Drysuit skills?

[Mitchell Teeters]

I'm getting a drysuit and I have neither the funds, nor opportunity to take a class. Would it be possible to get, from the experts, a list of skills necessary to learn to make swimming a DS a positive experience?

Just so you know, there is no big water around here so DEEP diving isn't a problem at this point.

I have been studying and watching vids on the "feet up" position and two methods of dealing with it. I've helped my buddy burp and vent his DS. Maybe we should have a drysuit secrets thread with a list of advise(s) for working with a drysuit.

Any helpful comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ulfhedinn]

What type are you looking to purchase?

 

[Scott]

Take what you have learned from watching the videos, helping your buddy and apply it on a real dive, max depth 15 feet. Practice until you can stop your ascent in less than 15 feet. If you hit the surface try again.
Before I take students to open water they must be able to correct position, disconnect the dry suit hose and vent (shoulder valve, pulling wrist seal and neck seal) without hitting the surface or bottom in a 12 foot pool. That is after I depress the inflate button for a few seconds.

Not a complete list but some items you can work on

• "Managing the bubble" getting used to the air moving back and forth from your shoulders to your toes in every position. Some suits this is more of an issue than others.
• Weighting and trim. It is a little different than with a wetsuit, especially maintaining trim.
• Slow ascents. You have to give time for the gas to come out of the undergarment. Some are slower than others.
• How to remove the suit quickly in case you do not have a p valve or relief zipper

 

[Mitchell Teeters]

What type are you looking to purchase?

I'm afraid I don't understand this.

 

[Mitchell Teeters]

Good info, thanks!

Take what you have learned from watching the videos, helping your buddy and apply it on a real dive, max depth 15 feet. Practice until you can stop your ascent in less than 15 feet. If you hit the surface try again.
Before I take students to open water they must be able to correct position, disconnect the dry suit hose and vent (shoulder valve, pulling wrist seal and neck seal) without hitting the surface or bottom in a 12 foot pool. That is after I depress the inflate button for a few seconds.

Not a complete list but some items you can work on

• "Managing the bubble" getting used to the air moving back and forth from your shoulders to your toes in every position. Some suits this is more of an issue than others.
• Weighting and trim. It is a little different than with a wetsuit, especially maintaining trim.
• Slow ascents. You have to give time for the gas to come out of the undergarment. Some are slower than others.
• How to remove the suit quickly in case you do not have a p valve or relief zipper

 

[mathauck0814]

I'm afraid I don't understand this.

Brand/model/material at least?

 

[Ulfhedinn]

Brand/model/material at least?

Right sorry.. yes more info..

 

[ScubaSteve]

I for one would tell the shop that you will buy their suit only if they throw the class in with it. Of course this should be done with the necessary tact and nice soothing voice and nice cooperative wording . The class costs them very little and in fact, most shops do just that. Sell the suit with the class included. What you take away from this thread can be your back-up plan.

 

[Indian Valley Scuba]

I for one would tell the shop that you will buy their suit only if they throw the class in with it. Of course this should be done with the necessary tact and nice soothing voice and nice cooperative wording . The class costs them very little and in fact, most shops do just that. Sell the suit with the class included. What you take away from this thread can be your back-up plan.

Steve- doesn't every shop do this??? Shame on them!

 

[Mitchell Teeters]

Sorry. Its the pinnacle freedom 2 on sale. I'll be getting it from dive right in. Since I'll be getting it from them there is no option for lessons unless I drive a couple states over. TN is not known for being a dive mecca.

Get lessons locally? Ha you gotta be kidding, we have to deal with stupid high prices or arrogance. I'm going to see about renting the local university pool. There is a small one here that is big enough but not too large. I do plan on a road trip to do some ice diving.

sent via nookcolor N2A.