Open water wetsuits are mainly made of neoprene. They create a thermal barrier against the cold, protect you from the sun's rays and irritation from salt, but also significantly improve buoyancy, muscle compression and hydrodynamics. All this of course whilst leaving you with maximum freedom of movement!
However, getting into your neoprene suit on your own before getting into the water is not always easy, especially if you are sweating from the heat.
That's why today, Nabaiji is offering you a few detailed tips on how to quickly and impeccably put on your open water swimming suit, all by yourself! This will let you benefit from the advantages and technologies of your neoprene wetsuit while optimising its lifespan.
N.B.: from this point on, the use of nails or other hooked tool is to be avoided.
To stop you struggling to get your wetsuit over your feet, legs or arms, you can wear socks, old tights or even a plastic bag to avoid getting stuck on the jersey of the wetsuit.
This technique is foolproof to prevent your feet, legs or arms from getting stuck in the wetsuit, especially during the dreaded "passage of the heel”.
If you tend to pull on your suit like a madman, don't tire yourself out any longer, the neoprene of the wetsuit is designed to resist! Play it smart!
Another technique for putting on your neoprene swimming wetsuit is to lubricate it with Vaseline (for example) on the areas of movement (wrists, calves, heels, knees, armpits, shoulders and neck), which will allow you to quickly get it on and position it perfectly. Please note that moisturising cream is to be avoided to prevent damage to the suit.
Vaseline, on the other hand, in addition to this advantage, will reduce the risk of irritation while you swim and will also make it easier to take off.
We agree, it's much better when it slips on and off by itself!
Probably one of the most popular techniques, wetting the inside of your open water wetsuit with soap and water is devilishly effective!
Again, this involves lubricating your open water wetsuit by pouring a few drops of soapy water onto it, so that you can then wrap yourself up in it without any problems! Feel free to use warm water if the water temperature is low.
Pay attention to the type of soap used. Use hypoallergenic soap for sensitive skin to avoid any unpleasant skin reactions.
Last but not least, carefully choose the scent of your soap... You will be stewing in it for a long time!
A very efficient and pleasant technique during the winter, even if somewhat incapacitating, it consists of getting in the shower and putting on your suit at the same time (with hot water it is so much better!).
If you are lucky, you may find a shower near your spot. But of course, if you put it on under your own shower, unless you live right by the sea, you will have to hit the road wearing a 4 mm thick open water swimming wetsuit...
There are more comfortable ways to drive... But, it's tempting!
Also a popular technique because there are no constraints and it requires no equipment. It simply involves putting on your neoprene wetsuit... In the water!
It is still more useful and pleasant to perform this technique when the water is at a comfortable temperature, otherwise it is not of great interest!
Now that you have got past the hairiest part of getting a wetsuit on, remember to get it correctly positioned. When well positioned it will prevent water from seeping in and will give you better buoyancy and optimal muscle compression.
Good positioning simply means:
- The suit is pulled all the way up to the top
- No folds in the wetsuit
- The zip is lined up at the back
- The patterns on the wetsuit are symmetrical
Do you meet all the criteria? Then it's time to take a dip!
National Swimmer & Dialogue Leader