Frog kick, drysuit, suit squeeze.

[Colliam7]

How probable would it be that the lack of air caused the leaking. I plan on checking it out in a pool but have not had the chance yet...

I noticed very minor, transient leaks a few times before when I really stretched my arms out and manipulated my hands to perform a task. I replaced my seals with some slightly thicker bell seals and haven't experienced it since. I have a buddy whose wrist seals are conical and he reports the problem more frequently. I don't suspect it is related to the air in your suit

At first, the frog kicks were comfortable, but after 4 dives, they started to hurt. So I went back to flutter kicks. I got rug burns behind both knees.

Agree with Lynne and others who suggest maintaining a little more air in the suit. One poster also asked about your undergarments and that may be a possibility. If I wear just a very thin synthetic bottom garment , AND maintain noticeable squeeze, I get the same thing - discomfort behind the knees after flexing them to kick. Make sure you have an adequate undergarment layer on your legs, and keep a bit more air in, and the problem should go away.

 

[elmers.goo]

RAWLS:

You may try to put your wrist seals a little further up you forearm. I have the 'big wrist tendon problem' and it has really helped to put my wrist seals about an inch past my wrist bone.

 

[ClayJar]

I'll go with the "too much squeeze" idea, too. Of course, it's also important to get the suit properly distributed before and at the beginning of the dive, or no amount of air will help.

I generally do the "sumo squat", "aborted backflip", and "Picard maneuver" to get everything in order. The "sumo squat" is just like it sounds, and it gets the legs in place. The "aborted backflip" is hands up and over the head, basically slapping yourself between the shoulder blades (or as close as you're flexible enough to get) with a bit of backward arching of the back, which gets the arms and shoulders in position. The "Picard manuever" is just a tug at the hem of the jacket, which is necessary to set my telescoping torso correctly.

If I don't do the "stretches", I stand a good chance of having an uncomfortable dive. Too squeezed is still too squeezed, but unstretched is equally bad for me. (Then again, it's all based on your particular suit design, fit, and materials, so your methods may easily vary.)

 

[pir8]

How about modifying your frog kick slightly. I do mine more from the ankles. Also I wear my ankle weights on my tank.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I started wearing gaiters after about 20 dives in the dry suit. Not only do they help streamline the suit but in addition to keeping the air flow to the feet at a minimum they also give my calfs some support. Depending on the suit and type of undies worn it may be necessary to do something to control the flow of air to the feet. If I wear just the thin undergarment then I don't need much air and the feet thing is really not an issue. With both sets however it becomes one. Even in a good horizontal position when doing frog kicks air tends to migrate. I could possibly go with smaller boots as well but mine are integrated and expensive to replace. I've also seen a number of users put straps around the ankle to minimze airflow. If I could use rock boots or even chuck taylors it would not be an issue. ALthough I'd still probably use the gaiters. I like the way they reduce the material and again my calfs really appreciate the support.

 

[pir8]

Personally I like a little bit of air in my legs/feet. But you need to be aware that its there and maintain control of yourself.