Wetsuits

Q: What is the difference between freedivers suits from of scuba suit?
A: Differences between freedivers wetsuits over scuba diver wetsuits have come about by demand of application.
Although a freedivers wetsuit can be very warm they have a tendency to compress more at depth thus loosing some of their insulations properties. But in turn the flexibility of a freedivers or apnea wetsuit is far more liberating than that of the scuba design.
Scuba divers tend to change out of their suits between dives. Where as freedivers tend to keep their suits donned for the whole days diving.
So for the apnea wetsuit there are usually no zips & they often made of open cell neoprene.
to be continued
Q: How do I don a open cell wetsuit?
Some open cell wetsuits have a coating on the inside, which allows the diver to fit the suit dry, but even this layer has a limited lifespan. Most wetsuits require soaping the interior to make it slippery. Mix approximately one part solution to eight parts water in a small bottle. Squirt the contents into the suit top while it’s lying flat. Then grab both the cuffs and hood in one hand sealing them to avoid substance pouring out. With the other hand holding the base of the top sealing that end too. Shake the top back and fourth, dipping one end lower than the other to encourage the substance to move throughout the whole wetsuit top. Once this is done, pour the substance into the long johns which are lying flat on the ground. Repeat the exercise the long johns.
To be continued
Q: What should I use to lather my open cell wetsuit?
A: The soap used should be very mild as its only function is to don the suit. Do not use dish wash or any kind of detergent. These are very harsh on the skin especially as the substance stays in the suit for hours while diving and can cause welts. Johnson's Baby shampoo are very mild and lather quite well.

Q: How should I store my wetsuit?
A: After a days diving a suit should be washed with some form of disinfectant and rinsed. Then hung to dry in such a manner that the suit is well vented. Avoid drying in direct sunlight, although this may kill a lot of bacteria it also kills the suit. When using a coat hanger, look for one that is thick to avoid leaving marks in the wetsuit.
Author: Ron Bakker