leading brands to suit Sunshine Coast conditions all year round.
Need help choosing the right setup? Get in touch or drop by our store — we’re always happy to chat gear and local conditions.