Wetsuit Pics
 

I returned from a tourist vac w/bride to Peru and the Galapagos last week. While the 35 other tourists were sleeping below I'm routinely walking around the 185' ship during midnight to 5am. I get to know the wheelhouse 37yr old native officer and our rambling begins. One boy subject after another leads to diving, water temps, and wet-suits.

The Galapagos is a 3rd world area and the only wet-suits he's ever seen comes out of the dive shops. I say I have the best custom built wet-suits made in the US. It's news to him that such a thing exists and would love to eyeball some wet-suit pics.

I took and sent only pics of the 1/8" shorty and two 1/4"s. The cameo 1/4" is built for free-diving spearfishing as told by the gun rubber buffer on the jacket. The trick thing about all 3 of them is that the hood is attached. I may have the only 1/8" shorty with a attached hood anywhere. My 3/8" custom was not shot as he has no use for a trick 3/8" jacket and 3/8 & 1/4" farmer john winter suit. The spear-gun is just to get him more worked up. I should be going back there next year solo for a boy only dive trip with this Galapagos native and his local buds.

Local knowledge is the best knowledge imo.. especially when you're in a 3rd world country without any tourists screwing up your routine.

So for anyone interested in these suits including name of dive-suit shop in Calif I'm posting pics of what he was just sent. These suits are old as the new rubber is more efficient and high tech which usually don't require zippers.





http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853734.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853751.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853766.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853782.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853802.jpg

i am very , very disappointed by this thread.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853846.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853864.jpg



http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853893.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853911.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853946.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160853999.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160854012.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160854024.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160854041.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160854053.jpg

I'm sure I could find a local shop that does custom suits but you have perked my interest, who made those for you?

DOH! Nevermind saw you last post.

Gee that all of fifteen minute from my house!

I have been thinking of getting back into some local snorkeling but even our sixty something degree So Cal water temps are a bit chilly for these old bones.

BTW they have changed their phone number (562) 421-9905

all suits are tailor fitted. Either go to his shop or he sends out a diagram to size the many different body variables. They usually wind up 98% perfect. After a few dives you'll know what areas have to be refitted. You ship it back and he tweaks the fit. You can do this as many times as you wish.

Don the builder has may spearfishing trophy winner clients, some PD S&R, and FD water rescue.

I got certified for Naui and LA County there in LB Ca. around 79-80 and used a shop in Huntington Beach, Ca to make a custom wetsuit. I still have it but it doesnt fit...lol. I was hoping to give it to someone that it would fit.

I haven't been diving in years and would love to check out the Galapagos Islands.

It would appear that you and I had the same expectations. Expectations that were not met, I might add!!! :(

Yup. :D

I'll never dive the Caribbean again. The water isn't as warm and vis not as good but with the right suit I can dive all day. I have no choice going with a good suit as I'm a coldie to start with..

my winter 3/8", not shown, is only for work dives around here.

Boy do times change...back in the 60's, a buddy & I ordered our custom tailored suits from an outfit in (get this, Ron) Queens, NY.

get this.. the place was called Central Skindivers. They were the first to certify me. The shop is gone now.

That's the place...they advertised in SKIN DIVER magazine...
Ahhh, memories.

good catch!

didnt know they made wetsuits for sasquatch :)

SKIN divers now, after that...this thread has gone the deep end...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160867966.jpg

Aurel

2 of my favorite ronnie pics :D


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1160868411.jpg

edit......can't find the one of his feet and the tent :D




good stuff ron.......can't wait to hear some local knowledge stories. some day i'd love to make the trek up to machu-pichu, always loved ruins :)
see any big lizards at the galopagos? they get mighty big there :)

have many stories.

even have have one from way up at the Sun Gate that was either going to be a personal triumph or a full wipe out. Thought about it being a sweet place to wave bye bye for the 20min event.