Surface Drysuit Guide

For those who spend time regularly in temperate waters, the use of a drysuit is born out of necessity rather than choice. Without that warm and dry insulating layer around us, we’d soon fall victim to the hypothermic effect of the liquid environment that so quickly conducts heat into the waters surrounding us.

A correct fitting drysuit should give many years of service. It may be the single largest investment in personal equipment you will make so it is important to make the right decision.

Drysuits are designed to do what they say – to keep you dry.

They must also be comfortable in and out of the water and, when combined with a suitable thermal undergarment, warm.

All our suits are designed and manufactured in the UK by experienced professionals.

Seals

Correctly fitting and functioning cuff and neck seals are of obvious importance. If they aren’t watertight, that slight trickle of water down the back of the neck can easily become a precursor to a cold, uncomfortable experience.

Our standard suits feature latex neck and cuff seals. However these can be easily upgraded to Neoprene seals.

Of the two, latex offers the more effective seal but does have a shorter lifespan and is more prone to accidental damage.

Neoprene does have a tendency to allow the occasional dribble of water to seep inside the suit during extreme reaching and stretching movements. Therefore neck seals are inverted on themselves to keep the air in and water out.

Although some small water ingress is almost inevitable at some stage, due to the nature of the thicker and stiffer material, the twin benefits of hardiness and longevity are a legitimate consideration.

Zips

As the main entry to any drysuit, the zip must be capable of sustained and heavy use. Our standard suits feature a rear waterproof shoulder-to-shoulder zip.

We also offer a front entry zip that fastens from shoulder to hip or hip to shoulder.

Regular maintenance and lubrication are essential to keep the zip in working order. We do recommend you have a zip cover fitted to any front entry zip to prolong the life of the zip. It is far more exposed to damage when on the front on the dry suit.

Undersuits

Cordura drysuit’s heat-retaining qualities offer considerable protection from the cold. But even the best-fitting suit needs an effective method of thermal insulation to prevent heat loss.

Undersuits can be divided roughly into the two main types of fleece-style or Thinsulate.

A blend of synthetic fibres, Thinsulate offers improved insulation over other materials such as polyester. It allows excellent heat retention but also the ability for moisture to pass through to its surface away from the skin. This type of undersuit is typically one-piece and best suited to use in tandem with a Cordura drysuit.

Fleece undersuits are manufactured using fast-wicking, high-insulation fabrics. By selecting different layers according to the prevailing conditions they prove a very effective solution for closer fitting neoprene drysuits.

Drysuit Maintenance

With a little care and attention there’s every reason to expect a drysuit to give many years of service.

Following a regular, simple maintenance regime after use will make all the difference.

Thoroughly rinse your drysuit both inside and out, paying particular attention to any valves and the zip ensuring they are free from dirt, sand and grit.

Latex seals are particularly susceptible to damage caused by contact with oil, petrol or similar contaminants. Any chemical solvents should be cleaned off immediately with soapy water then rinsed in clean fresh water.

Suspend the suit upside down in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight and when fully dry, lightly brush with talc or French chalk to prevent latex seals perishing. Avoid scented talcum powder as it can often contain harmful petroleum.

The zip should be checked for integrity and movement to avoid any snagging that may cause damage to the teeth. Finally it should be lubricated with a beeswax stick or a similar specifically designed product.

Store your drysuit hanging up to avoid creasing of the material and any strain on the zipper. If you’re unable to store it hanging up make sure that you pack it carefully and the zip is flat, not folded or kinked.

We are also very pleased to offer a drysuit repair service for punctures, seal replacements or any other alteration.

If you have any questions regarding our drysuits, please feel free to get in touch on 01308 485422 or email, fisheries@collinsnets.co.uk