Preventing air from getting trapped in your drysuit is important for maintaining proper buoyancy control and comfort while diving. Here are some tips to help you prevent air from getting trapped in your drysuit:
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Properly Inflate and Deflate: Use the drysuit's inflation valve to add air in small increments until you feel the suit just starting to inflate. Avoid overinflating, as excess air can lead to discomfort and poor buoyancy control.
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Burp the Suit: As you descend underwater, the air inside the drysuit will compress. To prevent excessive squeeze, which can be uncomfortable or even painful, you should periodically "burp" the suit by lifting the inflator valve slightly to release a small amount of air. Be cautious not to release too much air at once.
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Ventilate During Descents: During descents, keep the neck seal slightly open to allow excess air to escape from the suit. This can help prevent overinflation as the air inside the suit compresses with depth.
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Ventilate During Ascents: As you ascend, the air inside the drysuit will expand. To prevent excess buoyancy, release air from the suit using the exhaust valve. Start venting air gradually as you ascend, and make sure to perform safety stops if needed.
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Use Proper Buoyancy Control Techniques: Practice buoyancy control techniques, such as adjusting your breathing, using your BCD, and using proper finning techniques, to help maintain a stable and controlled ascent and descent.
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Avoid Overinflating: Overinflating the drysuit can lead to air being trapped in the upper body or neck area, causing discomfort and affecting buoyancy control. In extreme cases, it can even pose a safety risk.
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Practice Burping: Before diving in challenging conditions, practice "burping" the drysuit at the surface to get a feel for releasing air in controlled amounts.
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Regular Buoyancy Checks: Throughout the dive, periodically check your buoyancy by hovering neutrally in the water. Adjust the amount of air in your drysuit as needed to maintain your desired depth.
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Avoid Sudden Movements: Sudden or rapid movements can cause air to shift within the drysuit and affect buoyancy. Move deliberately and avoid sharp changes in position.
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Equalize Air: If you feel air accumulating in a particular area of the drysuit, such as the feet, gently move your legs or use your hand to help equalize the air distribution within the suit.
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Practice Makes Perfect: As you gain experience with drysuit diving, you'll become more adept at managing buoyancy and preventing air from getting trapped. Practice and familiarity with your drysuit's behavior will help you refine your techniques.