I'm a pool swimmer who just started doing some open water swims this year along with some triathlons. I rented a wetsuit for one of my races this summer because the water was chilly. I swam pretty slow and I'm convinced the wetsuit was a big reason for my lousy swim. I felt like my lower body was floating/bobbing in the water and it prevented me from being able to rotate my body properly...I felt really bad in the water. I was wondering if perhps it was the brand of wetsuit I used (2XU). Does anyone know of a wetsuit that would keep me warm but not have the same negative effect on my stroke?
I have used a sleeveless wetsuit that has legs just above the knee. I got mine from Kiefer and it was inexpensive. I am sure that you can get them elsewhere. I felt more bouyant, especially in saltwater but I did not feel my legs floating too high as you describe.
I haven't used any other wetsuits so I can't compare.
In general, you really need to spend time getting it on correctly. You need to make sure it's pulled up waaaaay tight into your crotch, and when you aare finished doing that.... do it again. Same with upper body. If I don't take the time to put it on right, I feel constricted, especially in the shoulders/arms.
A little trick, when putting your arms in, twist them so that the natural force of the rubber returning to "center" pulls each arm around forward. It makes a big difference
That effect is why most people get a suit, aside from the cold. Did it have sleeves? A sleeveless one will help with arm movement. You're legs Should be up. Try to kick deeper , that should aid in the level stroke.
Swimming in a wetsuit requires a bit of getting used to. High end swimming wetsuits are extremely flexible in the arms and shoulders using 1 mm thick material. I don't notice any restriction. The torso and legs are 5 mm providing for a lot of flotation. I had a similar experience wearing mine for the first time in saltwater. Ultimately you will adjust, however I find getting my head up to sight remains a challenge. I only wear it for triathlons where the advantage is significant.
go blue seventy there so comfortable the make most of there suits for OW. Ironman people love them. I have a 10k nero by blue seventy so great love it. Don't know about the wet suits but hear there great for range of motion it the arms.
The brand is irrelevant. Buy the wetsuit that fits the best regardless of brand. A poorly fitting wetsuit is a killer. And when you try it on, test the fit in the water. A wetsuit fits differently on dry land compared to in water. One last thing: go sleeveless.
In general, you really need to spend time getting it on correctly. You need to make sure it's pulled up waaaaay tight into your crotch,
Speaking from experience of wearing a fullbody LZR, this is the most important thing. Get that sucker up there. And then do it again.
although i don't use a wetsuit, their use (by others) is often the only way i can find swimming buddies, so hear is what i know about them:
swimmers will typically find that full arms will have a restrictive effect on their reach. some manufacturers have started producing models with thinner material at the armpits so range of motion is not inhibited. this thinner material is not as durable as the rest of the suit.
i've heard others claim that gloves and booties have more of an effect on their ability to tolerate cold water than a wetsuit. earplugs and a thin neoprene cap are where i draw my line.
Thanks everybody. I appreciate the feed back. It sounds like I really need to get more comfortable swimming in a wetsuit. I may also need to try another brand.
