Darth Aloha

I wish I had more time... I would make a "Vote for no more election banners" banner and change Mark's sig... but alas...

Now that's what I'm talking about! -Eric

If you're tall but not too wide RT is the way to go. I'm 6'5" and if fit nicely when I had a 40" waist. I'm a 38 now and it fits even better. It's worth the wait. You could get another kit that doesn't fit as well and spend as much time trimming it to make it the right size. Aloha, -Eric

My Internet connection sucks big dewback nuts right now so pardon the thumb based response. Right now there is no reason not to do your RT build to centurion standards.... Even if you only go EI. I (and the rest of fisd) would be stoked to help you achieve it. Please let me know in this thread or PM me with any and all questions... Small and large. Aloha, -Eric Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jason, To mentally prepare yourself for the Vegas-esque Beach Themed Mall that is Waikiki I suggest heading directly to Duke's Canoe Club for a proper Mai Tai. Do not have two if you have a low alcohol tolerance because you may not be able to perceive the booze. Here you may observe the habitat of the bright red backed american tourist performing boisterous (and drunken) mating calls in their colorful tropical themed plumage. My suggestion is to get out of Waikiki as often as possible and head to the north shore and cruise around. Plenty surf schools in Haleiwa Town (my favorite place to hang out on the north shore) Otherwise please do check out 'Iolani Palace and the Bishop Museum. Finding a farmer's market is a good way to get in touch with any place you visit. Be sure to eat these foods while you're there: musubi, shave ice (or ice shave if you're from Hilo) and a loco moco (I prefer Cinnamon's in Kailua for my brown rice moco) The hike to Maunawili Falls is nice (google it) Be prepared to spend a ton of money on food. Rent stand up paddle boards from the Hilton. Check with Mr. and Mrs. Femtrooper but there may be some armor building going on... don't bring your lexan scissors in your carry on. Aloha and safe travels, -Eric

Well done Dr. Clampenstein. You make FISD proud. Aloha, -Eric

Having spent hundreds of hours underwater with a latex neck seal around my neck I'm here to tell you there's no way I could wear one on land for very long without being totally irritated and uncomfortable. I know a few folks who use this thing called a bioseal: http://www.apollosportsusa.com/Products/Drysuits/Bioseal.htm It helps some not come out of the water looking like they were performing some sort of subsea auroerotic asphyxiation ritual. Even if you're not allergic to latex it can leave a nasty ring around your neck. To keep a dry suit neck seal pliable if helps to keep it powered after a rinse and dry. Pure unscented talcum power works the best. It helps when you put it on over your head and keeps it from drying out and cracking. Other people use seal saver to keeps their neck seals pliable over time. I've never used it: http://www.mcnett.com/Seal-Saver-Dry-Suit-Seal-Conditioner-P252.aspx I had the latex of a neck seal degrade to the point of tearing before a dive because I think I left it in my basement near a hot water heater or some other motor that emits ozone. It seems its fairly common for the latex in that situation to get sticky and tacky especially around the edges. There is a company that makes silicone replacement neck seals for people who have a latex allergy: http://www.waterproof-usa.com/pages/dsa_silicone_neckseal.html http://www.sitech.se/pages/default_uk.asp?SectionID=3366 http://www.seaskin.co.uk/acatalog/SITech_NeckTite_System_and_Silicon_Seals.html One of the most liberating moments after moving to HI was selling my cold water drysuit Aloha, -Eric