Delicate situation, appropriate apparel for the larger lady

HDAV · 03 April 2016, 20:06

Ok so here goes, i would really like my other half to come out on the water with me.

realistically this means a wetsuit......

(dry suit no good as she hates things tight round her neck)

Ideally a long john type (she has had wetsuits before but never got on with them) due to them constricting her shoulders and arms.

Now for the delicate bit,she is a big girl,and for some reason manufacturers assume she doesn't want to do any water based activities... otherwise they would make wet suits in more than a size 16/18 (some stop at 12) we need size 22 uk ish

Now as this is one the busier water sports forums i am hoping there might be a bit of knowledge in the area (PM me if you wish) of suit that fit the larger lady.

All i can find so far is a custom suit which at £160-£200 is quite an investment if she doesn't enjoy it (I hope she does). or one or 2 not quite big enough wetsuits.

Drysuit would have been ideal but compromise is a wet suit and Cag

I have found Jobe to Impact and buoyancy aids for women up to 2XL (euro 44 or UK16!) and Jobe do the Ruthless suit to 2Xl which is the best i have found (right style) or the Venice but i don't think it will be big enough unless someone knows different?

Found Custom made to measure suits from "no-limit" "snugg" and another who i will be speaking to next week.

ShinyShoe · 03 April 2016, 20:20

First question is - is a wetsuit the right bit of kit. Wet suits only really keep you warm if you are wet. What sort of RIBbing are you doing? If this is simply going for a spin will she get wet enough? Or would she be better off with Oilies, and maybe some launching trousers...?

If a wetsuit is the plan - May be worth a chat to the guys at trident (tridentuk.com) they make suits in the UK and can certainly 'customise' their drysuits for very little extra fee.

treerat · 03 April 2016, 20:50

Just bought the wife one of these - Safequip Flood Suit - Safequip

It allows for wetness up to the waist which is more than enough. We also bought a Gul long john last year for inwater fun which fits well.

neil.mccrirrick · 03 April 2016, 20:56

Does it definitely need to be a wet suit? We used dry suits for years which cut circulation for my wife. Eventually bought musto suits, Revolution for her, warm dry and happy

Sent from my iPad using my finger

HDAV · 03 April 2016, 21:07

She isn't keen on the idea of a dry suit and the neck seal, not keen on wetsuit neck seal hence the long john type. with a Cagon topto combat wind chill or a neoprene coat/hoody.

As the vehicle of most frequent use is not technically a RIB, getting wet enough should not be a problem.

https://www.jobesports.com/ruthless-...men-303815001/ would be ideal if available in an appropriate size.

Treerat the flood suit looks interesting but would it be dangerous in an over board situation (more than likely in the possible usage cases)

A BA is the next issue the auto inflate would be no good a foam rather than inflatable probably better.

Poly · 03 April 2016, 21:39

HDAV, might be worth looking at flotation suits. There are some relatively low cost options targeted at fishermen, who are not known for being particularly skinny. I'm not sure if there are female specific shapes available, but it could be an option, and it's a bit more acceptable for wearing to the pub.

Seaflyer02 · 03 April 2016, 22:06

You can get dry suits with a wet suit type neck seal which is not tight around the neck (that's what I have). Speak to Robin hood Watersports about the seal.

Good luck

ShinyShoe · 03 April 2016, 22:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seaflyer02

You can get dry suits with a wet suit type neck seal which is not tight around the neck (that's what I have). Speak to Robin hood Watersports about the seal.

Good luck

Was just typing exact same! Neoprene neck seal rather than latex?

HDAV · 03 April 2016, 22:10

Thanks for the ideasi have found a suit which should be the right sort of size if not the right style LADIES NEPTUNE NEOPRENE FULL WETSUIT CANOE KAYAK SURF JETSKI SURFING SWIM DIVE | eBay

SO they are out there somewhere, why is the assumption only people who look like surfers should be able to go in the water?

Mollers · 03 April 2016, 22:12

Not sure why you're going down the wetsuit/drysuit route, unless you're planning on throwing her in.

A decent Musto/Henri Lloyd type jacket/trouser combo should more than suffice and would be far more flattering.

HDAV · 03 April 2016, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Not sure why you're going down the wetsuit/drysuit route, unless you're planning on throwing her in.

A decent Musto/Henri Lloyd type jacket/trouser combo should more than suffice and would be far more flattering.

The craft is a somewhat wet ride and prone to capsizing and general unstableness one way or another your likely going in the water

Mollers · 04 April 2016, 08:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDAV

The craft is a somewhat wet ride and prone to capsizing and general unstableness one way or another your likely going in the water

OK, how about a shorty wetsuit (much easier to get on and possibly more flattering) and a dinghy splash top that doesn't have the neoprene neck collar?

Lomo wetsuits build to size, I think.

keg · 04 April 2016, 09:46

Hi HDAV, have you been on our "other" forum recently? :-)

It looks like you've solved this one but my wife is a "well upholstered" girl and has had no problem sourcing one on either ebay or other online sites. She has gone for the cag top solution as well, just helps keeps the wind off.

HDAV · 04 April 2016, 12:23

Keg is there a brand you can recommend? Long legs and no arms are the ideal + cage and BA.

Mollers I'll look up lomo thanks

jeffstevens763@g · 04 April 2016, 17:00

Wet suit outlet reasonable prices

keg · 04 April 2016, 17:09

I'll get the mrs to send me a link to the company she used as soon as she gets home from work.

HDAV · 04 April 2016, 17:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Wet suit outlet reasonable prices

I got my current suit from them great service but limited sizes might get lucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by keg

I'll get the mrs to send me a link to the company she used as soon as she gets home from work.

Cheers!

John Kennett · 04 April 2016, 21:08

You might find that neoprene trousers or dry trousers in men's XL or XXL might be a better bet, worn with a cag.

Wetsuit Outlet are excellent with returns, and their website shows which sizes they have in stock. The cost of posting stuff back is probably less than traipsing round shops looking for something suitable, so it's definitely worth trying a couple of different options.

Fenlander · 04 April 2016, 21:27

>>> neoprene trousers.... worn with a cag.... Wetsuit Outlet are excellent with returns, and their website shows which sizes they have in stock. The cost of posting stuff back is probably less than traipsing round shops looking for something suitable...

Agree. Out of choice rather than size I wear wetsuit trousers, beach type trainers and a waterproof jacket for Sibbing.

Wetsuit outfit were very efficient with sending a second larger trouser pair and refunding the returned ones as I upsized to avoid permananet numbness!

HDAV · 04 April 2016, 21:28

I think i might mail them and see what they can suggest. I have turned up a few more options.

For anyone else looking:
UP to size UK20 TWF XT3 FULL SUIT (few models)
Up to size UK22 Storm 3/2mm Women's Scuba Diving Fullsuit Wetsuit - Size 20 | eBay
Up to size UK22 Lavacore Women's Full Suit Size 20 - for Scuba , Snorkeling, and Water Sports | eBay