Prob with new drysuit

[Hoppy]

Hi all,

First time out with a new dry suit last sunday, the problem is that this one the lower leg isnt quite as good a fit as the last one. Consequently I now have floaty feet.

Would the best way to solve this be gaiters or ankle weights ?

 

[Mako Mark]

I would go for gaitors.

keep the weight nearer the center of gravity.

 

[ABQdiver]

Try at least two pairs of socks, or more. It may help as well

 

[bcsean]

how do socks help the lower leg? I'm considering getting gaiters too as my suit tends to trap air in lower legs.

 

[Bob3]

For some folks something as little as a velcro strap around the ankles is enough.
If you can shift your lead a little lower down in your body it may help too.
A lot of folks with the "floaty feet" syndrome use integrated weights, making the weight ride up too high. Time to duct tape a 4 pounder to the butt of the tank (probably an aluminum one, eh?)

 

[CALI68]

What Kind of Fins are you using?

 

[jagfish]

What Kind of Fins are you using?

Good point...
My trim with drysuit improved when I got steel springs. My floatiness also depends on what kind of tank I am diving. For me at this stage of experience with drysuit (about 60 dives) best trim is achieved when I dive with a larger steel tank like a 14 liter...AL 80s are the worst for me. Last 900 pounds can be quite unpleasant.

JAG

 

[Hoppy]

For some folks something as little as a velcro strap around the ankles is enough.
If you can shift your lead a little lower down in your body it may help too.
A lot of folks with the "floaty feet" syndrome use integrated weights, making the weight ride up too high. Time to duct tape a 4 pounder to the butt of the tank (probably an aluminum one, eh?)

Twin 10 litre steels actually Bob. The problem was when trying to adopt the "skydiver" type position, the lower legs fill up even with minimal air in the suit.

The thought of gaiters was (I assume this will work) to stop the air at the knees basically.

 

[SubMariner]

The thought of gaiters was (I assume this will work) to stop the air at the knees basically.

True. I use DUI Rock Boots with my suit, which essentially act like gaitors because you can lace them up as tightly as you like.

BTW, have you done any confined water training with your suit, or had someone who is well versed in the Specialty show you the ropes? It will definitely benefit you in the long run to do that or take a Drysuit Specialty course from an Instructor acredited in the Specialty.

Bonne Chance,

 

[Bob3]

Twin 10 litre steels actually Bob. The problem was when trying to adopt the "skydiver" type position, the lower legs fill up even with minimal air in the suit.

The thought of gaiters was (I assume this will work) to stop the air at the knees basically.

Yah, gaitors will work, but it's usually better to try & tweak the gear around for a better weight distribution.
What sort of undies are you using? Some folks like to keep all the air out of the suit, so there's none to migrate. I like to keep some in so my undies have better loft, which makes some mischief with the feet.
Ankle weights I've ruled out because of the distances usually covered. Too tiring wagging the extra lead around all day.