new wetsuit.

Michael John Littlewood · 01-25-2007, 01:49 PM

Hi just bought my first wetsuit( for warm water diving Maldives etc. ) Before I use it is best to soak it a few times first ( in the bath ) It might seem a daft question but I thought I'd ask. I'm thinking a new wetsuit is a lot more bouyant than one that as had some use ???

**glynneco** · 01-25-2007, 02:24 PM

Wow! Maldives?! Have fun. In answer to your question; NO. What "wears" out a suit is repeated compressions and decompressions as you dive and surface. The teeny, tiny bubbles that keep you warm lose their volume over time and don't spring back. As the bubbles compress over time or more immeadiately compress as you dive deeper you lose bouyancy. Much like tennis shoes that wear out on the inside you can have a great looking suit that no longer keeps you warm. Luckily suits last much longer then shoes. Depending on on how frequently and deeply you dive your suit can last from 3 to 7 years (or a lifetime if it mainly collects dust). You may want to wash it once or twice a season depending on how frequently you "warm" your suit.

Hey send us pictures when you get back!

Michael John Littlewood · 01-25-2007, 03:55 PM

Thanks for the advise. Wouldn't dive anywhere else ( bit of a softy only like warm water).