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Gear: Drysuits

Shamus' Patented Drysuit Fitting Technique

• First you will need to determine what type of dryuit will best fit your needs and budget.
• Neoprene suits provide some thermal protection, but are very buoyant. These are the least expensive.
• Laminate and trilaminate suits are more expensive and don't provide thermal protection on their own, but are thin, flexible, and less buoyant.
• Crushed neoprene suits are in between neoprenes and trilaminates.
• You also have a choice between neoprene and latex neck seals...try a few rental drysuits to see which seals you are more comfortable with.

You are definately going to want to get into the pool with a drysuit before you take it into open water. There are special skills that you should practice in order to safely dive with a drysuit.

• Neck and wrist seals should be snug (so no water can get in) but not to the point where it cuts off circulation.
• The suit should be closefitting enough to make sure you do not have large air pockets inside the suit, but roomy enough to fit the thermal underwear (big, thick fleecy stuff) you will need to keep warm.

Other things to consider:

• Neoprene drysuits are very buoyant. You will need more weight in order to get under water.
• Some suits have a front zipper that allows for a more self-donning approach.
• Rear entry suits require a buddy to help you get dressed.
• Consider being fitted for a custom drysuit. It doesn't cost too much more and is great if you do not fit into 'normal' sizes (such as very short or very tall).
• Taking a drysuit class is highly recommended for anyone considering purchasing a drysuit.

Care and feeding:

• Rinse your drysuit in clean, fresh water after every use.
• Use Zip Care to lubricate your zipper every few dives.
• Use talc (100% talc, not baby powder) to powder the wrist and neck seals.