Open Water Swimming Wetsuits: How to Wear, Fit, and Care

Optimizing Performance: A Comprehensive Guide to Wearing Open Water Swimming Wetsuits

Properly wearing an open water swimming wetsuit is critical for maximizing buoyancy, thermal regulation, and hydrodynamic efficiency, ensuring a comfortable and high-performing experience in the water.

Introduction to Open Water Wetsuits

Open water swimming, particularly in competitive events like triathlons or long-distance swims, often necessitates the use of specialized wetsuits. Unlike surfing or diving wetsuits, open water swim wetsuits are specifically engineered for maximum flexibility, buoyancy, and minimal drag, allowing for an unhindered swimming stroke. Their primary functions include providing thermal insulation in colder waters, enhancing buoyancy to improve body position, and reducing drag for faster swim times. The effectiveness of these high-performance garments hinges almost entirely on their correct fit and proper donning. An ill-fitting or improperly worn wetsuit can restrict movement, cause chafing, and negate its performance benefits.

Selecting the Right Wetsuit

Before you even attempt to wear your wetsuit, ensuring you have the correct size and type is paramount.

• Fit is Paramount: A swim wetsuit should feel snug, like a second skin, but never restrictive. There should be no significant baggy areas, especially around the lower back or armpits, as these can fill with water and create drag. Conversely, a suit that is too tight will restrict blood flow, limit range of motion, and cause discomfort, potentially leading to panic in the water.
• Material and Flexibility: Open water wetsuits are typically made of neoprene, with varying thicknesses across different body panels. Thicker neoprene (e.g., 5mm) is often found in the core and legs for maximum buoyancy and warmth, while thinner, more flexible neoprene (e.g., 1.5-2mm) is used in the shoulders and arms to allow for an uninhibited stroke.
• Sizing Charts: Always consult the manufacturer's specific sizing chart. Wetsuit sizing is not standardized and can vary significantly between brands. Pay close attention to height and weight measurements.
• Gender-Specific Designs: Wetsuits are often designed with gender-specific cuts to accommodate anatomical differences, ensuring a better fit and performance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Donning Your Wetsuit

Wearing an open water wetsuit requires patience and a specific technique to prevent damage and ensure an optimal fit.

1. Preparation:

   • Dry Skin: Ensure your skin is completely dry. Wet skin increases friction, making the suit much harder to pull on.
   • No Sharp Objects: Remove all jewelry, watches, and any other sharp objects that could snag or tear the delicate neoprene. Trim fingernails if necessary.
   • Lubrication (Optional but Recommended): Apply a small amount of wetsuit-specific lubricant (e.g., Body Glide, petroleum jelly, or a lanolin-based product) to areas prone to chafing or where the suit is hardest to pull on. Common areas include the neck, wrists, and ankles. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they can degrade neoprene.
   • Plastic Bag Trick: For difficult areas like hands and feet, place a thin plastic bag over your hand or foot before sliding it into the sleeve/leg. This significantly reduces friction.

2. Feet First:

   • Sit down on a clean surface.
   • Gather the wetsuit leg up, similar to how you'd put on tights.
   • Slide one foot in, pulling the wetsuit up your ankle and calf by gently working the material up your leg. Avoid pulling forcefully on one spot.
   • Repeat for the other leg.

3. Legs and Crotch:

   • Stand up and continue to pull the wetsuit up your legs, working the material inch by inch. Ensure the neoprene is pulled up as high as possible into your crotch. There should be no excess material or sagging around the ankles or knees. Any loose material here will create drag.
   • If the suit feels too tight around the calves, gently pull the material upwards from the knee area to redistribute it.

4. Torso and Arms:

   • Once the lower half is comfortably in place, pull the wetsuit up over your hips and torso.
   • Carefully slide one arm through a sleeve, again using the plastic bag trick if needed. Work the material up your arm, ensuring the shoulder is fully seated in the wetsuit's shoulder panel.
   • Repeat for the other arm. Ensure the armpit area is snug and comfortable, not bunched or restrictive.

5. Neck and Zipper:

   • Pull the collar up and over your head. Ensure the neck seal lies flat against your skin.
   • Reach for the zipper pull (usually at the lower back) and pull it upwards to close the zipper. Most swim wetsuits have a long leash attached to the zipper for easy closure.
   • Secure any Velcro or snap closures at the neck.

6. Final Adjustments:

   • Once fully zipped, perform a series of movements to ensure the suit is properly seated.
   • Squats: Squat down fully to ensure the suit stretches and settles in the crotch and leg areas.
   • Arm Circles: Perform large arm circles forward and backward to check for shoulder and arm mobility. The suit should not feel overly restrictive through your stroke.
   • Water Test (If Possible): The true test of a wetsuit's fit often comes in the water. Neoprene can slightly stretch and conform to your body once wet. A small amount of water entering the suit is normal; it will warm up against your body. However, if large amounts of water flush in and out, the suit is likely too big.

Common Wetsuit Wearing Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these pitfalls will extend the life of your wetsuit and enhance your swim experience.

• Rushing the Process: Impatience often leads to tearing the delicate neoprene. Take your time.
• Using Fingernails: Neoprene is easily punctured or torn by sharp fingernails. Use the pads of your fingers or the palms of your hands to pull the suit up.
• Improper Fit (Too Loose/Too Tight): A suit that's too loose will cause drag and fill with water. A suit that's too tight will restrict breathing and movement, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
• Neglecting Lubrication: Especially for longer swims, chafing can occur at the neck, armpits, or behind the knees if proper lubrication is not applied.
• Not Adjusting Properly: Failing to pull the suit high enough into the crotch or ensuring the shoulders are fully seated will compromise flexibility and buoyancy.

Post-Swim Care and Maintenance

Proper care extends the lifespan of your expensive wetsuit.

• Rinsing: Immediately after use, rinse your wetsuit thoroughly with fresh, cool water, both inside and out. This removes chlorine, salt, and dirt.
• Drying: Hang the wetsuit inside out first, away from direct sunlight, on a wide, padded hanger (or fold it over a clothesline) to avoid creasing the neoprene. Once the inside is dry, turn it right side out to dry the exterior. Never put it in a dryer or use a heat source.
• Storage: Store your wetsuit flat or loosely folded in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid hanging it by the shoulders for extended periods as this can stretch the neoprene.
• Repair: Small nicks or tears can often be repaired with wetsuit-specific glue. Address damage promptly to prevent it from worsening.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of wearing an open water swimming wetsuit is a fundamental skill for any serious open water athlete. A properly fitted and meticulously donned wetsuit is more than just a piece of gear; it's an extension of your body, providing optimal buoyancy, warmth, and hydrodynamic efficiency. By adhering to these guidelines, you will not only enhance your performance and comfort in the water but also significantly extend the lifespan of your valuable equipment. Take the time, be patient, and embrace the process for a superior open water swimming experience.