prodigal1 wrote:

Stephen Trapani wrote:

I strongly suggest the original poster test his theory by trying to
float for an hour or so in his wet suit, *without fins* which is
something he's probably never done before.

Upon completion of this task put on a PFD and note the difference. I
contend this will end all thoughts of substituting his PFD with a
wetsuit.


I don't think you've given any thought to the different thicknesses of
wetsuits. If you're thinking about the fashion-skins worn by
blasphemyjet-skiers/blasphemy then you're right -little to no
bouyancy- but anything actually made for diving will keep you at the
surface comfortably for _long_ periods of time.

I am thinking of thick wetsuits. Mine is a 5/4 and I can tell you
without a doubt that without a floating device or fins it's not much
easier staying afloat with a wetsuit than it is without anything at all.
I swam competitively for seven years, played waterpolo, and surfed for
years with and without the wetsuit in heavy conditions, losing my board
on occasion.

Divers always use swim fins which are a huge help to staying afloat. Try
it without the fins.

Stephen