PLEASE! Send help needed to find very large winter wet suit
Former Member
Hello. I am an open water swimmer in the Northwest and can't bear not swimming in the lake anymore. A couple weeks ago it was fine at 63, but it's getting colder, and in winter is about 48. Problem is I can't find a wetsuit; I'm short and heavy and don't see anything in my size. In womens' clothes I wear about a 20 or 22, i am 5 foot 3; and in bathing suits like Speedo can wear swimsuits in size 20 or 22 also. I'd like to swim in water as cold as 48 this winter. Any suggestions out there? I looked online; they have XXL men's but not women's it seems.
Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT buy a wetsuit online or from a catalog. It will be well worth the time and effort to travel to a city / store that sells wetsuits so you can try on as many different styles, types and sizes as you can in order to find the one that best fits your body.
If you purchase online, you'll be getting less than what your body deserves.
Debbie - If you are in Seattle, and it sounds like you might be, check out Triumph Multisport in the Leschi area. They told me about a wetsuit brand that takes into account that all women are not tall and lean, or are able to size up into a man's wetsuit.
Jeanne
Although it wouldn't do much for your swimming form, have you considered a dry suit? The cut is a lot more roomy and it'll allow you to swim in even colder water with some insulating materials (clothing) underneath. It a workout in and of itself just getting suited up. But, it is kinda fun swimming while its snowing. That is until the lake freezes up.
Since we're on the subject, maybe I could help with this topic, too.
I'm a bigger guy who does want to get a wetsuit eventually for open water swimming. I'm thinking of getting it more for the floatation factor than for warmth.
Last December, I did get to use one. I was swimming with dolphins and they had them available for the swim. When I first put it on, it was a little tight, but not bad. By the time I finished, it was almost a little loose. Is this normal? If so, when shopping for them, should you try to get one a little on the tight side?
Thanks for any help in advance!
JIM
