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How To Comfortably Put Your Drysuit On
What is a latex allergy?
A latex allergy is a reaction to certain proteins in latex rubber. The amount of latex
exposure needed to produce sensitization or an allergic reaction is unknown.
Increasing the exposure to latex proteins increases the risk of developing allergic
symptoms. In sensitized persons, symptoms usually begin within minutes of
exposure; but they can occur hours later and can be quite varied. Mild reactions
to latex involve skin redness, rash, hives, or itching. More severe reactions may
involve respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy
throat and asthma (difficult breathing, coughing spells, and wheezing). Rarely,
shock may occur; however, a life-threatening reaction is seldom the first sign of
latex allergy.
WARNING
Determine if you have a latex allergy, and to what extent, before purchasing
or using a drysuit with latex seals.
Neoprene neck & wrist seals
Neoprene seals can become more supple with use. If you find they are
unpleasantly tight, the seals can be stretched simply by plugging the wrist and
neck seals with objects of a suitable size and leaving for 12 to 24 hours.
Fitting Of A Drysuit
- First remove your watch and any rings/jewellery that could tear wrist seals.
- Drysuits in general are designed to fit less snugly than neoprene wetsuits.
However, a good fit is still required. You should be able to reach both hands over
your head, and be able to squat on your knees without restriction, while wearing
the drysuit and the heaviest undergarments you intend to wear.
- The suit should not be tight in the crotch, or too long.
- If legs are too long, air volume in the suit can dislodge the boots off your feet if
you become inverted.
To ensure a good fit:
- Wear the bulkiest undergarment you are likely to wear under the suit.
- Make sure the suit is not restrictive in any area.
- Make sure you can raise both hands above your head, touch your toes, and
squat to your knees without restriction.
- Make sure the crotch (with braces properly adjusted) is not more than 10cm
(4 inches) below your crotch.
- Make sure you can easily reach both valves.
NOTE:
You will be considerably more bulky in a drysuit than with a wetsuit, and the boots
are bigger. If you already own a BCD, make sure that it will properly fit over the
drysuit. Also make sure that your feet in the drysuit boots fit all the way into your
fins, or else purchase larger fins. Having fins that are too small to wear properly
will result in foot cramps and lost fins, both potentially dangerous situations.
Contact Northern Diver
| +44 (0) 1257 25 44 44 | info@ndiver.com | www.ndiver.com
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