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Gear: Wetsuits

Shamus' Patented Wetsuit Fitting Technique

• First you will need to determine what type of wetsuit will best fit your needs.
• A jumpsuit is easy to get on and off.
• Farmer johns and shorties are great to layer for warmth.
• Your tolerance for cold has alot to do with what thickness you should get.
• Some wetsuits have 'semi-dry' seals that help keep water exchange to a minimum.

If you are concerned at all on how the wetsuit fits, try one of our rentals of the same size in the pool.

• Don't try to put a wet body into a dry suit or a wet suit on a dry body.
• The wetsuit should feel like a second skin without cutting off circulation.
• You should be able to move your legs and arms without pinching. Thicker suits will make it more difficult, but you should still be able to move.
• There shouldn't be any space in the small of your back. Cold water loves to sneak in and curl up there.
• Ensure that wetsuit isn't so tight on your chest that you have to work to inhale deeply.

Other things to consider:

• You can always purchase a 2 or 3 mm shorty to cover a jumpsuit.
• 1 or 3 mm vests with attached hoods are good for layering under a jumpsuit or a 2 piece suit.
• Shorties are great for warm water, but you may want a full suit to protect your skin from minor cuts and abrasions.
• The thicker the wetsuit you use, the more weight you will need to go under.
• Always plan your exposure protection for the deepest part of the dive...Remember the thermoclines.
• The air in the neoprene cells compress at depth just like all air spaces. There will be a slight change in buoyancy and thermal qualities at deeper depths.

Care and feeding:

• Rinse your suit in clean, fresh water after every use.
• Use a 'stink remover' like Sink the Stink or Mirazyme to keep your wetsuit smelling good.
• You can wash your wetsuit in the washing machine (with some Mirazyme or Slosh cleaner) on the delicate cycle...Don't put it in the dryer though!
• Use Zip Care to lubricate your zipper every few dives.