Waterproof Drysuite Owners Manual
Page 9 of 10
Care of the Valves
The inlet and exhaust valves require little maintenance besides keeping them clean. They should
be periodically (at least annually) checked by a qualified service facility. DO NOT attempt to
disassemble the valves yourself.
• Rinse the valves after diving to remove sand and foreign material.
• Use only undergarments that do not produce excessive lint. Lint can become caught in the
exhaust valve and cause it to leak.
Care of the Drysuit Undergarments
One of the most important parts of your drysuit system, and the one most often overlooked, is
the drysuit undergarment. Care in selection and use of undergarments will greatly increase your
comfort.
• Anytime you are in the drysuit your body is likely to be producing perspiration. Wash your
drysuit underwear regularly to keep it from building up salt in the fibers, which can cause it to
become less efficient.
A few tips to help you stay warm and comfortable.
Use proper undergarments.
• Use only undergarments made from non- absorptive materials such as polyester fleece or
Thinsulate¤. Don t wear cotton sweatsuits, t-shirts, or other garments in our drysuit,
particularly next to the skin. Cotton is highly absorptive and will soak up like a sponge any
moisture your body puts out. This creates a thermal conduit which will conduct heat away from
your body and make you feel clammy.
• Use undergarments that are not restrictive. Tight fitting or confining undergarments that
restrict motion detract from both comfort and safety. Waterproof s drysuit underwear system
is made from a four-way stretch polyester which allows completely unrestricted motion.
• In diving as in other active sports, layering undergarments is generally preferable to a single
thick layer. Waterproof s drysuit underwear system is designed as a set, with a farmer john,
jacket, vest, and booties. This allows the diver to match insulation to the conditions on a given
dive. Many divers find that polyester long underwear commonly used for skiing makes an
excellent additional layer for extremely cold conditions.
Weight yourself properly:
• Proper weighting and diving technique allows the drysuit to automatically compensate for
most buoyancy shifts during diving. Spend some time getting your weight right, work with your
dealer and/or instructor to become relaxed and comfortable with your diving system.
