Semi-drysuit.. Neck area is too small

[junototoro]

I am going for scuba diving certification in September, and because September is still pretty cold in Sydney, I purchased a size 1 Cessi 7mm women's semi-drysuit online. The length and everything else felt like a good fit except the neck area. It's too small for my head to get in. I wonder if anyone has any suggestion on what I can do... I guess I have an adult head but a petite body :shakehead:

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Neoprene stretches over time. Slip it over a tank or something of similar size and let it stretch for a day or so.

[DivemasterDennis]

I agree with grumpyoldguy. You want the neck to give a water tight seal, but it has to get to your neck in order to do that. Also, at warmer temperatures the rubber neck will be more flexible. Stretching is the answer. The alternative of compressing your head is not viable.
DivemasterDennis

[junototoro]

Hmmm...Maybe I'll try to use a medicine ball? I dont have a tank.. I will use it under cold temperature because its 7mm. And it's winter time in Australia right now.

[randy88k5]

A 2L or 3L soda bottle works well for neck seal stretching, depending on seal size.

[g1138]

Use a bit of watery conditioner or baby shampoo so you don't rip your hair or seal when you go to stretch it.

[junototoro]

How long should I leave the bottle in the suit for?

[cmburch]

I use a hair conditioner that does not bother my nose. In a small spray bottle, use 1 part conditioner to 4 parts water. Spray the neck region. I also use it on the arms for ease of putting the suit on. Permanently stretching the neck region larger may not be the answer to slide a big head through.

[junototoro]

This is really embarrassing: I put a 2L soda bottle in the neck area for a few days. Then I tried it on again and this time I was able to get my head through it.... But! Then I couldn't take it off.

It took me a fair while of trying and choking to finally pull it off.. So I put the soda bottle in there again.

It looks like there will be no way for me to put this suit on myself, or take it off myself. The horizontal zipper is really really tight even after I apply a few layers of wax on it.

There is a wet/dry suit alteration place somewhere in Sydney. Do you think I should give it a go?

[randy88k5]

I would take it there and get their opinion on the suit and what options you have. It might be more cost effective to sell the suit and buy another that fits better. Does the online store accept returns?

[spectrum]

Is this neck seal tapered? Many neoprene seals taper to a small diameter and are meant to be trimmed to arrive at a comfortable diameter when rolled in on itself. When trimming be sure to get a continuous cut with no nicks that will be tear points.

Pete