What type of wetsuit do I need for open water swimming?
Wetsuits for open water swimming are distinctively different from traditional surfing wetsuits. In fact, open water wetsuits are made specifically for swimmers needs. With many having additional buoyancy and flexibility built in, this has really helped the growth of open water swimming. So, if you’re not a particularly floaty person wearing a wetsuit might make you feel less “sinky” in the water and can make swimming feel a little easier (and sometimes faster). If you’re a naturally buoyant person wearing too thick a wetsuit might make you too floaty. That, in turn, can make it harder to swim.The majority of wetsuits on the market are only designed for surface swimming and don’t allow for the lateral leg movement required for the breaststroke technique. This is where the Aspect is different.If you’re not used to a wetsuit or yours doesn’t fit, you may have a problem. It could end up causing your technique to change and affect your breathing rhythm. Both of which will lead to a slower swim!When assessing regional-level swimmers and national-level triathletes, swimming speed in a full-sleeve wetsuit improved by 7. But when using a sleeveless wetsuit, swimming speed increased by 11.
Can you use the same wetsuit for diving and open water swimming?
Not all neoprene is made the same. If you have a triathlon, swimming, or surfing wetsuit you will destroy it if you use it for diving. The neoprene used to make wetsuits for surface sports will crush at depth. Your 3. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you will be, so thicker wetsuits are better suited for colder water. Wetsuit thickness usually ranges from 2mm for hot summer days to 7mm for very cold conditions.How right fitting should a wetsuit be? In general, a wetsuit should fit snugly, like a second skin but not so tight that your range of motion is limited. The sleeves (if full-length) should fall at the wrist bone and the legs just above the ankle bone, and there should be no gaps, pockets, or rolls of neoprene.So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently. Also wearing anything under an already tight-fitting wetsuit will reduce flexibility, so if you want the maximum range of movement in your wetsuit, it’s probably best to wear nothing under it.Some people do choose to wear nothing or “go commando” underneath their wetsuit – especially surfers. To some, the idea of a barrier between wetsuit and flesh is as distasteful and absurd as that of underwear to a kilt-wearing Highlands soldier. Pleasure and pain, however, are never far apart.
What do you wear under a wetsuit for open water swimming?
Swimming Jammers / Swim Shorts What Makes Them Ideal: Jammers offer more coverage than standard trunks, helping to prevent skin irritation from the wetsuit. Their compression fit reduces drag in the water, which can boost efficiency during training or racing. They’re easy to wear under a wetsuit without adding bulk. Sports bras and appropriate underwear provide extra support and comfort under a wetsuit. A sports bra enhances warmth and helps prevent chafing and these undergarments ensure a snug fit, allowing for freedom of movement and added comfort during water activities.Swimming Jammers / Swim Shorts What Makes Them Ideal: Jammers offer more coverage than standard trunks, helping to prevent skin irritation from the wetsuit. Their compression fit reduces drag in the water, which can boost efficiency during training or racing. They’re easy to wear under a wetsuit without adding bulk.Cons of Using Wetsuits While wetsuits offer great insulation, they are bulkier and restrict mobility more compared to spring suits. The thicker neoprene material limits flexibility, making paddling and maneuvering slightly more challenging.Swimming Jammers / Swim Shorts What Makes Them Ideal: Jammers offer more coverage than standard trunks, helping to prevent skin irritation from the wetsuit. Their compression fit reduces drag in the water, which can boost efficiency during training or racing. They’re easy to wear under a wetsuit without adding bulk.As we’ve delved into, wearing a swimsuit under a wetsuit is a common practice that comes with its own set of advantages. Whether you choose a bikini or a swimsuit, the essential factors remain the same. The fit should be snug but not restrictive, allowing ease of movement and preventing chafing and discomfort.
Can you wear a wetsuit in a public swimming pool?
In many cases, recreational pools may not have specific rules prohibiting wetsuits, but wearing one may still be uncommon or discouraged. However, some pools, particularly those used for competitive swimming or training, may have stricter rules regarding attire to ensure fair competition and safety. Saltwater pools, chlorinated pools, gene pools, we don’t care where you choose to stick your wetsuit. You can absolutely use your wetsuit in a pool. Just be sure to go for good quality wetsuits that will last, and for crying out loud… take good care of it!Avoid Chlorine Lots of people use wetsuits in the pool to keep them warm. This is ok, but keep in mind your wetsuit will deteriorate faster in chlorine compared to fresh or salt water. Avoid chlorine where possible, or give your wetsuit a really good wash after you have been in a swimming pool.Wetsuits are designed to be worn in the saltwater only and not in chlorinated pools. Chlorine will shorten the life of a wetsuit.The first few times you wear a wetsuit may be uncomfortable because of the new sensation of having tight fabric against your body. Once you get used to swimming in a wetsuit (there’s plenty of helpful guides on our blog), you can use the wetsuit as a tool to help make swimming easier.
What is the difference between a triathlon wetsuit and an open water wetsuit?
One of the most critical differences between triathlon race wetsuits and open water wetsuits lies in the flexibility of the shoulders. Triathletes need a wetsuit that allows them to move their arms freely and efficiently without restricting their stroke. If you struggle to get into a wetsuit, or it’s your first time putting one on, keep your socks on, or wrap your feet in a plastic bag. This makes it much easier for your feet to slide through the leg cuffs. Important notice: Never use fingernails to pull on your wetsuit, you will damage the neoprene instantly.Most importantly! Do not be tempted to tumble dry your suit and be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight, as UV damage can cause the neoprene to age a lot quicker. As well as ensuring your wetsuit is clean and dry, it is important to store the wetsuit in the correct way too.A wetsuit should fit as tightly as you can comfortably get into. What you need to avoid are slack areas where water can pool, or loose seals around the ankles, wrists, and neck. If your wetsuit is too loose, cold water will enter the suit freely or “flush through”.Whatever you use your wetsuit for, the most important thing to get right is the fit. Your wetsuit should feel snug and tight all over. If there’s excess material in places like the neck and cuffs, it will let water in and negate all its insulating properties. Don’t be too taken aback by the tightness of a wetsuit.
Do you float better in a wetsuit?
Yes, wetsuits are naturally buoyant. The buoyancy comes from the neoprene material they are made of, which contains small gas bubbles that displace water, helping you float more easily. The thickness of the wetsuit also plays a role—the thicker the neoprene, the more buoyant the wetsuit will be. One of the main concerns divers have about peeing in a wetsuit is the potential for lingering odors. Urine, if not properly rinsed out, can lead to unpleasant smells and degrade the material of the wetsuit over time.We recommend investing in a properly fitting wetsuit. Swimming with a wetsuit in open water is generally safer, especially in water around 18°C or lower, as it helps you retain warmth and improve your buoyancy. A swimming-specific wetsuit has the best flexibility, buoyancy, and warmth.When you enter the water a very thin layer of water will squeeze between the wetsuit and your skin. If the wetsuit is baggy then a whole lot of water will flood in to fill the gaps between the wetsuit and your body.After every session, you have to wash your wetsuit in order to get it fresh and ready for the next one. Apart from eliminating sand, salt, and odors, regular care will make your wetsuit last much longer. The good news is that washing your wetsuit isn’t that hard.