A Guide to Putting on a Wetsuit Properly
A lot of divers will tell you that putting on a wetsuit can sometimes be more stressful than the actual dive. Squeezing yourself into a tight garment can be challenging, for sure, but it doesn’t have to take out the fun of going into the water more often.
Here are some simple tips to help you put on a wetsuit properly:
Choose the right size of wetsuit
The first step to putting on a wetsuit is choosing the right size for you. If a wetsuit squeezes around your neck and body uncomfortably or if you feel like you can’t breathe properly when wearing it that means that your wetsuit is too small for you.
Keep in mind that your wetsuit should conform to your body to prevent water from circulating, but it also shouldn’t be too tight that it restricts your movement.
Prep your body for the wetsuit
Before donning your wetsuit, make sure that your body is completely dry to let the wetsuit slide easier into your body. Some divers also use the anti-chaffing balm on their necks, wrists, and ankles.
Prepare your wetsuit
You should also prepare your wetsuit by turning it inside out and rolling the top down to the waist with the zipper down to the back. By doing it this way, it’s easier to wear the wetsuit and protect it from tears and scratches.
Work your way up
Put your feet in one at a time making sure that your wetsuit is in proper alignment. A lot of divers also follow the plastic bag technique where you put a plastic bag on your foot to make it easier for the wetsuit to glide inside. Pull the wetsuit up to your thighs and smooth everything out before moving on to the next leg.
Work your way up until you reach your hips and smooth out the rolls before donning the wetsuit on your upper body. Before zipping up your wetsuit, make sure that you take a good stretch to ensure that everything is smooth. Pull up the cord attached to the zipper to make zipping up the wetsuit easily.
These simple tips will surely help you don your wetsuit properly, so you can enjoy a great diving experience every time.
