Drysuits

What to look for in a drysuit

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be fitted for a drysuit or can I order standard sizing?

Unlike wetsuits, drysuits are significantly more difficult to return or exchange if the fit is wrong — and an ill-fitting drysuit is both uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Standard sized drysuits are available and work well for divers whose measurements fall within typical proportions, but the fit must be checked with your full undergarment system in place. We strongly recommend coming in to our Edmonton store for an in-person fitting before purchasing. If you are ordering remotely, take chest, waist, hip, inseam, shoulder width, and height measurements and compare them carefully to the manufacturer's size chart. Contact us before ordering if you are between sizes or have an unusual body proportion — an improperly fitted drysuit is one of the most common regrets we see from divers who did not get fitted.

Can I repair a drysuit seal myself or does it need a professional?

Minor latex seal maintenance — like applying seal conditioner or trimming a small ragged edge — can be done at home. However, replacing a full wrist or neck seal requires bonding the new seal to the suit material, which involves specific adhesives, proper preparation of the bonding surface, and drying time under controlled conditions. An improperly bonded seal that fails underwater is a serious problem. We recommend having seals replaced by a qualified drysuit technician. If you are diving regularly, learning to do your own seal replacements under the guidance of a technician is a worthwhile skill — seal life varies considerably based on UV exposure, chemical contact, and frequency of use. Be mindful of the use of sunscreen or bug repellent around drysuits!

How do I care for my drysuit zipper?

The zipper is one of the most expensive components on a drysuit and one of the most neglected. After every dive, rinse the zipper with fresh water and allow it to dry before closing it for storage — storing a damp zipper closed promotes corrosion and mold growth in the teeth. Clean the zipper teeth periodically with a soft brush to remove salt, sand, and debris. Apply zipper wax or the manufacturer's recommended lubricant to the teeth before every dive season and after extended storage — the zipper should slide smoothly with moderate hand pressure. If the zipper feels stiff, apply more lubricant; do not force it. A properly maintained drysuit zipper should last many years; a neglected one can fail within a season.

What is the inflator valve on a drysuit for?

The inflator valve on the chest or left arm of the drysuit connects via a low-pressure hose to a port on your regulator first stage — the same type of connection used for your BCD. As you descend, increasing water pressure compresses the suit and the undergarments inside it, reducing insulation and creating an uncomfortable squeeze. You add small amounts of air through the inflator to maintain a comfortable volume inside the suit and control buoyancy. On ascent, you vent excess air through a dump valve — typically on the upper left arm — to prevent uncontrolled ascent. Managing suit volume simultaneously with BCD inflation is the primary new skill that drysuit diving requires over wetsuit diving, and is why dedicated drysuit training is essential.