Do you have a wetsuit?

[TheChosenTwo]

Pretty simple, do you have one and if so would you recommend it? I want one but there is so much choice! It’s just for some swimming, I’m a wimp and want one 😂 dh is absolutely flabbergasted that I’m not embracing the cold water!

Orca openwater wetsuit is really good and very flexible so easy to get on and off

Some really helpful advice on here, thanks everyone. Didn’t know there were so many different things to consider so really glad I asked and really grateful for your comments.
I’m really excited to give it a go, dd is going to come with me this week one evening, she doesn’t want a wetsuit but she does often swim in the sea without one (lunatic but hardcore!), and a bit nervous because the idea of open water has always been a big fear of mine, not knowing what’s underneath chills me to the bone (not helpful when I’m trying to stay warm!!) and I worry about getting exhausted as I’m not used to it but the place where I’m going says you must use a tow float which you can hold on to if you need to pause!

I’ve got a shorty one. Think o Neil’s. Full body is too difficult to get on and off!

We got an Aldi special for SUP! They were even reduced at the end of last summer.

I have several wetsuits and a dry suit (I'm a year-round UK diver). I recommend Waterproof, Seac Sub and O'Neill. They're all excellent brands and come in a variety of thicknesses.

I have two.

One shortie and one full size

The thing that makes the most difference to staying warm is neoprene gloves and neoprene socks / shoes in my experience.

I swim sometimes in wetsuit and sometimes just in swimming costume.

Don't spend a lot of money to start with - you can often get second hand ones on Vinted or similar and it's a good way to see if you like the wetsuit experience.

Personally I really do not like swimming in them and so I swim in neoprene shoes, gloves and hat, plus a Burkini which is a two piece swimming costume - leggings and tunic.

I have four because we surf. Only just switched to my summer suit though!!

I have a zone 3 one for a triathlon which is good. Very snug. They have a fitting tool on the website which is spot on and it was less than £100

I have a 2 Bare Feet neoprene long sleeve swimming costume which is perfect for the unheated outdoor pool i swim in. You can add socks and/or gloves for extra warmth. I'm a cold water wimp but it's enough warmth for me. Can add a rash vest underneath or even a normal cozzie. I got mine from Amazon, recommend sizing up.

I have a wetsuit but don't like wearing it. I bought it from wiggle which seems to sell the cheapest swimming wetsuits, I bought it for a sea swimming event where wetsuits were compulsory, and haven't worn it since then. For me, feeling slightly warmer in the water isn't worth the hassle of getting it on and off, and carrying a soaking wetsuit around (I usually walk or cycle to the beach).

I have neoprene gloves and boots, and wouldn't swim in winter without them. I've been considering a little neoprene jacket just to keep my core warm, but haven't got around to buying one yet.

My friend recommended gloves and shoes too, she used to use a wetsuit but doesn’t anymore but did say about keeping the extremities covered.

For swimming, you need a swimming specific wetsuit, otherwise the buoyancy makes it difficult to swim. I have an Alpkit Terrapin, but mostly swim without it.

Triwetsuit hire. You can hire one for a season, with the option to buy at the end. They take your measurements. I was really pleased with mine 😀

Absolutely agree with this. Worth getting 5mm neoprene boots and gloves rather than standard 3mm if you plan to swim all season

Don't go for O'NEIL or Gul or any other surf brand wetsuit. You will really hamper your swimming and could get a shoulder injury. You want Zone 3, Huub, Orca, Yonda, DHB, Blue Seventy. If you mainly swim breaststroke look for breaststroke specific wetsuits as well.

I just bought one from Black's (I think). I am a size 20/22 but couldn't find one to fit so went up and they had a 24/26 which is a bit big but really easy to get on. It is a 3mm one and was only £39 in the sale.
I used it paddleboarding last week!

There is also a lovely magazine called Outdoor Swimmer you might like. Full of tips, kit review and everything from stories about groups of mums swimming for mental health to articles about people setting records for insane distance swims.

No I don't

I have an Alpkit wetsuit that I use over the colder months. Also agree with others that gloves and boots and a wolly hat for when its proper cold. I swim in the lake district and its always a bit fresh. Make sure you have warm clothing and hot water bottles/ drinks for when you get out.

We have basic Decathlon wetsuits, some shorties some full length. They make enough of a difference to really enhance our enjoyment of swimming in the Lake District. As I've got older, though, I would like to add gloves and a hat to my outdoor swimming kit.

I sea swim all year round (Suffolk coast) and use gloves and boots in winter. I do have a shortie wetsuit (think it's 2 bare feet) but only use it for paddle boarding.

As others have said, if you're swimming you need a swim specific suit. But if you're doing it at this time of year you shouldn't need a wetsuit.

Can we tempt you @FedUpMumof10YO 😂 lots of options!
thanks for the recommendation of the magazine @SummerInSun - Sounds like a lovely read.
right I think there’s a Blacks a few towns away, might see if I can get there tomorrow after work.
If I end up with something hard to put on I’ll end up never using it, it’s like getting a sports bra on before going to the gym,
sometimes I can’t face it and just go swimming instead!

If you’re planning on swimming front crawl don’t get a surf one, you won’t be able to move your shoulders freely. Would recommend Wiggle which has a good range of open water suits at all price points. Swim wetsuits are also very fragile on the arms and legs where the neoprene is thin to allow flexibility and can easily be nicked, so needs much greater care when putting on / taking off!

I'm a wimp with cold but am in a bikini and swim shoes at the minute (swim in rivers and reservoir)
I do need to get some gloves though!

At this time of year, you're probably good with neoprene socks and gloves and rash vest. Much easier to swim in than a wetsuit.Two Bare. Feet have well priced entry level kit.