Westuit Thickness in Southern SC

I know, I know. I am not trying to be "that guy" asking ridiculous questions about wetsuits, but after spending 10 years in San Diego, where my wetsuit routine is like clock work... Mid November, into a 4 mil. April, back into a 3 mil... Rest and repeat every year...

Now I live down on HHI. I am still in a 3 mil, about to go to a 4 mil as the water temps creep into the high 50s... I have read water temp tables that indicate HHI can drop into the 48-49 degree range in late January....

Mathematically speaking, this will require a 5 mil, hood and the whole shabang.... Any advice from Charleston/HHI/Tybee locals as to what they wrap up in mid-winter?

I mean, 49 is probably borderline 4 mil for some, but I tend to get cold and stay out long, so I am thinking its time to break the seal and invest in a 5 mil for the mid-late winter months...

Any advice on setups for the winter in SC?

 

Yeah, it was a toss up. My wife and I are both from MD. My dad retired on the delaware coast this year, so we had our eyes on that area big time. My wife's cousins, aunt, uncle and broth all moved down to HHI a few years back after also living in San Diego... They have been trying to recruit us for years ever since. My wifes mother and father are also trying to tie up loose ends and move down to the HHI are as well.

So, while it was on our radar, I didn't honestly think we would end up here. Everything in SD was going really well. One day in Mid September, I got a call from my wife's uncle from HHI and a huge opportunity to open up a massive restaurant on HHI came up and he introduced me to the owner. 2 phone interviews later I was offered the job and had to make a tough call with my wife. She had been really missing her family and stuff, and with a limited job pool down here, I took a chance. We packed up and headed out two weeks later... Toughest call ive ever had to make... Miss San Diego a lot, but all in all HHI is a sick place... The waves dont go off, but I have a ton of fun once or twice a week in some chest to head high stuff. Most times, I am literally the only guy out at the most popular spot on the island... so, its crazy coming from perfect crowded waves but then getting similar satisfaction out of mediocre and smaller days, but getting every wave that comes through.... Im happy though.

Wife and I are going to give it a year. If we aren't both super happy, its either back to Diego or back up to the OC MD/DE or VB area... Everything is on the table still, but we just took a big chance and so far, all is well... Good to hear from you again though... Ive been away from the forums for a while.

 

hacent had time yet, but im frothing to get up to Folly/Washout... I almost went during Sandy, but HHI was pretty perfect so I stayed

 

Flying dog out of Frederick MD is a sick beer. Raging ***** IPA is my favorite. Down here, the sweetwater 420 is a big micro brewery, but im not a huge fan.... all STONES are off the charts, but honestly, the best beer in the WORLD right now is Ballast Point Sculpin IPA out of San Diego. Hands down best beer on draft or bottle... Like Crack Water.

 

Yeah, ive been looking for local stuff since I opened up a restaurant/bar down here. I currently carry Palmetto IPA, Lager and Amber (Out of Charleston), as well as RJ Rocker Patriot Ale (RJ ROCKER is out of the columbia area I think)... But the main local stuff down here is sweetwater etc. Out of Atlanta, which isnt very local...

But seriously, if you guys can put me onto some solid local beers from SC, I will try them out and get them in my bar this week. Ive been looking local for a few months without tons of luck... Random sh** that no one knows of doesn't really sell unless its outstanding and I can get the staff behind it.