New diver, wetsuit and rash prevention

[CheddarDonkey]

Hello everyone, I am a very new diver finishing up my OW next weekend. When I used to surf many years ago (and when I was in better shape) I had horrible rash issues with my wetsuits, a rashguard fixed me right up back then. Today the skintight rashguards just arent going to work for me so i picked up some loose fit surf shirt type rashguards hoping I'd achieve the same results. Havent tried them out yet. Does anyone else out there have similar issues or have any suggestions for someone a little overweight looking to prevent this kind of problem before it starts?

Really really looking forward to finally becoming a certified diver, its been a dream of mine for many years. Thanks for any advice!

 

[DBF]

Had a similar experience with my new wetsuit. There a two types of rash guards sold in oz. The cheaper types are only meant to keep the sun off and are no good under a wetsuit. The more expensive and harder to find are a true old school rashy. The way to tell is the good ones have loops at the wrist to stop the riding up when putting them on. That said I now use a lavacore with the advantage of extra warmth


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[freewillie]

Well, the skin tight rash guards should have some Lycra which should give it some stretch. It should fit tight but not to the point it cuts off circulation. The ones made by wetsuit companies like Henderson are designed to be worn as rash guard protection under a wetsuit. Keep in mind the wetsuit itself should be tight but not to the point it cuts off circulation. If you have loose material underneath that also can create a hot spot and may cause a rash itself. I've used a rash guard designed for a pool as well but it also fits a little snug and it did just fine under a wetsuit.

Your other option is to use a fleece lined rash guard like Lava Core. However, you may only get thermal protection equivalent to about a 3 mm wetsuit. If diving colder waters requiring 5 mm or even 7 mm wetsuits they won't work.

There are also creams and gels designed to help get you into a tight wetsuit. My instructor recommended something called Wetsuit Snot to help get into a wet wetsuit (which can be very difficult without a rash guard). I haven't tried but cheaper alternatives are hair conditioner or baby shampoo. They might be able to provide some protection against chaffing.