Full figure girlfriend

[groovhog]

What kind of embarrassment can my full figured girlfriend expect to be challenged with? Fitting, boyancy, mobility, etc?

I've got my c card and dry suit this summer I thought she could go with me on a dive at a near by rock quary. Or am I just asking for trouble?

 

[gfisher4792]

Some more info would probably help with answers. It sounds like your gf hasn't been certified yet. Does she want to dive because it interests her, or does she she feel like she has to learn to spend time with you (bad thing)? Some quick advice though, check around your LDSs, and see if any female instructors are available (if they are on the, um, more full figured side, that'll help too). Buoyancy is always a tricky thing, esp. when learning, and so, too can finding a well fitting suit (though, there's always custom fit, a good option no matter the size of the diver). Mobility can differ a lot too, depending on gear configuration, flexibility of the diver, etc. Good luck!

 

[groovhog]

Thanks
No she's not but intrested.
And if she really didn't want to that cool too.
She works at a natural science museum, just thought she'd dig it.

So are their any ladies out there who are aroung 5'6" and 210 +-

Thank

 

[saltwater taffy]

If this is what she wants to do, she should do quite well. Actually, plus sized divers do quite well in the water. Mainly, this is because all weight is removed from their joints. Hopefully, she will be able to find an instructor who unstands that women do have special needs when it comes to diving. For example, I just took a PADI Peak buyonancy control course. I found that I had the proper amount of weight, but had it placed entirely wrong. I have these built in buoys in the front.....when my instructor moved ALL of my weight to the front, what a difference!!!!!!!! With the advent of suits like the Henderson Hyperstretch and good fitting custom suits, she should not have a problem there, either. I'm a big believer in the BCD's for women. I just happen to have the Seaquest Diva LX. Tell her that I think she should take the plunge and jump into the pond.....the water is great.

Good luck to you and Happy Holidays.
SWT

 

[sealkie]

weight comes from a number of places - I`m not a small person by any means - but I`m also very heavy - even for my size - I`m active and as such a lot of my weight comes from musle as well as just ... umm .. bulk :0) I`m also fairly tall

So .. lets talk dress size - I`m a 16 - finding suits it not easy - but the Henderson hyperstrech range do fit and i don`t take the largest off the the shelf size. Your girlfriend might find the off the shelf suits a little long but i don`t think so

BCs have never been an issue but I doubt the ladies BCs will fit - I have never tried one - I have never felt the need

Dry suits I have had custom made.

Depending on her comfort and body make up she may be bouyant - I find the biggest stress to larger people learning to dive is the amount of weight they sometimes get stuffed with because no one has explained how important breathing is.

 

[Boogie711]

Just a friendly reminder - a backplate will always fit her, whether she's a size 18 or a size 0.

 

[Groundhog246]

So are their any ladies out there who are around 5'6" and 210 +-

Thank

I've an occasional buddy that's close to that profile (I don't think she's quite that tall). After quite a bit of testing she settled on a Henderson Hyperstretch suit for fit, comfort, etc. She also found switching to a weight integrated BC a benefit. Biggest problem I've seen with larger people of both sexes, is keeping a weight belt in place. Boogie and I still don't quite see eye to eye on BP/wing, but that would certainly reduce the amount of wieght on a belt and I'm all for back inflate, but I love my weight integrated BC.
Haven't dove with her much since my wife certified. Our last was Dec 22 last year in Barrie. Air was about 28F and water about 41F.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

You can find off the rack wet suits up to size 16. Dry suits are also a very good options. My spouse never liked her wet suit much as it always compressed her ummm...chest. She is however quite happy year round in a dry suit.

 

[groovhog]

Cool thanks everyone, great advice.
Ya, I'd figured the a mount of weight would be embarressing. Plus You have to haul yourself out of the water with all the gear n lead.

Well cool. I'll bring her to see a dive an see if she thinks its for her.

She's going to AL for C-mas, I'm going diving.

Sea ya

MOre advice is still appreciated
Thanks again

 

[theskull]

The DUI Weight & Trim II is a great item for those who need to wear a lot of lead. It is a suspenders-style harness, but still with quick release. It can hold upward of 20 lbs., and you can still put some of your weight in the BC trim pockets to get better distribution.
theskull