“V CAUGHT IN HER FIRST DUI... news at 11:00!” 

My DUI LOVE STORY by Virginia Hatter  PADI MSDT

For years I swore that I would NEVER EVER dive dry. I told everyone "enjoy your drysuits" because I love diving wet!  Last year, an opportunity presented itself for me to purchase a DUI TLS 350. I did purchase it but was also intimidated by it. I left it nicely stored for months. It's the truth.

After purchasing the PADI Drysuit Diver course materials, DVD, reading a book that Dick Long suggested, continuously watching dry buddies on dives while they were adding and dumping air, and some training, I finally had the nerve to give it a try in the ocean.

For the first few dives it was anything but love at first site. It felt different, strange, awkward, and even a little bulky. I leaked several times at the neck until a buddy suggested that I check the cutting of my neck seal as it may be a little too large. It was. After trimming my backup seal, and giving it another go, I felt something I had never felt before after a dive... I WAS DRY! 

I paraded myself around Vallecitos Street telling everyone "I'm dry, I'm DRY!" Some dive buddies asked me if I had stopped drinking wine! 

Through base layer & undergarment trial and error, shifting my displacement and adding weights, growing a fin size or so, and learning to relax, I'm now finally comfortable in my "Flomar". 

Flomar you ask? I named my drysuit this last year. It's the proper name for a "dog" in Alien. It also means "warm and fuzzy friend".  DUI Customer Service staffs, both past and present, always ask me how "Flomar" is doing. I answer with a smile. 

My words to others that are considering going dry? DO IT.  It will feel strange. It will take time to adjust. It will seem heavier. It will require more weight and larger fins possibly. It may even be a little scary but DO IT! There's nothing quite like the feeling when you unzip and feel the air enter your suit knowing your core is warm and dry.

Since my becoming more comfortable in "Flomar", George, Marla, and I were diving on San Clemente Island. George caught me in a compromising position... and sure enough, he snapped the shot that was heard about around the world!

The photo caption “V CAUGHT IN HER FIRST DUI... news at 11:00!” 

PS   I'm not really drinking the beer. This would require breaking the number #1 Rule in SCUBA Diving... "Never hold your breath".

Happy DOG –

Virginia Hatter
San Diego, CA

 

 

 

Spring 2010 DUI Love stories
Lorraine	Chris
Robert & Jenny	Shirley
Amit	George
Greg	Virigina
Elvire	Treasure Cove
Mat	Henry
	Winter 2010 Love Stories