Instructions for a Dry Suit

Dry suits are worn when people are exposed to cold water.

Dry suits are meant to provide thermal insulation for people who are exposed to cold water during activities such as sailing, diving, wind surfing and water skiing. Dry suits need to be properly worn and washed in order to keep them protected from breaking down from salt water and grime. Properly wearing and caring for your dry suit will make it last longer and ensure that it will keep you warm and dry when you are exposed to cold water.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic or bath tub
• Fresh water
• Bees wax lubricant

Instructions

1. Wear your dry suit by sliding it over fitted and stretchy clothing, such as swim attire or long underwear. This clothing should be protected when wearing the dry suit, but do not wear anything that cannot get wet, just in case your clothing is exposed to some moisture. Make sure all the enclosures that lead to the neck, wrist and ankle opening are completely closed and secured at the ends.

2. Remove your dry suit once you have finished using it and place it in a waterproof bin or bathtub. This will help to drain the dry suit before you take it to a place where you can wash it thoroughly.

3. Rinse your dry suit in clean and fresh water after each use. Make sure you wash it thoroughly to remove all the salt water and grime that is has been exposed while you wore it in the water. Salt and dirt will begin to degrade the material your dry suit is made of if you do not wash them out after every use.

4. Hang your dry suit to dry completely before storing. Make sure the suit has plenty of ventilation, but also be sure that it is not in direct sunlight while drying. Drying the suit is important to ensure that mildew and mold do not begin to grow on your dry suit when you are not using it.

5. Store your dry suit by carefully folding or rolling it up once it is completely dry. Make sure that the zippers lay or roll flat so that they do not bend while the suit is in storage.

Tips & Warnings

• Lubricate your zippers on a regular basis with bees wax to keep them in good moving condition.

• If you are wearing a dry suit while scuba diving, make sure to take a specialty course so you will be trained in safely controlling the buoyancy in a dry suit.

References

• Crew Saver: Drysuit Care and Maintenance
• Oceanic Tech: Drysuit Manual
• The Scuba Guide: Dry Suits