Wetsuite to tight?

[Jafo123]

I'm new to diving and have a question. I have done the knowlage reviews and the pool dives with no problems. The problem I'm having is twice now when out to do the open water dives(cold water) I can't catch my breath when I get in the water. The divemaster says the wetsuite is too tight and confining. I'll admit I'm not a spring chicken any more and certainly not in the best of shape. I'm using a 7mil farmer john. Is this the problem?

 

[jbd]

It could be the problem. You mention that you can't catch your breath when you get in the water. If you are having no difficulties with breathing prior to getting in the water and the wetsuit is on then it could be you are experiencing some anxiety.

The instructor should insure that the wetsuit you wear fits properly. If they don't have one, it may be in your best interest to go ahead and buy one that does fit properly.

With experience and familiarity you will become more relaxed and therefore not feel the anxiety. You may need more training time to help with this.

While not a quick solution, work on getting yourself back into better condition through excercise and diet.

Best regards.

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

You could also rent a suit that fits you better.

Are you doing Giant Strides or roll backs into the water? What is the water temperture? I've seen DM's do giant strides into cold water (42-43 degrees) right behind and hyperventilate as soon as they hit the surface due to the cold shock on the body.

 

[Scuba Duke]

I'm new to diving and have a question. I have done the knowlage reviews and the pool dives with no problems. The problem I'm having is twice now when out to do the open water dives(cold water) I can't catch my breath when I get in the water. The divemaster says the wetsuite is too tight and confining. I'll admit I'm not a spring chicken any more and certainly not in the best of shape. I'm using a 7mil farmer john. Is this the problem?

You stated there was no problem in the pool. Were you wearing the wet suit then? You also said you were doing the OW dives into cold water. I know every time I get into cold water, it takes my breath away initially. Sorta that shock to the system with that first plunge.

 

[Jafo123]

The dive trainer already said that it's the 7mil farmer john suite thats doing it. He also said he would have never sold me that suite.( I didn't buy it from him.) To much rubber around the mid section he says. Needs to be a one piece suite. I was wearing a wetsuite in the pool when I did the pool dives but that was only a 1mill. The cold open water dives I have tried to do where walk in from shore so there wasn't the shock factor. I have also noticed when I do where the 7mil farmer john it is hard to get my BDC to snap around the waist. To tight there for sure. I have been working on getting back in shape but when a person has let themselves go to pot over the last thirty years it doesn't come back quickly. Not going to give up though and will tough this thing out one way ore another.

See ya'll in the water, Thanks.
Jafo

 

[jbd]

Jafo123,
Sounds like you have a handle on things. Stick with your program of getting back in shape. You're right it doesn't come back quick but it comes back quicker than it went away I'm going through the same thing with the fitness things. Its taken several months but I have lost 7 inches from my waist and increased all other parameters of fitness and conditioning.

You might have better luck with a dry suit if you are going to be diving mostly in cooler waters. Another option for BC would be a back plate and wing setup. These items may fit your body shape better than the conventional wetsuit and BC.

Best regards,

jbd

 

[Bandito]

I am new diver but have had similar experiences as you describe on at least two occasions. In both instances I was using rented gear that did not fit well. One thing to check is the fastening straps and cumerbund on your BC. If these are too tight they can prevent your rib cage from expanding when you try to fill your lungs with air. The sensation can cause a great deal of anxiety which can then cause you to gasp for air making conditions worse. A "too tight" weight belt can have a negative impact as well and you may want to consider a BC with an integrated weight system. I have also had this occur when wearing a wet suit that was too small, again rented gear. Finally, diving in cold water, sounds like you do with a 7 mm suit, can cause a similar event. I dive in the Bay of Maine and the temps approach freezing. When first in I wait to overcome the "panic sensation" of freezing to death while the water in my suit warms up before descending. In closing the best advice I could pass on is to purchase your own gear from a qualified shop if you haven't done so all ready. While I still "choke" in the freezing Maine waters on entry the other issues have been taken care of by getting gear that works for me.