Pee Valve Long Surface Interval

[NivlemRulz]

Hi all, I just got my first dry suit and I have read so many Pee Valve threads at this point and have answered most of my questions. But I cannot find an answer to this one:

I dive a lot a local quarries where it is in the 80s on the surface and water can be low 40s - 50s at depth. There are often times where I am at the surface for a few hours between dives. Can I “unplug” from my Pee Valve? I would prefer to be able to take off the dry suit and undergarments so I don’t overheat. Do I just unhook the catheter from the hose and leave the catheter it on? Do I need to do any sanitizing between dives of either the catheter or the hose? Or just worry about end of day clean up?

And before anyone comments that I should just hold it or dive a wet suit…no I can’t hold it. I’ve tried and it takes the fun out of it as I stress about it. And I find being in a dry suit way more comfortable. I have a semi dry and prefer to be in my dry suit.

So I’m just looking for advice for this set up. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[inquis]

Most divers I know just pull the head/arms out & leave the legs & catheter hooked up. Been in 105 deg air temp (with water about half that), it's not a huge issue to remove the upper layer(s). For me, it's too much work to take the suit completely off until I'm done for the day.

That said, there are quick disconnects you can plumb in which allow... well, a quick disconnect and complete suit removal.

 

[NivlemRulz]

Most divers I know just pull the head/arms out & leave the legs & catheter hooked up. Been in 105 deg air temp (with water about half that), it's not a huge issue. For me, it's too much work to take the suit completely off until I'm done for the day.

That said, there are quick disconnects you can plumb in which allow... well, a quick disconnect and complete suit removal.

Thanks for the info. So I guess you just pee through the suit on the surface as well in this case ?

 

[Boarderguy]

Lots of discussion here including quick disconnects. I half mast my suit between dives because it's just not worth the hassle for maybe an hour out of it. In the winter I don't even unzip it.

Thread 'we're all friends here... let's talk p valves and sensitive bits...'

Oct 7, 2022

I just purchased my first dry suit yesterday from DUI and I won't have it for a few months but I did get the Light Monkey P-valve option. I've heard about a "quick connect" option and I know that I need a catheter but other than that I know nothing...

Questions:
1. Can someone tell me about the quick connect? Sounds like a good idea. What is it, where can I buy it?
2. Catheters, I've done some reading on size, putting it on, etc, but what do you buy? For example, I go to a medical company website and I see several styles but the tips look a little different. Is there a specific...

• Merida Cave Diver
• Replies: 250
• Forum: Exposure Suits

 

[inquis]

So I guess you just pee through the suit on the surface as well in this case ?

Bingo, just a little walk into the weeds. If on a boat, I'll just stand on the ladder (depending on conditions, of course).

 

[broncobowsher]

I really try to empty everything just before I get out of the water. That is generally enough to make the surface interval. Then there is the option to go walk in the weeds. Or wade out in the water waist deep to 'cool off'.

I don't de-suit between dives. Generally just open the neck a bit and de-vacuum pack myself. If I do, it is just the top half. Arms go in the suspenders so they don't drag. IF I am completely stripping out of the suit, I am done for the day.

I run quick connects. I run an open insert into the cath. A short extension hose up to disconnects with shut offs in them. I can break the like and not drain it into the suit. And I can disconnect the extension while on the surface to do my business as usual and not have to peel the cath off. ADDS COMPLEXITY! Ha! Reduces issues. I'll prep at home and peel at home. And free to stop on the road trip. While keeping the suit clean. Not trying to reach deep into the suit to plug myself in.