When the water is cold, grabbing a wetsuit seems like the obvious solution to prevent going hypothermic. But not all wetsuits are created equal, in the sense that some suits excel in providing optimal insulation, while others keep you floating on top of the water effortlessly. It’s imperative to find a balance of these characteristics.
Look for a wetsuit that has adequate 3 to 5 mm buoyancy in the areas of your body where you tend to sink (i.e. hips and legs). Having the most buoyant suit with thick panels of neoprene throughout may end up providing excess buoyancy and can alter body position, while compromising mobility and functionality.
"It can be a frustrating (and sweaty) process putting on a new wetsuit for the first time."As for staying warm, it makes most sense to use a full-sleeve wetsuit as opposed to a sleeveless wetsuit, for obvious reasons.
Is it User-Friendly?
How do you get this thing on and off?
It can be a frustrating (and sweaty) process putting on a new wetsuit for the first time. It’s helpful to find a suit that can go on and off with ease, although it’s realistic to expect for it to take around five minutes to pull your suit on.
Neoprene can also be vulnerable to nicking and tearing, so proceed with caution. It’s helpful to grab large sections of the neoprene, as opposed to pinching a small piece as you pull the suit on. Be cautious of highly technical suits that have thin, delicate paneling through the forearm, as it is prone to ripping. Using wetsuit gloves can help protect the integrity of the neoprene, too.
The ability to remove the suit quickly is a valuable time-saver in T1. Look for a suit that has a thinner panel on the backside of the leg around your heel or perhaps a horseshoe shaped cut-out for easy and quick removal when pulling over your feet.
Perhaps even more important to consider is the ease with which you are able to unzip your suit on your own. Some suits can be tricky and require the zipper be facing up in order to pull open the back of the suit, while others smoothly unzip with the pull of a long cord. Practice taking the suit off on your own to know whether or not you can do it quickly and efficiently.
Remember, the perfect wetsuit is the one that’s perfect for you. Choose wisely!
