I have a really hard time getting my drysuit zipped on and off. Mostly just the part thats up over the top of my shoulder. Does anyone have a trick they know for getting this accomplished without having help from a partner?

Some people use a short but sturdy stick or dowel with a loop of cord with a clip attached on one end of the dowel. Clip the clip onto the loop on the zipper, and, holding the dowel in the left hand parallel with and along the zipper, use it to force the zipper up to the end. You meanwhile grip the other end of the zipper with your right hand held across your chest. Worth a try.

Great idea! I`ll give it a shot and get back on how well it works for me. Thanks alot for your suggestion.

I find it helps to keep the zipper waxed up so it slides more easily.

good luck!

Thanks cyberhun I put some parafin wax on the zipper and it works alot smother. Between that and the tool I think I`ll be able to manage the task allriight. thanks guy`s

Waxing the zipper helps a lot. I've found that on my Kokatat GMER suit that I can put my left hand thumb into the end of the zipper cover (near my right shoulder) and pull with my right hand (a few tugs) and the zipper moves enough to grab and finish the zip with my left hand.

I've also found that it's much easier to get into the suit with my right arm first and then follow with the left arm. Reverse the process when taking off the suit (ymmv but it works for me).

Dan

Your right on Westcoastpaddler I did that with some parafin wax. My friend at the kayak shop took Strangemagic`s idea, and just used a piece of line with a hook on the end. I hooked the hook on the loop of the drysuit tied the othe end off to something solid. Then you can use your back and shoulder to pull with while holding the zipper together with your left hand. It worked great! Thanks to everyone for the idea`s. Its the little tricks, and expieriance of other paddlers that really help newbies like me.

Hey Woodhead,why don't you solve all your drysuit problems by moving to western australia and paddle in board shorts and a rashie?

Woodhead, you should be able to open and close the zipper without the use of any kind of aid. Try tucking your left thumb into the top of the zipper flap and tug the zipper with your right hand until it moves a few inches. Once you get the zipper open a couple of inches, it'll move easily. Having to carry something else just becomes a hassle.

Dan

Hey Wavehog can I live with you? I`d love to live down under. I have taken lots of vacations to the tropics and love the warm water. I`ve actualy been to Perth Aus. I have worked out my suit problem. A little piece of cord and a hook. I will work on using my thumb. I sure appretiate your advice WCP thanks very much.

Just a suggestion about the wax. Don't use parafin as it is an oil based product and who can say what it will do to all of the different high tech materials in todays drysuits. I used to wear a dry suit for a living (commercial diver in my youth) and manufacturers recommended bee's wax only. Hate to see the zipper fall off in time.