How much time do you need to get comfortable in a wetsuit? Have a swim coming up (66-67 degrees) that will now allow them. Don't wanna give up any potential advantages, but I've never swam in one and don't wanna screwup my stroke. I've got several people to borrow one from so that isn't a problem, a custom fit would be.
I don't think it took me that long to get use to swimming in it, but it did take me 3-5 times before I was able to put the suit on correctly.
it's not easy pulling the suit up high enough over the legs, and up the arms over the shoulders.
having a full body wetsuit sit right makes swimming in it much easier
I suggest vasaline around the neck to prevent rub burns, over the shoulders to help slide the suit into position
Be generous with the bodyglide! I've always been against wetsuits. Having said that, I borrowed a sleeveless/ legless (just above knee) from a friend just to try in case i had to wear for an OW next weekend. My tempo pace 100 for a 5k dropped almost 8 seconds per 100. Down to a 1:05. The reason I make that statement is that a full body suit is sometimes hard to feel good in. I tried one of those as well and became very clostrophobic, borderline panicky. This morning even with bodyglide I chaffed pretty bad in some areas. Use alot of it!
Good luck.
The other thing to try is PAM cooking spray. Works wonders.
I would suggest just getting used to the strangling feeling around your neck. The first time I used one in a triathlon, it was before ever trying it actually swimming, and wow, that was a shock.
Enjoy the speed!
Body glide is great, but I have to say, I've used PAM for years, and in terms of ease of getting the suit on, and off, it's unbeatable. And I've had my first wetsuit for 11 years with almost no degradation. I am just very careful to rinse it thoroughly after use and it's been fine.
I second the recommendation for Body Glide (http://www.bodyglide.com). Use it generously around your neck for chafing. It's critical, else you're going to have a very raw & red neck after the swim. You can also use it around your wrists and ankles to help the process of getting it on.
Do not use Vaseline. Petroleum based products can ruin a wetsuit. And avoid using Pam - especially if you plan on spraying it on yourself any where in the vicinity of other people. Use BodyGlide.
Without question, try the wetsuit before the race. A properly fitting wetsuit shouldn't take too long to get used to, but it definitely makes you feel different in the water. Don't let the first time you wear it be the morning of the race.
Thanks for the replies. My friend hooked me up with a really nice sleeveless wetsuit. Wow, swimming tonight was alot different (and faster). Also picked up some body glide. We'll see how it goes.
As one who hates being cold I am reluctant to respond. 67 isn't very terribly cold, for me.
Are you wearing the wetsuit for speed or warmth? If speed, spend money, you will swim faster, and, your stroke will feel like it's screwed up.
If for warmth, buy a surfing wetsuit. That way you can pick up a new sport too.
As one who hates being cold I am reluctant to respond. 67 isn't very terribly cold, for me.
WTF? You are contradicting yourself. Someone who hates cold, like me is vigorously complaining at 79, not saying 67 is OK.
