Or at least that seems to be the current mode of thinking when it comes to buying scuba gear. Every female diver is between 5’2″ and 5’11” and weighs 120 to 165 lbs. Well, I am here to tell you that no, that is not the case. And to sing the praises of one company who knows this.
When I started diving in North Texas I was 49 years old and weighed about 295. It was my birthday present to myself. For my class, I went down to the Bass Pro store in Grapevine and managed to find a shorty wetsuit that fit, 3xl. It was made for other water-sports than scuba but it would do. I wore it for the pool, the quarry and later for my first ocean dives in Key West. Later, I needed a full length wetsuit for taking the rescue diver course in October. Well, I found one that worked. Of course it was made for men so I had to trim like 4 or 5 inches off both the ankles and wrists. I did that with both a 3mil and a 5 mil. It seems I’ve always had to trim at least ankle length on anything.
Now diving in the springs of the Florida Panhandle is a regular thing. Sixty-eight degree water is also a regular thing there. Never mind the air temp is 95 degrees. So once again I was on the hunt for a 5 mil wetsuit. I do instruction for a ScubaPro dealer. Nothing they make it either men’s or women’s will fit my current size, which is now 245. Akona worked for a 3 mil but it was an after season sale so I grabbed a men’s 4xl. And cut about 5 inches off the bottom. Left the full sleeve length though. Then I tried a Pinnacle cuz they make wetsuits for short large people. Or should I say short large men. Ordered it, took a six weeks to arrive from backorder and guess what? Cut too small for the legs. Oh well, send it back. I finally decided to search for Henderson. I have a men’s 3 mil shorty hanging in the closet which I never wear anymore. But it does fit.
Henderson turned out to be the Holy Grail. They actually make women’s sizes from 6 to 24. But finding a store which stocks them is the thing. Well of course Amazon found a shop for me. I’m generally an 18 but decided to order a size larger. Of course it cost twice what the Pinnacle did because Pink Tax is a thing. Suck it up and pay it. When it arrived, it fit almost perfectly. I did have to trim the ankles about an inch and a half. I was able to leave the sleeve length. The following weekend I was in Vortex Springs with an advanced student who wanted to night dive. Infinitely better than putting on Lavacore pants and shirt, the 3 mil and another 2 mil jacket on top of all that. I looked like a real scuba instructor again.
I do have one complaint though. I actually posted it on Amazon…Really Henderson? For $600 plus dollars some ankle zips would have been nice.
The Red Fins 