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How To Comfortably Put Your Drysuit On
Donning the drysuit
First remove your watch as it could tear wrist seals, lay the suit out flat and do a quick
overall inspection to ensure it is in good order.
Dust the inside of the latex seals with Northern Diver Talc or lubricate the neoprene
seals using Northern Diver Drysuit Seal Lubricant (supplied in the maintenance kit).
Lubricate the zip with Northern Diver Zip Wax for BDM drysuit zips (supplied in the
maintenance kit).
Remove all jewellery – sharp edges can destroy the seals.
Fold the torso of the suit inside out over the legs to about waist level, so the braces (if
equipped) are exposed.
Make sure the braces (if equipped) are correctly attached, and are not tangled or
twisted.
Sit down if possible and insert foot first into the suit, making sure you do not tangle
foot in braces (if equipped).
Grasp suit material at calf level and gently ease foot into boot. Pull up on leg.
Repeat with other leg.
Grasp torso and ease suit up so that the crotch of the suit is correctly positioned.
Raise braces (if equipped) over shoulders and adjust so they support the weight of the
suit.
When present, fold the neoprene outer cuffs back away from the seals.
Insert first arm all the way, taking care with the seal when pushing hand through.
Repeat with second arm. Try to make sure the inside zip flap is not curled under during
this process. Make sure that if the drysuit undergarment is equipped with thump loops,
they are fully retracted, and not caught between the seal and your wrist. This will cause
a leak.
Grasp the top edge of the neck seal with both hands, fingers on the inner surface,
thumbs on the outside. Make sure your fingernails do not tear the latex or smooth skin
neoprene. Spread the opening wide enough to draw the neck seal over your head,
and adjust so it is comfortable. (Note: some divers prefer to don the neck seal first,
inserting the arms after. This is a matter of personal preference).
If you have long hair, you may find it easier to wear a nylon stocking or similar over
your head when pulling your head through the neck seal. If your drysuit has a neoprene
neck seal, the neck seal should be inverted so that the smooth side is in contact with
your skin; this forms the seal. Have your buddy make sure the drysuit undergarment is
correctly positioned under the seal so that there will be no cold spots.
NDiver Drysuit Manual | East Quarry, Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9AE, UK
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