Is there a way to make a wetsuit less buoyant?

[ebfh]

I have an old wetsuit of mine that I have already replaced with a 3mm pinnacle tempo. It is a ripcurl dawn patrol 3/2 with flatlock stitching (if that helps at all) and I don't mind ruining the suit. I just need it to be less buoyant... for reasons (don't ask why.)

 

[chillyinCanada]

Cut big holes out of it?

 

[buddhasummer]

Other than removing neoprene or adding weight I don't see how it is possible.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Make it into a shortie? Cut the arms off and make it into a John? Shave a layer off the inside?

 

[KeithG]

Very simple to do. Your wet suit is made of closed cell neoprene. The cells are sealed and full of air (generally). To make it less buoyant, simply puncture ALL of the cells!

A sharp needle and several weeks of effort should get you there.

 

[cmulvaney]

I could pee on it for you. lol

Is it back zip or front zip?

 

[alewar]

You could iron it.

 

[MB NZ]

All wetsuits get compressed and therefore, less buoyant by water pressure over time. They also become less good at insulating for the same reason.

 

[spectrum]

ebfh,

Normally I assume you are seeking to wear less lead and overall be lighter on your feet. You may also want to enjoy diving with less buoyancy swing as you change depth.

Wetsuits, dry suits, your winter coat and home all basically keep you warm by trapping air or another gas as most gasses are pretty decent insulators. That being said, less gas, less warmth. As others have suggested the means of degassing the suit is to crush the bubbles. Neoprene foam is closed cell and will retain bubbles for along time if well cared for. However if you crush the material the gas will escape and the suit will become more neutral. Do you have access to a 20 ton hydraulic press?

Since you are already down to a 3/2 it's hard to suggest getting a better fit on a lighter suit. I have to assume you have something unconventional in mind so at your request I will not ask.

Pete

 

[victor]

Sell this suit and buy a 1mm suit