Don’t know where it came from but a good start on the ends and outs of dry suits. For those that would like more information there are many places on the web to include the manufactures sites themselves e.g. Diverite http://www.diverite.com/ and DUI http://www.dui-online.com both make great suits.
As already indicated the drysuit is a waterproof shell made from a membrane type material: neoprene, foam rubber, or a hybrid of both. Both have advantages and disadvantages that should be researched before you think about purchasing one as they can be expensive and should suit your diving style. Like the suit themselves the seals on the neck and wrist can be latex which are supple but easily damaged suffer deterioration so they must be replaced periodically. Neoprene seals last longer, but, being stiffer, let more water enter because they do not seal as effectively as latex seals. New designs allow users to replaced these.
The waterproof zipper installed dry suit was first developed by NASA for the astronauts suits.
Today we have a host of undergarments to select from which will accommodate a variety of temperatures. Polypropylene, 3M thinsulate and other materials have proven their usefulness above and below the waves.
Boots for the dry suit can be heavy built in ones or a separate non-waterproof boot, some suits have no boots at all allowing you to use the same boot you use with your wet suit.
Gloves both wet and dry, hoods, valves for letting air in as well as out are a few other things you need to be aware of when thinking of a drysuit.
Before considering a dry suit consult a dive instructor or other professional as these are not without their hazards. Divers must understand the additional air space the dry suit has and be able to manage it during ascent and descent. Additionally one must know how to compensate for suit squeeze and be prepared for emergencies that are unique to these e.g finding yourself upside down with your legs full of air.
Don’t let these things scare you as if you wish to extend your diving season a dry suit is surely the way to go just do it safely and get your local dive instructor to take you through the Dry Suit class and you will see that you have many more months of diving and more places to see in the underwater world. .
Take care and Best Fishes!!
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