o When you fold your dry suit for storage or transportation (especially when wet) do it in a way that the zipper is folded out, not in. The little bit of air flow will help dry the inside. It will also prevent the zipper from being folded over on itself - a direction the zipper wasn't meant to naturally go.
o If you have a self donning zipper, zip the zipper closed a few inches before putting the suit on a hanger to dry &/or for storage. This should help take pressure off the more sensitive starting point of your zipper.
o Don't foster the reputation of being a 'gassy' diver. No one will want to help you unzip your suit!
o If you are a powder user, apply the powder so that it floats downwind away from other people. Contact lens wearers will greatly appreciate this simple gesture!
o Also, don't forget to use perfume free powder.
o There are many wicking fabrics. Wearing a shirt &/or long johns under your dry suit undies makes one (at least me!) more comfortable. It keeps the condensation moisture away from your body.
o Pretty obvious, but when pulling sleeves off don't do so by pulling on the seals.
o As a drysuit zipper ages small threads can develop. These can become potential leak points or harzardous to your zipper. Taking a lighter and CAREFULLY burning the loose threads should take care of the problem.
o Give your seals time to stretch before cutting them to larger openings. When / if you do have to cut a seal, make sure you only do a tiny portion at a time. Then give time for a bit more stretch. Also, make sure the cut is perfectly straight. Cut edges that are jagged tend to rip easier.
o If your undies have thumb holds to help you don the undies don't forget to remove it from your thumb. You don't want it messing with your wrist seal.
Pretty simple suggestions but perhaps they'll help someone.
Paula
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