Request for secret wetsuit donning lubrication formula

powder vs lube,  I am only able to get my suit on with baby powder because it has what is called a termic lining, that is the only part of the suit advertising I think was over stated, all the other stuff ended up being better than advertised.

The lining is supposed to allow you to suit up without any lube at all, even when brand new it just barely let me get it on without any powder or lube, Now after some use the lining is actually wearing off and it's getting more difficult to get on with powder, so I'll probably be switching to cheap hair conditioner/water mix soon.  I don't do that now because I hate being cold even if just for a minute while I suit up with wet stuff vs dry powder,

...those with open cell suits are keeping them warm and staying warm. the suit does not act like a radiator cooling you down when there is wind. also,

Unless you're wearing a chicle suit, then I would disagree with this statement.  The freedive suits that have a nylon outer shell will cool the diver through wicking. 

7 HOURS IN THE WATER ? Now that's endurance and these suits must be good. Even on a windless sunny day with warmer than average 54+deg water that's impressive. This thread is becoming an eye opener.

Thanks for the info guys. I am going to have to give one a try. but its not the wetsuit for my getting tired after 3.5 to 3 hours of diving. Its because i am in the water diving for 2.5 to 3 hours, without a rest.
I just bought my yak, the way i always dive before i bought it was to swim out from shore without a tube. I use a second weight belt, without weight, and put a lobster bag an abalone bag and my ab iron in a clip on it. I tie a stringer for fish to the ab bag and carry my pole spear in my hand.
I hunt fish first in about 25 to 35 feet of water. To get a limit of rockfish with a pole spear takes about 20 to 25 dives down to at least 15 feet if not the bottom. Then i take my abs on the way in and stop in 10 feet of water and lay down the abalone bag with the carcess of the fish of my last dive and pick up 7 to 10 rock crabs then i swim in.
I get cold after 2 to 2.5 hours not because of my wetsuit but because i am running out of glucose. At three hours my legs wont let me dive again, little cramps, then I swim in.
Iike to dive like this because it keeps me is excellent shape, and i can eat the amounts of food i want.

I used my Yazbeck suit for first time last week on the Lost Coast. After using a 4/3 surfing suit for years, the 5mm Yaz was phenomenal in the water. the 15% haircondtioner/H20 mix was perfect to slip the suit on. Many folks said to get a 7mm. If you tend to get cold, I would agree. 5mm premium neoprene was a significant step up in warmth capability for me and I couldn't be happier with it.  The thinner neo gives an extra bit of flexibility over the 7mm in the same suit material, although the 7 mm is super flex as well.  Was in the water for about two hours and was super warm entire time. If you can afford one, get one and you'll be impressed with the performance.

SRJ

Domenic and I were both chilled after 2+ hours in our conventional $89 7 mil suits, and that suit of Shannon's looked really slick.  I'm ready to get one of those new-fangled jobs.  Especially since I don't go rockpicking in rough conditions a few dozen times a year like I used to - clinging to barnacle-covered rocks with waves breaking on me was a good way to trash cheap wetsuits.   

Eric,

if the Pro Sport Center in Eureka does not have one of these suits(I like to buy local too)let me know and I'll give you the info for the place in sac. Think it's called freediveshop(yes, one word)or freedivesport. They are super nice and will take care of you. The Picasso suits are on clearance and on sale. The Yazbeck in 7mm is about 400. The 5 mm was 300 on sale, super good deal. Not sure you need one since you seem to find the giant abs within the first ten minutes of getting into the water, you dog!.

Shannon

PS- any chance we might be seeing a video soon? My video turned out ok. Don't know how to edit or I'd try to post on youtube. Might do it anyway. You might have to walk through doing that.

Domenic and I were both chilled after 2+ hours in our conventional $89 7 mil suits, and that suit of Shannon's looked really slick.  I'm ready to get one of those new-fangled jobs.  Especially since I don't go rockpicking in rough conditions a few dozen times a year like I used to - clinging to barnacle-covered rocks with waves breaking on me was a good way to trash cheap wetsuits.   

Where do you get a 7mm wetsuit for $89? I am going to start my 10 year old daughter diving, she will grow out of the wetsuit i get for her in year so something that cheap would be great.

Shannon - thanks for the offer, I'll do a little research and get back to you on that.  If you do pick me up a suit you'll have to show up at the Cove!     The other day's video coming soon.   

ocean_314 - Sport and Cycle in Fortuna has had that deal for years on "Action Plus" or "Scuba Pro" like the suits Domenic and I have.

This is all new to me. I have worn wetsuits for many years to surf and scuba dive, I have never heard of lubing up beforehand. Am I missing something? When I was in jr. high we would put a plastic grocery bag over each foot then slide right in, same for the hands if needed. Works very well even when the suit is still wet from a previous session.

Jaytwo,

read the thread from the beginning. It talks about unlined suits. That is, the suits are unlined with nylon on the inside, so that they stick close to the skin. This provides better insulation and thus you are warmer. These suits we talk about(Yazbeck/Picasso) are made of high end Neoprene and have great insulation properties. The "open  cell" neoprene on the inside has millions of tiny exposed bubbles that adhere to skin. Being unlined, they grab your skin and are very difficult to don without some grease or powder concoction.  That sums up the post nicely. Happy to answer any other questions you have.

Shannon

Shannon - thanks for the offer, I'll do a little research and get back to you on that.  If you do pick me up a suit you'll have to show up at the Cove!     The other day's video coming soon.   

ocean_314 - Sport and Cycle in Fortuna has had that deal for years on "Action Plus" or "Scuba Pro" like the suits Domenic and I have.

Thanks for the info. I am going to stop there when my daughter has her next swim meet in Eureka this summer. In Ukiah the wetsuits are around $200.

I was in Ft Bragg last week and the dive shop had kids 7mm one piece suit for 100 dollars.

cornstarch

Since I just picked up my first true freedive suit with no zippers I need to figure out how to put it on.

I'll try the cornstarch first before I try the conditioner or suitslip.

Go get your freedive suit by calling the freediveshop.com now picasso suits are 60% off and I just bought one.  The online prices are not the sale prices, you must call or head to west sac.

I was in Ft Bragg last week and the dive shop had kids 7mm one piece suit for 100 dollars.

what is the name of this dive shop in Ft. Bragg?  My 11 yr old son could use one, esp. if $100.