New wetsuit...

[Montauk3]

I just purchased a shorty suit. It really emphasizes the gut, but that aside, Are there any tips or accessory's I might want to be aware of? (First time user).

Just because the water is now cool I don't want to be restricted to the wet and dry.

Thanks in advance.

HH

 

[steve from ohio]

I just purchased a shorty suit. It really emphasizes the gut, but that aside, Are there any tips or accessory's I might want to be aware of? (First time user).

Just because the water is now cool I don't want to be restricted to the wet and dry.

Thanks in advance.

HH

Do not fold it. Ever. The material will weaken and take the fold as permanent. Make sure if used in salt water to rinse it off with fresh water after use. Make sure you hang it up in a well ventilated area so it can dry well. Never put it in a dryer. If you do need to wash it, use a very weak solution of soap and water.

As far as accessories, I would recommend a set of diving boots and gloves if it did not come with them.

And beware. If you are in heavy surf, the wet suit will make you much more buoyant and you may be swept off you feet by the waves. I would never go into the ocean without a wet suit though because of the safety factor. If you get caught in a rip current, the wet suit will aid in your survival.

I have a full wet suit and it cost over $1000. It is a titanium SAS suit and keeps me warm up to 40 degree water.

 

[Monty]

Dang! I would love to have a wet suit, extra beefy, but I couldn't afford that. Are there cheaper ones? I wouldn't use it to dive, just to work the shoreline of fresh water lakes in the cooler weather. Monty

 

[Montauk3]

Dang! I would love to have a wet suit, extra beefy, but I couldn't afford that. Are there cheaper ones? I wouldn't use it to dive, just to work the shoreline of fresh water lakes in the cooler weather. Monty

I paid $80.00 XXXL Thats 3 times extra large. LOL.

And a word of thanks to Steve.

 

[Sandman]

Wet suits come in many thicknesses and styles. I like the farmer john type as you have the full length bib pants and a jacket with short legs. Some jackets have short sleeves and others long. It is best to try them on at a dive shop if you can as sizes are not standardized. When hanging it up, keep it away from electric motors too as the ozone weakens the suits. The sun fades the suit too. Some dive shops have used suits because as we put on weight we need to buy larger suits, or at least the other guys do. Some of the thinner surf suits by Body Glove zip up the back with a long cord. I always wear a tee shirt under the jacket to help slow the flow of water. It should fit snug without wrinkles.

When I worked in a dive shop, a gal or about 20 got stuck in the dive suit jacket she tried on and couldn't get it off. I had no female employees to help her so I had to do it. Natch she tells me she was told it had to be tight and she took off her bra so she could try it on. Jeez I thought, here we go and she's going to start screaming that I grabbed her. But she didn't scream and I didn't grab her and all went well. Very well in fact. Course the story went around the store to all the employees an everytime that lil gal came in the shop I got a smile from her. I still remember that and it was about 15 years ago.

 

[mumszie]

I thought about getting a wet suit but.. after that scare a couple months ago where the tide got me and I was lucky enought to grab a rope to stop my self from being washed on down the river, I am scared to try those. I've heard that they do keep you warm but also more bouyant and some have said that you need to wear weights with them. Too scary for me plus the fact as big as I am.... I'd need the XXX one! Good luck with yours!

 

[Stevo]

I just got a 3mil long sleave shorty from divers direct with a lifetime warrenty for $40.00. Have not used it yet but i will be using it with a hooded vest inside for added warmth.



Stevo