Wetsuit for the chubby but avg ht woman

[Tom Winters]

Hmmm... red stilettos and a cheesehead hat. Kinda boggles the mind.

 

[spectrum]

just curious, why is that?

There is no free lunch when it comes to wetsuits.

Freshwater diving in the northern states is very cold water diving once you get down a thermocline or 2. This is not necessarily at any extreme depth either. Dropping into the 40's when the surface water may be in the high 70's is not uncommon. For that reason If one is going to dive wet up here I suggest no compromises. The OP indicated she's planning to experience the cold side of local diving and that's what my guidance is directed to.

As for the stretch suit there are 2 or 3 big downsides.

1. The very properties that makes these suits so conforming makes them susceptible to crushing at depth. Once a suit crushes down most of the thermal value is lost. Some divers point out that they wear a stretch suit one size thicker than buddies in conventional neoprene. Others admit that thermal performance deteriorates sooner.

2. If the suit is stretched then it is thinner. Neoprene is no different than pizza dough. Thinner means less warmth.

3. Many of the stretch suits have thinner arms. They may be great in temperate waters but cold hands is a leading cause of short dives and can also become a safety issue. With cool arms cold hand are inevitable.

The OP is describing a dive environment best enjoyed with a drysuit. Within reason it can be enjoyed diving wet and my advice is intended to have her enjoy these dives as she progresses to diving dry.

A good 7mm suit with 2X on the core and an attached hood IMO is the wet ticket for this. You can read a more detailed explanation here.

Pete

 

[spectrum]

Well it looks like because of my size and girth of my legs/hips I will need a stretchy suit. Which is fine....but why wouldn't you suggest one for Wisconsin diving?

See post 12

Since I am near Milwaukee, Wisconsin....Wisconsin diving is almost a must?

I think so.

I am fairly passionate about local diving. There is a world of interesting stuff in your region to explore and learn about. Frequent diving is the only real way to become a truly safe and proficient diver. So unless you have a travel budget and the requisite free time to dive elsewhere a lot local diving is your bread and butter and warm water trips are a sweet desert.

 

[H2Andy]

Frequent diving is the only real way to become a truly safe and proficient diver.

indeed

and if you're uncomfortable, you just won't dive as much and may eventually just stop

that's why exposure protection is something you should not skimp on. it's probably the most important (and under-rated) part of a diver's kit

 

[MichiganScott]

For my daughter we got a TommyDsports wet suit and then "tailored" it for a better fit. Not difficult.

 

[lmorin]

..........
1. The very properties that makes these suits so conforming makes them susceptible to crushing at depth. ..................

I have heard this repeatedly, but have yet to see any data. Has anyone actually measured the extent of suit compression with depth?

 

[Teamcasa]

Well it looks like because of my size and girth of my legs/hips I will need a stretchy suit. Which is fine....but why wouldn't you suggest one for Wisconsin diving?

Since I am near Milwaukee, Wisconsin....Wisconsin diving is almost a must?

...if you're uncomfortable, you just won't dive as much and may eventually just stop, that's why exposure protection is something you should not skimp on. it's probably the most important (and under-rated) part of a diver's kit

A custom made or fitted wetsuit, designed for your local diving conditions will indeed make your diving more comfortable. Ask around in the Great Lakes Wrecking Crew forum for better local wetsuit information and recommendations.

I'm sure most of the responses will be to get a drysuit and to that I'd concur. However, if a drysuit is not in the budget right now, get a tailored wetsuit appropriate for diving in the great lakes.

 

[The Chairman]

I am a "stout" individual and I just LOVE my WetWear wesuit. Jean and Connie provide a premium custom wetsuit at a price that is not priced out of this world! No, they don't advertise here, but I won't wear another wetsuit. Way awesome!

 

[annasea]

I am a "stout" individual and I just LOVE my WetWear wesuit. Jean and Connie provide a premium custom wetsuit at a price that is not priced out of this world! No, they don't advertise here, but I won't wear another wetsuit. Way awesome!

Did you buy one made with Rubatex or Wetwear NCN neoprene?

 

[Jim Baldwin]

You might want to give Liquid Fit a call and see if they can also help.

Telephone: (800) 785-8362
Fax: (305) 453-3251
Website: LiquidFit.Com ~ Wetsuits That Fit Like They Were Poured On You.