Fitting a dry suit properly is crucial for comfort, mobility, and safety in the water. It involves selecting the correct size, donning the suit correctly, and then expelling excess air, a process often referred to as "burping" the suit.
Understanding Dry Suit Fit
A well-fitting dry suit should allow for a full range of motion without being excessively baggy or restrictively tight. It needs to accommodate your undergarments while minimizing the amount of air inside, which can affect buoyancy and streamline.
Key Aspects of a Proper Fit
- Size Selection: Dry suits are typically sized based on height, weight, chest circumference, and shoe size. It's vital to consult the manufacturer's sizing charts, as measurements can vary between brands.
- Undergarments: The fit must account for the thermal undergarments you'll wear. You should have enough room for these layers without compression, which can reduce their insulating properties.
- Seal Comfort: Neck and wrist seals should be snug enough to prevent water entry but not so tight that they cause discomfort, restrict circulation, or lead to headaches. These can often be trimmed for a custom fit.
- Mobility: Once the suit is on, you should be able to move freely, squat, reach, and lift your arms without feeling significant restriction or pressure points.
The Donning Process
Putting on a dry suit correctly is the first step to achieving a good fit. While specific steps may vary by suit design (e.g., front entry vs. back entry zippers), the general process ensures the suit is worn smoothly.
- Preparation: Ensure your undergarments are smooth and free of wrinkles. Remove jewelry that could snag or damage seals.
- Legs First: Sit down and insert one leg into the suit, pushing your foot completely through the integrated sock or boot. Repeat for the second leg.
- Torso and Arms: Stand up and pull the suit up over your waist. Insert one arm through a sleeve, then the other.
- Head and Zipper: Carefully put your head through the neck seal. Once fully in, close the main zipper, often with assistance for back-entry suits.
The "Burping" Process: Expelling Excess Air
Once you have donned your dry suit and put on your footwear, a critical step to achieve an optimal fit is to "burp" the suit. This removes excess air trapped inside, which reduces bulk, improves hydrodynamics, and helps manage buoyancy more effectively.
As per the reference, here's how to burp your dry suit:
- Open Neck Gasket: Gently open your neck gasket.
- Crouch Down: Crouch down slowly. This action pushes the air upwards and out through the open neck seal.
- Expel Air: Allow most of the trapped air to exit the dry suit. You will feel the suit compress against your body.
- Release Gasket: Once the air has exited, release the neck gasket to seal it.
- Stand Up: Stand back up.
This process ensures a snugger fit, reducing the amount of air that could shift around inside the suit during activity, which can be unsettling or affect your balance in the water.
Final Fit Check
After burping the suit, perform a final check:
- Range of Motion: Perform various movements (squats, arm raises, bending) to confirm flexibility and comfort.
- Seal Integrity: Double-check that all zippers are fully closed and all seals (neck, wrists, and any relief zippers) are properly seated and uncreased.
- Comfort: The suit should feel secure but not restrictive.
Following these steps ensures your dry suit fits properly, enhancing your comfort and safety during any water-based activity.
