fmerkel
Contributor
Your helper didn't help you. You potentially had a gross neck leak.
Since it's a brand new suit the probability is higher that you did something wrong than the suit had an issue. Make sure the inflate/deflate valves are tight. They are simply 2 halves screwed together.
If you really want to test your suit 'properly' just do a search on [how to test a drysuit for leaks]. There dozens of videos. Basically, crank down (even better...reverse) the exhaust valve. Plug the holes. Zip it up. Inflate well. spray with soapy water and watch for bubbles.
Garment makes no difference unless the collar of cuff were sticking though the seal and compromising it. You can wear a cotton T-shirt that shows wetness over the undergarment to better assess where the water is getting in. That won't help a lot if you are getting soaked. Often you can localize the leak if you pay attention from the beginning of the dive.
Since it's a brand new suit the probability is higher that you did something wrong than the suit had an issue. Make sure the inflate/deflate valves are tight. They are simply 2 halves screwed together.
If you really want to test your suit 'properly' just do a search on [how to test a drysuit for leaks]. There dozens of videos. Basically, crank down (even better...reverse) the exhaust valve. Plug the holes. Zip it up. Inflate well. spray with soapy water and watch for bubbles.
Garment makes no difference unless the collar of cuff were sticking though the seal and compromising it. You can wear a cotton T-shirt that shows wetness over the undergarment to better assess where the water is getting in. That won't help a lot if you are getting soaked. Often you can localize the leak if you pay attention from the beginning of the dive.