Drysuit Zip Information - Northern Diver ORIGIN Manual

Drysuit Zip Information

All drysuit zips should be washed after each dive and lubricated
Always pull the slider slowly and in the direction it is travelling (never pull it at an
angle). Ensure that there is no hair or clothing caught in the zip and that the zip
has been fully opened before you put on your drysuit. Failure to open completely
may result in the zip being damaged.
The zip must be fully opened before you remove your drysuit. Clean the zip with
fresh clean water. If the zip is particularly dirty, a toothbrush can be used. If using
a toothbrush, do so gently. Mild soapy water can be used for heavy soiling. Close
the zip when you hang / store the drysuit. Do not fold, bend or apply pressure to
the zip (other than the small amount of pressure required to open and close it).
Rear entry zips
Do not attempt to close the zip yourself. To close the zip with the least chance of
damage, extend your arms level in front of you. Advise your buddy to draw the zip
closed from left to right, keeping one finger in front of the slider to prevent clothing
and foreign object damage to the teeth. Make sure the slider is drawn tight up
against the rubber stop on the right hand side. If the slider is not tight against the
stop, the zip will leak.
Front entry zips
The closing-opening operation can be done without the help of your buddy.
However, it is suggested to use the same precautions described for the rear entry
zip configuration (above).
NDiver Drysuit Manual | East Quarry, Appley Lane North, Appley Bridge, Wigan, WN6 9AE, UK
Your drysuit will be fitted with a BDM metal
dry zip. The zip teeth must be kept clean to
operate properly for long product life.
Your drysuit zip is situated either
horizontally across the shoulders (rear
entry), or diagonal on the front section
of the torso (front entry). It is usually
positioned so that it closes from left to
right. This is because most people are right
handed and will be less likely to damage
the zip, or catch clothes or foreign objects
in the zip while closing it. You/your buddy
must place one finger directly in front of
the slider as it is closed, helping to guide
the undergarment or foreign objects away
from the zip teeth. Also make sure that you/
your buddy fully tucks in the interior zip flap
before closing the zip.
(see page 7).