do I panic now...or later?

[ladycute1]

Nope Mtdivegirl --

I think you are combining two of us... I do wear a size 28... the dive industryis generally not that kind to us in sizing --

I am NOT the one wearing a size 14 wetsuit...

Astrl was saying that she usually wears a 22 and was able to fit into a 14 hyperstretch...

I wear a 28 and was able to fit into a MENS 3XL hyperstretch.

As I recall looking at some of the standard wet suit sizing charts a woman's 2XL wet suit only went to a 14-16.

 

[MikeFerrara]

Fitting students with wet suits is a problem we face all the time. We have some suits that are only worn once a year or so (not a very good investment). Sometimes, when we can, we add to our pool of rental suits just to fit one student. The fact is there are lots of people who will not find a good fit in a non-custom suit. Many students have had to role up sleevs and legs. The suit makers assume that large mean large everything and small means small everything. I'm small and I still have a hard time getting a good fitting suit. When we can't fit a student we can, if we have the time, usually find a suit to rent from another shop. we are embarassed by this as much as the student. Sometimes we need 30 suits on hand to fit 5 divers and no matter what size we buy it won't be the size we need for the next class. I guess the point is that a little prior planning (by everyone) should solve the problem and at least get you through the class.

 

[gr8lakesdiver]

Hey, I'm new to this board, but been diving similiar temps regularly. All the posts befor are right on. Go early and try try try. If there is not much of a thermacline at your site. You could get away with a onepiece jump. Make sure you get a good cold water hood, that is where your get the heat lost. Know that you will be able to get through the cert dives. But, your dive season will be shorter until you can upgrade your protection. Another thing, the suit might be fine in the water (at keeping you warm), it is between dives you need to be concerned. My advise, get dry, bring a windbreaker ane even a winter hat. It should get you through

 

[mtdivegirl]

Hopefully i will be able to get in there early and try on some different suits. I found out the water at surface is about 68 (who knew it would be so warm) but at depth it will be closer to 48...brrr. I really hope that my lds doesn't drop the ball on this one...i can't imagine that living in the rockies I am the first person to go through the class who has any gerth on her (or him). There is no way I could do this dive without an exposure suit.