Nearly lost a thumb testing a new drysuit valve underwater

I tried out that inline zip valve mod on a 30ft wreck dive last Tuesday and it failed at 15 feet, filling my suit fast. Had to buddy breathe and ditch weights to get up - check your gear seals before any real work, not just a pool test.

3 comments

3 Comments

owens.anthony9d agoTop Commenter

Yeah, that "just a pool test" thing gets people. I've had a valve stick on me at 40 feet before, not a full flood but enough to know that pool conditions don't simulate real current or cold water contraction. You did the right thing ditching weights, that's drilled into us for a reason. One thing I started doing after my close call is taking any new gear piece through a shallow open water checkout first, like 10 feet max, with a buddy watching me the whole time. Also, those inline zip mods are tricky because the zipper tape can shift under pressure if it's not seated perfectly. For what it's worth, I always have a backup valve or a spare suit seal in my kit now, saved me twice. Glad you're okay, man, losing a thumb would really mess up your grip on things.

cole_flores449d ago

@owens.anthony Small thing, but losing a thumb wouldn't mess with grip as much as losing your index finger would.

daniel_gonzalez9d ago

40 feet is no joke man, glad you came out of that one breathing.