New Scuba Diving Drysuit

I've ordered my new dry suit from Aquasport this week and I've gone for the "Suit of Choice".

Well almost!

I tried the Oceanic Aedura Black front loader and really wanted to like it but ended up with two problems. First I found it a faff to get on.

"It'll get easier with practice," I'm sure people will say.

And I'm sure it does.

But I never really wanted to be a contortionist (I don't think I'm supple enough for that). I just found it awkward to get on and could imagine students watching me fighting into my drysuit on a training course and questioning what kind of idiot was meant to be looking after them.

Secondly, I think you need to be a bit more broad shouldered and chested than I am (or leave the coathanger in) to really wear the frontloader well because of the way the zip runs.

I ended up with enough extra material across the front that I could have fitted Jordan's assets in as well.

That said, the Aerdura was incredibly warm and comfortable so I went for the tradional back zip instead. It only comes with one cargo pocket but, hey, can't have everything and I've gone for the neoprene sock and rock boot. Should have it by the end of the month.

New Scuba Diving Dry Suit

Sorting out my kit after the weekend's fun at Dosthill, I realised why my feet were so cold - a small leak in my trusty Oceanic HD400 dry suit had left my boots more than a little damp.

I can't complain thought, it's been a great suit for the money and is perfect for new divers faced with trying to get kitted up.

I've been thinking of changing it for a while and rather than spend money on repairing a suit that has lasted me five years, I've decided to upgrade.

But, with so many suits on the market, the decision on what suit to have next has left me more than a bit confused.

Everyone of the instructors I assist rave about their DUI dry suit. While I can't disagree with the sentiment over the Aston Martin of dry suits, they are a tad expensive and, being American made, the price has just gone up due to the falling value of Sterling (even us divers are not immune from the credit crunch).

My thoughts have switched to another Oceanic, this time the trilaminate Aerdura Black. With a choice of traditional back zip or front loader, Oceanic are now also offering the option of neoprene socks with rock boots above the standard boot.

It also looks cool all in black.



Someone described it as the "suit of choice" recently and I have to agree when looking at my budget. So next month I'll have to go for a fitting and let you know how it feels.

But if you have any other ideas, please let me know.