Time to suit up........

[richardjawilson]

I've taken the plunge and have bought a Musto HPX drysuit. I spend a fair amount on time on the rib on my own out in the Thames estuary. It crossed my mind that if something did go horribly wrong then I feel I've taken adaquate steps to protect myself. As you all know, in Jan and Feb the water temp gets rather chilly to stay the least. I bought it from the Musto shop in Bicester Village with over £300 pounds off it, but it was still expensive!!!!

If anyone else has one of these or similar are there any cardinal rules I should not break with regard to storage and also protection of rubber seals etc??

regards richard

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by richardjawilson

If anyone else has one of these or similar are there any cardinal rules I should not break with regard to storage and also protection of rubber seals etc?? regards richard

If they are the thin latex ones similar to a drysuit then dusting them with talc before putting limbs through and storing during the winter does help. Fairy liquid is other popular lubricating fluid for divers (steady ) Quite what you would look like after a liberal coating of talc and Fairy I'm not sure. Doesn't tend to bother divers much as you leap of a boat into the oggin to seek out and plunder the treasures from the deep.

Pete

[vince]

Remember to always keep the zip flat and kink free when storing, cos if it does kink, it could leak. Loob the zip after each use. The better suits come with their own bag so you can store them flat. Also, try not to pack anything heavy on top of the suit, as this can do damage. Always leave the suit unzipped after use so as not to compress the zip flaps, and it airs better. Hopefully helpfull!

[Action Man]

when using it always remember once you have put it on to put ur finger inside the neck seal and crouch down then touch ur elbows together to squeeze all the air out of the suit, take ur finger out of the neck seal and stand up, u may feel like a vac packed chicken but it is better than being held upside down under the water because the air has spread to ur feet.

regards

Giles

[richardjawilson]

thanks for the above suggestions, particularly keeping it unzipped, talc and too much air in the suit

regards richard

[jyasaki]

Also, do *not* use silicone lubricants on the zipper or seals. The stuff has a tendency to migrate into the fabric, which makes for a tough reglueing job when the time comes. Wax for the zipper, and mild dish soap and water, or plain talc (unscented) for the seals.

BTW, if you do find yourself held inverted with puffy boot syndrome, pull your knees to your chest, roll up into a ball, use your arms to get head-up, then straighten out again. Better than drowning.

jky