Waterproof DRYSUIT Owner's Manual - page 7
Waterproof Drysuite Owners Manual
Page 7 of 10
Suit Exhaust valve use:
The automatic adjustable exhaust valve is designed to vent excess air form the suit by simply
positioning yourself underwater so that the valve is in the high position. The amount of air
pressure the valve will retain inside the suit is adjustable. Rotating the valve flange clockwise will
increase the air held inside the suit, rotating the flange counter clockwise will cause the suit to
retain less air. Even when the valve has been rotated fully clockwise so as to retain the
maximum air, pressing downwards on the flange will cause air to vent as if the valve were fully
opened, so long as the pressure is maintained. Most divers find that diving with the valve
completely or nearly completely opened (turned counter clockwise as far as possible) allows for
the most precise buoyancy control while underwater. Turning the valve to a more closed
position when on the surface (so as to retain more air) may make resting or swimming more
comfortable. Your diving instructor or retailer can help you find the buoyancy and weighting
combination that works best for you.
After Diving/Suit Storage:
• DO NOT use silicone sprays or lubricants on the latex seals or zipper. They will not help the
seals last longer and will make seal or zipper replacement difficult or impossible if the silicone
has soaked into the suit material. Seals should be cleaned with soap and water and then
lubricated with unscented talc.
• Rinse your suit after diving, taking particular care to clean sand and salt from the valves and
zipper. The valves should be operated while being rinsed.
• Always dry the suit after diving, do not store it wet. If perspiration has made the interior of
the suit damp it may be necessary to air the suit inside out, or hang it with the zipper
completely open until dry.
• Neoprene suits should not be hung for extended periods on narrow hangers, as the suit
material may become stressed where it passes over the hanger. Extra wide hangers designed for
dry or wetsuit storage may be used. Suits may be stored in their bag, but take care with the
Neoprene suits not to repeatedly fold them in the same spot, as this may create permanent
creases in the suit material.
• It is important to store the suit away from sources of ozone (electric motors, gas water
heaters, home furnaces, etc.). and away from sources of UV radiation (mainly sunlight), as both
of these will degrade the latex seals more rapidly. Suits stored for extended periods will be well
protected if stored inside sealed plastic bags.
• Lubricate the zipper with paraffin wax before storage. When the suit is stored or transported
in its bag the zipper must be open. When the zipper is open it is very flexible, when closed it
becomes stiff and could be damaged or broken if inadvertently bent.
• Do not store your suit where it will be subjected to high temperatures. Drysuits can be
damaged by excessive heat, as in the trunk of a car in summer sun.
• Before storage dust the latex seals with unscented talc (available from a Waterproof dealer).
This will help prevent the latex from sticking to itself and will make the suit easier to put on the
next time. Be sure to use only unscented talc, as scented varieties contain oils that might
damage the latex.