Drysuit alterations

[berticus]

Hi,

I just bought an Otter Skin drysuit off ebay. It seems to be in excellent condition and I got it for a good price, so I'm quite happy with it.

However, after trying it on I have some questions:

1) The legs seem to be a little too long for me and I'm worried about my feet popping out of the boots if too much air gets trapped down there. Is this likely, and is there any way of stopping it happenning? Also, is it possible to get the legs shortened?

2) It's a front entry suit, which seems like a good idea in theory and I can get into the suit no problem, but I couldn't get back out of the b***dy thing! Is there a trick to this?

3) It has an Apeks shoulder auto dump, whereas I've used a cuff dump in the past. I know how the auto dump works, but I can't remember which direction closes the valve, and which one opens it. Can anyone enlighten me?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rob

[Tim Ingmire]

1. Take it to Divers Warehouse and they will make any changes you wish.
2. There is a knack - head out, first drop your right shoulder and pull suit over it. Then pull right hand out of seal and out of suit the rest is easy (I'm assuming that your zip goes from your left shoulder to right hip).
3. It should say on the valve but, clockwise to close.

[Clare Gledhill]

Originally Posted by berticus

2) It's a front entry suit, which seems like a good idea in theory and I can get into the suit no problem, but I couldn't get back out of the b***dy thing! Is there a trick to this?

Yes - ask Lou and Beanie they had great fun helping me get out of mine the first time at Stoney!

You'll get better at it but, essentially, make sure you have the zip completely undone - to the last inch. Work out how you tilt your head to get in to the suit and do this in reverse to get out. Then what I have to do is release my wrists from the seals pulling my arms in to the suit and then it will slip off the shoulders (with a bit of a wriggle) Don't try to pull the sleeves off inside out - you cannot get the right angle to do this without dislocating your shoulders! All of this makes great spectator sport

HTH

[berticus]

Thanks Tim. There were no markings on the valve so I thought I would ask.

I'll try out your suggestion tonight. Last time I had to get the wife to help me (I'll never forgive her for laughing!!)

[Tim Ingmire]

Originally Posted by berticus

I'll try out your suggestion tonight. Last time I had to get the wife to help me (I'll never forgive her for laughing!!)

Have fun. You should look back for a post by Dave Willo about an experience he had with a wetsuit - I PMSL at the time and it still make me chuckle. That was way back when tho.

[SCUBA Chick]

Originally Posted by Gledders

You'll get better at it but, essentially, make sure you have the zip completely undone - to the last inch.

Umm, I usually forget to do this and end up contorting myself all over the place...

Makes for some good entertainment post dive

Scubachick

[Dinner Lady]

Originally Posted by berticus

2) It's a front entry suit, which seems like a good idea in theory and I can get into the suit no problem, but I couldn't get back out of the b***dy thing! Is there a trick to this?
Rob

We found that this technique worked over the weekend.

[berticus]

rofl