big man's wet suit.

[bigtim6656]

Hello I am new to scuba diving and want to get certified ME and my dad are thinking about doing it together in duck or marathon key Florida. I am a big guy 440 pounds 6' 4". I am active I hunt fish hike and so on. Though still really over weight.
I am trying to find a wet suit since I figure any where i go to rent equipment will not have one to fit me. Where should I look. I know they have 6xs I think a 6 will fit but I would like to find a 7xl if I can.
Also is there any other equipment that I might have trouble with due to my size.

 

[CamG]

Greetings bigtim welcome to SB! It is great to hear of you and your fathers interest in diving. It is really awesome that you are a hunter and outdoorsman, we share the same interests! I have had the opportunity to share the outdoors with my father and children, this was there first deer season. It was great to experience it through their eye's once again. Scuba was the same, it gave me a whole new appreciation for the water!
The question about gear is not a big problem! My suggestion would be to find a local dive shop that you trust and like. Then have them measure you and look into ordering a custom made to fit wet suit. I have several friends who have similar issues and it is not a problem. What you might find is that you will be more comfortable in your own suit anyway.
I would also look into BCD options. Depending on your chest size, you may want to consider a back plate and wing combination because of the adjustment of the harness.
I have seen the same BP Wing combo fit a 120' lbs diver and 300' lbs diver in the same afternoon.
The concerns you have voiced are very easily dealt with. Do not let it discourage you and your diving future. There are many here at SB who are willing to help out with information and advice. Take your time and look into the Exposure suit forum and the BCD forum.
Do a little research and check to see if anyone has posted similar questions in the past. Let me know if I can help in anyway.
Good luck and safe diving to you in the near future!
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!

 

[bigtim6656]

THanks for your help I will look into it and see what i can find out
Have you had any luck hunting this season.

Greetings bigtim welcome to SB! It is great to hear of you and your fathers interest in diving. It is really awesome that you are a hunter and outdoorsman, we share the same interests! I have had the opportunity to share the outdoors with my father and children, this was there first deer season. It was great to experience it through their eye's once again. Scuba was the same, it gave me a whole new appreciation for the water!
The question about gear is not a big problem! My suggestion would be to find a local dive shop that you trust and like. Then have them measure you and look into ordering a custom made to fit wet suit. I have several friends who have similar issues and it is not a problem. What you might find is that you will be more comfortable in your own suit anyway.
I would also look into BCD options. Depending on your chest size, you may want to consider a back plate and wing combination because of the adjustment of the harness.
I have seen the same BP Wing combo fit a 120' lbs diver and 300' lbs diver in the same afternoon.
The concerns you have voiced are very easily dealt with. Do not let it discourage you and your diving future. There are many here at SB who are willing to help out with information and advice. Take your time and look into the Exposure suit forum and the BCD forum.
Do a little research and check to see if anyone has posted similar questions in the past. Let me know if I can help in anyway.
Good luck and safe diving to you in the near future!
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!

 

[SandyRobinson]

Just curious, did you and your Dad ever get certified?

 

[jaxjags64109]

Try TommyDSports.com for larger sizes on Wetsuits.

 

[fisheater]

My recommendations:

Wetsuit: Forget about finding one off the shelf that will fit you properly. Fit is the number one priority for a wetsuit, so you'll be much better off going custom. I used AquaFlite and was very pleased with the results. My suit fits perfectly, keeps my very warm and it took less than a week to have it delivered. Not only that, but it cost LESS than the off-the-shelf suits at the LDS that simply wouldn't fit. Custom Wetsuits, Scuba Diving Skins, Parkas from AquaFlite

BCD: Check out the Zeagle BCDs, such as the Ranger. They a modular, so that the waist section and the shoulder section are separate and can be sized individually. Great service and prices, as well as expert fitting advice, is available at ScubaToys. Scuba Gear Scuba Diving Equipment Discount dive gear Snorkeling Equipment and Wetsuits Cheap online

Good luck and welcome to the world of diving.