First-time wetsuit, leaking around the neck

I took advantage of the current 60%-off coupon on xterra wetsuits and got myself a Vortex 3 for under $200. It seemed to fit pretty well on dry land, tight, but not too tight, no problem zipping it up, no baggy bits. However, today when I wore it in the water for the first time, I immediately got a load of water down the back of my neck, and when I tried to adjust it further, another load down my front. This is the first time I've ever worn a wetsuit, and I hoping I just didn't have it pulled up sufficiently around the neck. I'm going to try it again tomorrow, but in the meantime, if anybody has any advice, I'm eager to hear it. Also, after my suit was thoroughly wetted inside (top half), I found it very difficult to adjust, so I ended up just taking it off and hanging it up to dry. Is it even possible to put on a wet wetsuit, i.e., should I have taken it off and then tried to put it on again?
Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Your wetsuit is too big. Try exchanging it for a smaller size. I have two wetsuits and neither one allows water in down the neck. My sleeveless doesn't even let water in through the shoulders. The suit should be pretty tight on land. It will loosen up a little in the water. If it feels comfortable on land, then it's too big. EDIT: Clarification - it shouldn't let loads of water in. Not enough to feel the water between your skin and the suit, or feel like the suit is being bogged down.
Reply
  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Your wetsuit is too big. Try exchanging it for a smaller size. I have two wetsuits and neither one allows water in down the neck. My sleeveless doesn't even let water in through the shoulders. The suit should be pretty tight on land. It will loosen up a little in the water. If it feels comfortable on land, then it's too big. EDIT: Clarification - it shouldn't let loads of water in. Not enough to feel the water between your skin and the suit, or feel like the suit is being bogged down.
Children
No Data