Wet Suit for Disabled Diver

[Quad Diver]

I need some advice from more experienced divers. I have a spinal cord injury and am paralyzed from the chest down. People with spinal cord injuries lose the ability to thermoregulate below the level of injury, so a good suit is essential. I bought an off the rack suit that fit poorly (and was impossible to get into), so then opted for a custom fit BodyGlove with ankle / wrist zippers. This is somewhat easier to don / doff, but it so restricts my shoulders / arms - which are my sole means of propulsion - that it is impractical.

Should I opt for a Farmer John for mobility and add a jacket, or are there other options?

 

[Burke]

Have you looked into dry suits at all, they could be just what you are looking for.

 

[kelpmermaid]

have you asked them about alterations that would make it less restrictive? Or is it just so bulky that it is cumbersome?

 

[ericfine50]

There was a press release in the most recent issue of immersed about a company that makes DS for people with disabilities.

Eric

 

[kelpmermaid]

You might want to take a look:

http://www.aquaflite.com/challenged.html

 

[dotyj]

Hi Quad Diver:

Have you found a wetsuit yet?

For training I'm using a shorty. I think 2mm/3mm? Not sure.

I'll be doing my OW dives in Puget Sound and suspect that I'll have to wear a drysuit just because of my decreased ability to stay warm.

 

[jgiddings]

I second what kelpmermaid posted. Try using Aquaflite (www.aquaflite.com) and Ed will work with you on getting the right custom fit.