Wetsuits Q and A

It is about that time of year where you need a wetsuit for those first few cold races.  I live in the southeast where it gets warm fast.  In fact, I swim in an 84-degree pool and it is just fine because many of the open water swims I do are much warmer than that. But if you spend any time in the sport you will need a wetsuit for multiple races per year.  It is a good investment.

So here are a couple articles about wetsuit fit and selection by Steve Fleck, owner of Nineteen wetsuits. 

Wetsuits....It's all about the fit.

Wetsuits....Sleeve or sleeveless?

A correctly fitting wetsuit should be very snug.  It will take some practice to get it on in a timely manner.  There are some tricks to get a wetsuit on (bodyglide, plastic bag on foot.)

 With a correctly fitting wetsuit you can stand at this swim start with complete confidence. 

Local Multisport shop ACME Multisports carries a full selection of wetsuits.  The advantage here is you can try the suit on before you buy it to make sure it fits you well. 

Blue 70 reaction full 330.00

Blue 70 reaction farmer john 240.00
19 Full pipe line 280.00
19 framer john 225.00
Profile design Wahoo 215.00

I will add that these prices are very reasonable for a wetsuit.  I would not buy a wetsuit for less than $450 retail, but I am a bit of a gear snob and I am a sponsored athlete. You would not be able to tell the difference with most of these options above.  So go shop and try-on these wetsuits.  Don't fall for marketing hype or the "cheapest option" mindset.  You will be able to use the wetsuit for many years--in racing AND training--so make sure you get one that fits well.