Getting into/out of a freediving wetsuit

[DiverTodd]

Ok, here are my questions;

My freediving wetsuit is due to arrive on Thurs from PFI. Now, I have plenty of experience with wetsuits, from Farmer Johns to one pieces to triathalon suits. However, this will be my first freediving wetsuit. I know you pretty much need lubricant to get into it, so....what does everyone use, and how is it used? Also, any tips on getting OUT of the suit after diving? Getting out of my Quintana Roo was always a NIGHTMARE, since it didn't seem to want to let GO of me!

Todd

 

[BladeRunner]

who's PFI?

 

[BladeRunner]

ok I figured it who they were and I don't think that suit will last to long. I would suggest to go to Elios webpage because they use to have good directions on how to put on and take off a smooth skin suit which I think you decide to get. They did have a smooth skin and lined suit available, which did you get?

 

[SanderP]

Yeah, if it's not open cell (without lining in the inside), then you won't need lubrication at all.

Like BladeRunner said, Elios has some good instructions how to get into and out of the suit, here's the link: http://www.eliossub.com/html/en_vestizione.html

Show us your suit when it arrives.

Good luck!

 

[DiverTodd]

Show us your suit when it arrives.

Oh, don't worry! I FULLY intend to get a pic with Kirk, Mandy-Rae, Martin, and myself, all in our suits on the boat! And maybe one of me on the beach in Miami, standing in the surf... And that site is a big help! Still doesn't mention lubricant, though.

Todd

 

[MKDVR]

Ok, here are my questions;

My freediving wetsuit is due to arrive on Thurs from PFI. Now, I have plenty of experience with wetsuits, from Farmer Johns to one pieces to triathalon suits. However, this will be my first freediving wetsuit. I know you pretty much need lubricant to get into it, so....what does everyone use, and how is it used? Also, any tips on getting OUT of the suit after diving? Getting out of my Quintana Roo was always a NIGHTMARE, since it didn't seem to want to let GO of me!

Todd

For getting in I use a mixture of shampoo and water in a spray bottle. I dunk the suit and myself separately then spray myself head to toe with the bottle. Works every time.

For getting out I would recommend having help. I can barely get out by myself which is just about always the case. Start with the arms one at a time and then the head. The pants aren't so bad. The suit should end up inside out. That's how I do it at least.

 

[gserghiou]

Hi There,

My opinion ....

I have an open cell wetsuit...

FORGET about getiing in it without a lubricant !!!!:rcard

I also use a spray bottle (saves wasting lubricant)

For lubricant i use just JOHNSONS BABY CONDITIONER and sea water !!!!!!
Its relatively cheap, HYPOALERGENIC !!!!! and smells nice too :inlove

I carry the johnsown baby conditioner in my dive bag and use sea water because....well...its everywhere i go to dive rofl and theres lots of it !!!

I only spray the wet suit on the inside ... Then i rub it on the wetsuit to make sure it covers ti properly...

Long Johns are easy to wear !!!!

For the top part i ALWAYS roll the ends of the sleeves a bit, (it will become apparent why ahen you put it on). Also i turn the bottom part of it over the top part, and over the sleeves. So it becomes the half size !!!

Then i push my hands right through and make sure i get them as far as possible. Then i roll the end of the sleeves back down.

Hairy chests are a :naughty NO NO .... but i can still put it on....:t

Then i pull the rest over my head (like a jumper) and twist it in place if its not correctly on.... I will try to post some photos as my explanations might be a bit vague.

Taking it off is VERY EASY !!!!
Just take the top off so that it turns inside out (Pull the belly part over your head and then pull your hand out -thuhs leaving the suit inside-out) The same for the bottom part... sit somewhere and pull it of inside out...I sometimes step on it to get it off

Always manage to put it on and off myself though ....

Hope it helps...

 

[matrixed82]

...Still doesn't mention lubricant, though.

Todd

I use the cheapest conditioner I can find and mix about one part of conditioner and 10 parts water. As far as getting into an open cell suit without lube, it is possible. I was very skeptic at first but a friend showed me how. The key is to suit up in the water (temperature permitting).

 

[violaspearo]

I'm not familiar with PFI, and much depends on the type of neoprene they use. Anyway, I have several smoothskin/opencell suits, and although I've had some rips over time, I find that a mix of liquid soap (Dial antibacterial is what usually seems to be around the house) and tap water works well. I've never measured the propartions, just some squirts of the soap into a 1.5 l. plastic bottle, then fill with water. Use it liberally - try to cover all of the suit and you. Then be careful not to pull on the suit; slide it on gradually. For getting it off, what can I say, a buddy does help. But with another good dose of lube and some patience I always manage!