can anyone reccomend how thick a wet suit you might need? or size?
60 degree water, 2.5 mile swim ocean swim, male, 6 ft., 170 lbs.
spent 1 hour last year in 60 degree water in boston swim. i was still shivering a month later.
Regarding size, for your first wet suit my advice is to ALWAYS try it on first, never just order off the internet, fit thought the chest and shoulders is extremely important. I know a few folks who bought off the internet and found that either the chest was too constricting and the couldn’t breath easily or the shoulders were too tight and they had trouble with their stroke.
As for thickness 2-5mm through the body is typical and all will maintain warmth. The bigger question in warmth is short-john vs. long-john vs. full body. A full body wet suit will keep you warmer and provide more buoyancy. And another important factor is your choice of cap; a neoprene hood is the warmest, followed by multiple silicone caps, multiple latex caps, one silicone cap, one latex cap and finally hatless.
But back to wet suits, are you looking for a heavy duty often used training suit, a once in a while training suit, a racing suit, or something else? These will determine what to look for and how much it will cost (from about $100 to $700).
I held out on avoiding the wet suit as long as I could. I did the Columbia River Challenge in 56 degree water without one in the 90's. I was the only swimmer without one, much to the race director's concern. I finally wore one at last years GCBS and liked it. I bought an Xtrerra that has various thicknesses in different places. If only the neck was more comfortable.
As a Floridian, I too held out to buy a wet suit. My motto was if you need a wet suit, its too cold to swim.
When I did buy one, I went to a reputable Tri Store and asked for advise. I got a Blue Seventy (no idea the thicknesses and where they are), but I love it!
The thicknesses vary based on where you need it. As a runner, my leg sink so the one I have has more on the legs. Plus the water I swim in will never be so cold to need sleeves (see first sentence) so I got a sleeveless which also help put me in a proper swimming position.
Good luck.
