DRYSUIT Question

[Divermark2003]

I'm looking to buy a suit wet or dry, decision not made yet. I know that a drysuit can be used to add or subtract bouyancy, but not capable right now financially to do the BP/W thing. So my question is, is it Ok or not to use the suit w/ undergarments and a BCD? Bearing in mind that the buoyancy is going to come from the BCD and the suit is just going to be a protection measure. Is this feasible or a bad idea? Thanks.

 

[jonnythan]

Are you asking if you can use a drysuit with a "normal" BC?

Yes, the vast majority of drysuit divers use a drysuit with a standard BC.

 

[Divermark2003]

Are you asking if you can use a drysuit with a "normal" BC?

Yes, the vast majority of drysuit divers use a drysuit with a standard BC.

Yes, thats what I'm asking. Thats good to know. So the only thing different is that the drysuit does not need a hose and all to supply air, correct? Does that also mean that a "class" is not necessary as long as you get all the air out of the suit before diving?

 

[bcsean]

well, you need to add air on a dive. Otherwise your boys will be getting crushed on the dive. A class isn't a horrible idea. The only problem that really occurs is air in the feet and a feet first ascent. When you ascend from depth, that air you've put in the suit to prevent squeeze starts to expand, and you need to know how to get it out without losing control of trim and buoyancy. A traditional bcd is fine to wear with it though. Just don't go using your drysuit for buoyancy control like it's taught in so many classes, that's what the bcd is for.

 

[OWSI176288]

Yes, thats what I'm asking. Thats good to know. So the only thing different is that the drysuit does not need a hose and all to supply air, correct? Does that also mean that a "class" is not necessary as long as you get all the air out of the suit before diving?

No, you still need a seperate inflator hose for the suit. A drysuit is an air space (just like your mask, ears, etc) and needs to be equalized to prevent a squeeze and discomfort. You add just enough air to the drysuit to remove the squeeze. I would highly recommend a drysuit class if you never dove one before.

 

[Boogie711]

No. If you try to dive a drysuit without a way to inflate it, you will get scrunched big time, get massive suit hickeys, and it will hurt like heck - especially if you're a guy. It's impossible to get all the air out.

 

[vjongene]

Yes, thats what I'm asking. Thats good to know. So the only thing different is that the drysuit does not need a hose and all to supply air, correct? Does that also mean that a "class" is not necessary as long as you get all the air out of the suit before diving?

NO!
You will need to connect your drysuit to an inflator hose. If you don't, the suit will squeeze you as soon as you go down a few meters. While the BC will help you control your buoyancy, you still need to keep your suit at a more or less constant volume, which means adding air to it, and purging it as you go up.

It is not that difficult to learn, but you will have to learn, either from an instructor, or from a buddy with sufficient experience in drysuit diving. If in doubt, do a course.

 

[Divermark2003]

NO!
You will need to connect your drysuit to an inflator hose. If you don't, the suit will squeeze you as soon as you go down a few meters. While the BC will help you control your buoyancy, you still need to keep your suit at a more or less constant volume, which means adding air to it, and purging it as you go up.

It is not that difficult to learn, but you will have to learn, either from an instructor, or from a buddy with sufficient experience in drysuit diving. If in doubt, do a course.

Thanks for all the info everyone. One more question, does the inflator hose just connect to the 1st stage then to the suit? The BC i use is only for 1 tank. not sure about getting into the whole 2 tank or pony bottle stage, hopefully eventually, but not at this point in time. Also, don't plan to "go deep" until more experience is gained, but i think i need the drysuit to be able to gain some experience, kinda catch 22!

 

[teknitroxdiver]

All it is is a LP hose running from the first stage to the drysuit inflator, and it has a quick-disconnect like what is on the wing inflator, your reg should have at least one empty LP slot that you can put the drysuit hose in.

 

[Dryglove]

This isnt meant to flame you but please take a class. A class will be highly beneficial to you as it seems you have very little knowledge of how a drysuit works and operates. Without the basic knowledge of how a drysuit works you can get severely hurt or worse and the web isnt the place to learn.