Question Front chest-zip semi-dry donning/doffing tricks?

[GearheadExplorer85]

Hi Gang:

Is there some secret to donning/doffing this type of suit without buddy assistance?

The LDS that I'm taking my AOW with tomorrow loaned me the above type semi-dry suit. They didn't have anything else in my size.

While the size is correct, it was a PITA to donn. I can probably donn it myself without assistance if I fight it long enough. But practically speaking, I need assistance getting it on.

Doffing it was even worse. There was just no way I could get it off myself. Again, I had to ask one of the staff to help me get it off.

 

[inquis]

Sounds too small.

However, the shopping bag trick is helpful for getting things over the hands & feet. One important question is whether this suit is lined (closed-cell neoprene) on un-lined (open-cell). The latter needs a lubricant of some type (watered-down hair conditioner is common).

 

[GearheadExplorer85]

Sounds too small.

However, the shopping bag trick is helpful for getting things over the hands & feet. One important question is whether this suit is lined (closed-cell neoprene) on un-lined (open-cell). The latter needs a lubricant of some type (watered-down hair conditioner is common).

I can get the bottom half and torso on just fine. It's just the final part of shoehorning my shoulders under the top piece that's the struggle. Once the suit is on, getting my shoulders out is impossible without help.

 

[Still Kicking]

What part is giving you trouble? Getting the suit on to your arms/legs (see Inquis' advice) or zipping the suit up?

Depending on the cut of the suit and the wearer's mobility in the shoulders, the front zip can sometimes be a challenge. Best to have a buddy help you zip and unzip. I have seen plenty of broken zippers due to people forcing a wrinkled zipper.

To be honest that can happen when people force a back zip too. In general, if you feel resistance with a zipper, back it up and try again or if possible have a buddy zip it for you.

 

[Still Kicking]

I can get the bottom half and torso on just fine. It's just the final part of shoehorning my shoulders under the top piece that's the struggle. Once the suit is on, getting my shoulders out is impossible without help.

Once you get the lower half on, pull the suit up as high as possible so you have maximum room in the shoulders.

If you are having trouble at this point you may need a larger suit or a taller cut. Wetsuits don't fit the same on everyone even if you meet the basic size chart height/weight guidelines. Long torso or big shoulders make it challenging.

 

[GearheadExplorer85]

Once you get the lower half on, pull the suit up as high as possible so you have maximum room in the shoulders.

If you are having trouble at this point you may need a larger suit or a taller cut. Wetsuits don't fit the same on everyone even if you meet the basic size chart height/weight guidelines. Long torso or big shoulders make it challenging.

Thanks! I appreciate the help. I'll give that a try tomorrow.

 

[Redtwo]

Why not accept you need a little help. I have with a 7mm front zip wetsuit also the problem i need a little tug to get it over the shoulders when taking it off. Always somebody around to help a hand.

 

[TravisD]

I wear a lycra skin under my semi-dry...which to be honest probably makes it less semi-dry since it defeats the wrist and ankle seals a bit, but it makes it much easier to don and doff.

I can put it on myself without a problem. Taking it off I usually need a hand pulling one of the sleeves off. Once I have one arm out I can do the rest myself. If I had to, I could get it off totally by myself, but I don't like taking a chance on straining the zipper if it's not needed.

You mentioned that this is a loaner suit. I find that after you wear a suit for a while it adjusts a but to your body. Also, if it's part of their rental fleet that doesn't get used much, the neoprene can get a little stuff. Once you use it a few times it will probably feel a little better.

This is one of the reasons why I would recommend that hard-to-fit new divers (I was one of those...still hard to fit, just not new) prioritize exposure protection when thinking about what gear to buy first. I can adjust to just about any BCD and Reg, but having a suit that fits is worth it.

 

[tursiops]

Using The Wetsuit Wrench

Learn how to use the Wetsuit Wrench to easily remove your wetsuit, gloves, and booties after a surf session. This innovative wetsuit removal tool is adjustable to your height, helping you slide out of tight neoprene without straining. The Wetsuit Wrench saves time and extends the life of your...

wetsuitwrench.com

 

[TravisD]

Using The Wetsuit Wrench

Learn how to use the Wetsuit Wrench to easily remove your wetsuit, gloves, and booties after a surf session. This innovative wetsuit removal tool is adjustable to your height, helping you slide out of tight neoprene without straining. The Wetsuit Wrench saves time and extends the life of your...

wetsuitwrench.com

I was wondering how that worked.

To use that with my Hollis Neotek, I'd have to hook it right into the zipper chain, which seems like it would be detrimental to the life of the zipper.