Uwatec WETSUITS, Manual

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5
ENG - English
Horizontal Zippers:
These zippers run across the shoulders, either on the front or the back of the suit. Across-
the-shoulder zippers are closed left-to-right. This is because the majority of people are
right-handed so find it easier to close the zipper in this direction. To minimize the chance
of damage, a rear across-the-shoulder zipper should be closed by a dive buddy standing
behind you while you keep your arms extended out in front of you (this arm positioning
flattens the zipper track for easier zipping). After the dive, also have your buddy open the
zipper as you employ the same arm positioning.
Zipper Tip: If your suit has an across-the-shoulders rear zipper, ask your dive buddy to
keep a finger of one hand in front of the zipper slider while he or she closes the zipper with
the other hand; this will flatten out any neoprene that might interfere with the zipper. It also
keeps any undersuit or under-flap material out of the way so it won’t get trapped in the
zipper teeth. Self-closing an across-the-shoulder front zipper requires a different technique.
To make zipping easier, your left arm should be held out and to your left side (45° to 90°
from front-center) to help keep the zipper track as straight as possible. Meanwhile, your right
hand grabs hold of the slider and pulls the zipper toward its closed position. Once the zipper
is pulled almost all the way over, let go of the slider with your right hand, hold your right arm
out and off to the right side (45° to 90° from front-center), and take hold of the slider with
your left hand and pull it firmly to the end of the stopper. (Note: double-check that the zipper
is fully closed. If it is not tight against the stopper, water will be able to enter the suit and
cause the zipper to open.)
WETSUIT FIT
Your new wetsuit is designed to fit your body like a “second skin.” However, it must not be
overly snug. A too-tight wetsuit is uncomfortable, limits range of motion and can restrict
breathing, and that can cause panic.
At the same time, your wetsuit can’t be too loose. A too-loose wetsuit allows water to shift
and pool inside, flushing away your body heat. Typical areas where you might find these
pooling “pockets” are the crotch, under the arms and behind the knees. Like the suit itself,
neck, ankle and wrist seals must be able to reduce the flow of water into the suit, but not be
so tight as to restrict circulation to the hands, feet and head. A restriction of blood flow to the
extremities can result in a loss of feeling, nitrogen build-up and a lack of oxygen to the brain,
which can cause you to lose consciousness while under water. On the other hand, seals that
are too loose allow water to flow in and out of the suit. This accelerates your thermal loss.
Wetsuit Fit Tip:
To make sure your wetsuit fits correctly, with it fully zipped up inhale deeply
to make sure the neoprene does not impair the expansion of your rib cage. Also, reach up
and make sure you can clasp your hands over your head. Then bend over, touch your toes,
squat, and make sure you can get down on your knees without restriction. If you can make
all these moves without discomfort, you’re good to go.