Drysuits: Take a class or learn from a buddy

[dsater]

So I've had some conflicting statements from DMs, piers and even instructors. I just bought a Dry Suit but haven't received it yet. Here's my dilema... one group of people tell me to take the class although you get the swing of things pretty quick. The other group tells me the class is a waste of time if you have a buddy that dives dry regularly and can show you the ropes (whether in a pool or natural shallow depth).

Let me hear some comments...

 

[Mverick]

If you bought the drysuit from a shop. Usually the class is free. Or, you can talk them into a free class for buying it from them.

It isn't that big of a deal. But you need to try it out shallow to get used to it. Go feet up so you know how to get out of that. Always wear at least a set of sweats under it to keep from pinching yourself. Yes, it hurts. I wore shorts and a sweat shirt 2 day's ago and both my legs have large pinch marks that broke skin and drew blood. And, I was in 6ft of water removing posts with a saw. I knew better but it was warm still.

It's up to you.

Personal preferance on how to dive it. I use my BC for bouyancy and leave my DrySuit exhaust all the way open. To keep the bubble down in it. Just enough air to fight off squeeze. Not much air means if you change position, not much goes to the feet.

 

[reefugee]

Glad you started this thread. I just placed an order for two drysuits for me and the wifey. Anyway - we plan on using an instructor to show us the rope. I am not signing up for a "drysuit class" though. I am saving class money for other classes like AOW and Rescue.

 

[Diver0001]

So I've had some conflicting statements from DMs, piers and even instructors. I just bought a Dry Suit but haven't received it yet. Here's my dilema... one group of people tell me to take the class although you get the swing of things pretty quick. The other group tells me the class is a waste of time if you have a buddy that dives dry regularly and can show you the ropes (whether in a pool or natural shallow depth).

Let me hear some comments...

There are things that a buddy, no matter how many DS dives he/she has, probably won't think to show you.

Take the class but be picky about where. Not all DS classes are good and some are down right amateuristic.

R..

 

[JeffG]

Take the class but be picky about where. Not all DS classes are good and some are down right amateuristic.

Which puts it back to the same chance of quality of doing it with a buddy.



dsater, save your cash. Just get mentored by a buddy.

 

[PerroneFord]

Nearly all my friends dive dry. I don't know anyone who's ever taken a class. My instructor said he'd throw me in the pool after I got mine and I'd learn! LOL!

 

[NorthernShrinkage]

Save your money its just a piece of plastic that dont mean squat.

A couple of shallow dives with a buddy who will show you the ropes is the best bet

 

[dsater]

Thanks for the input so far. I think I'm going to do what I planned to do anyway and go with the buddy.

 

[Diver0001]

Which puts it back to the same chance of quality of doing it with a buddy.



dsater, save your cash. Just get mentored by a buddy.

What would you show him?

R..

 

[JeffG]

What would you show him?

R..

ask dnldavid.