Putting on a wetsuit

[Adaveke]

Don't do anything that involves lotions cause that will damage your neoprene and make your suit not last as long. I recommend using baby powder and pitting it inside the suit then you can slip into it alot easier.

Does sunscreen lotion really damage neoprene? :shocked2:

 

[Pearldiver07]

Any lotions that contain petroleum based products can ruin your suit.

DON'T use talc or other powders in the situation you describe. If you're wet it will simply turn into a paste.

I personally don't prefer a skin, as the material will allow water to leach up through the skin, losing some of the seal that you're looking for to stay warm in cooler waters.

Baby shampoo is great, but my personal favorite is KY. You only need it on forearms and portions of the legs where the suit is hanging up.

It is non-toxic and since it is water soluble it rinses away.

Anyway, lots of input in this thread. Try some of them.

 

[sdiver68]

Ankle and arm zippers can have their cons, but a pro is ease of entry.

 

[drbill]

I've used hair conditioner but have wondered about the effects of it on marine life. Do NOT use sunscreen as many of the formulations have been shown to cause harm to the reefs (at least in tropical areas). A plastic bag may be the most environmentally safe way to don yours... IF you don't put it in the trash or let it blow away afterwards.

 

[scubafanatic]

.......these 2 things will make life a LOT easier on you:

1) buy a wetsuit with zippers on the wrist and ankle areas

2) use 'dive socks' ....which I think are one of the greatest things since sliced bread! .....they keep ones feet from getting any blisters....and as a bonus they make getting ones legs to slide down a wetsuit WAY....WAY...WAY easier ! (and BTW, there really are dedicated dive socks, not just plain socks used for diving....get the real thing!)

 

[scubafanatic]

Does sunscreen lotion really damage neoprene? :shocked2:

....yes......destroy your wetsuit... AND......poison the marine ecosystem !

 

[Adaveke]

....yes......destroy your wetsuit... AND......poison the marine ecosystem !

I don't think mine will do much damage to the marine ecosystem as it says eco friendly on the bottle. Still getting me a bit worried there. :depressed:

 

[Amphibious]

Don't do anything that involves lotions cause that will damage your neoprene and make your suit not last as long. I recommend using baby powder and pitting it inside the suit then you can slip into it alot easier.

the only way to put on a freediving suit is with motion-lotion. the only time I've replaced suits is due to large tears...

 

[SteveTW]

I use "SuitJuice". My instructor had it out for all to use for our OW training dives and got hooked on it. It helps with my 5ml gloves too.

 

[RJP]

Does sunscreen lotion really damage neoprene? :shocked2:

Marine life too.

:depressed: