Wetsuit for open water swimming

[Bythesea1982]

I’d like to give open water swimming a try this summer local to where I live and also whilst on holiday in the UK. I’m a total novice so I’m looking for advice on suggestions for a good wetsuit. What millimetre thickness should I be looking for and what are the best brands? Nothing too expensive though as I don’t know how much I’ll take to it!

Personally I'd try without a wetsuit. They are very restrictive for swimming unless you buy a good one. The water is very warm currently

Honestly right now, do you need one, our local lake temperature was 24degrees last weekend?

however in answer to your question, I have a blue 70 one, initially that I bought on eBay, then bought new. (I actually still have the old one size xla and willing to sell) the good thing about blue 70 is the Athena range accommodate the curvy female body.

when we first started we’d d 2 500m laps with wetsuit then do a further loop without and eventually worked up to not using it at all.

I have a mixed 2/3 mm one that I like for swimming, with short arms but full length legs. I don't think they do the same style anymore, but it's a Billabong.

Wetsuit Outlet were very helpful.

Are you for real? 🤣

Yep very real? If she is intending to do front crawl for any distance the suit needs to fit well and not have a high neck. It will chaff and be tiring in arms if not a good fit. If you're just dipping and playing, any supermarket 'wetsuit' will do.

I swam in Windermere this weekend without a wetsuit, as were many other people. It was chilly getting in but was plenty warm enough. And I'm not a serious swimmer. Same in the sea in the summer. I'd see if you like it then get one designed for autumn and then winter use.

Yes, I feel the same, right now unless you’re planning a distance event I wouldn’t even consider a wetsuit.

What sort of location are you thinking op?

I have a zone 3 azure for my distance swims - usually 3/4km in a lake but the water in mine is too warm to wear it at the moment, my lake is currently around 25 degrees! However I did a distance event in Lake Padarn at the bottom of Snowdon last week and that was 16 degrees so it depends where you are and how long you’ll be in the water for

No I mean, I’ve been to the beach earlier and despite the heat the sea was still freezing.

The water temp at some of the open water swim venues near me has been 28 degrees, that's the same as a pool. No wetsuit required.

A lot of venues have some sort of wetsuit hire scheme, I'd recommend that for a beginner over purchasing something if you really want to swim in a wetsuit

I started with a neoprene jacket from decathlon because its easy to get in and out of and has good range of arm movement. It's also small enough to store, carry, wash and dry easily. I still prefer it to my open water wetsuit even if it's not super optimised. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/women-s-top-anti-uv-long-sleeved-1-5-mm-neoprene-blue/_/R-p-309444?mc=8539776&c=pink_blue

It might feel cold initially, but once you are in and swimming, it doesn't. Honestly, it is a matter of expectation. Know it's cold to get in and know it will feel fine in a bit. It's really pleasant at the moment, but that initial entry is always a bit <breath in>

I used to do lots of triathlons. Even an entry level wetsuit makes you swim faster.

OP- if you decide to buy a wetsuit, go to a specialist shop and get advice. It'd absolutely vital your wetsuit fits you properly. If you've never had one before, you won't necessarily know. It needs to be skin tight and hard to get on.

Unless you plan to spend a great deal of time in the water in cold weather, I wouldn't bother with a wetsuit. I swim in my swimsuit all year round, including in lochs where I need to break a hole in the ice before I can get in!

Depending on where you're swimming, get some foot protection.

Two bare feet does a neoprene swimsuit to wear over usual cossie and you can get neoprene socks gloves bottoms much easier to put on and off than wet suit https://www.twobarefeet.co.uk/two-bare-feet-arabella-2mm-superstretch-neoprene-womens-suit-black.html

And go with your comfort if starting out . You can pick a 2nd hand wetsuit or go to amazon for one if you like No need to break ice with bare hands and dive in skins (swimsuit) to get benefits .

You clearly live down south. The UK is large! 😁 It's not warm everywhere. We went in the sea last week and were freezing, hence looking at wetsuit recommendations as one person in the family wants to do it more often but the cold is the issue. I just looked up the temperature of the sea near where we were and it was 12.5 degrees that day.

Both my friend who does IronWoman stuff and a different friend who does open water swimming in mountain lakes recommend this company: https://c-monsta.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorJhSDCt_suVtAOrnyEXirtnYwm7oKDUj_JvVEKDrNQ1ZQ8AC4B

Did you actually go in? On first contact, the water often feels cold in contrast to the hot outdoor temp, but once you are in it feels much warmer. I’ve been in the sea loads recently. It’s really warm at the moment. Loads of people have been going in and none in a wetsuit which indicates you really don’t need one at the moment!

I swim outdoors and never use one. I do wear swim socks/shoes and gloves if the water is very cold
NW, and mostly swim in rivers or the reservoir so nowhere warm! I do tend to stop Nov - Feb

Ah ok

if you’re not used to it it will definitely feel cold as you get in and it’s important to get in gradually to allow yourself time to acclimatise. If you jump in there is the possibility of cold shock which makes breathing harder etc. but with the temperature at the moment once you’re in and moving it is lovely.

wetsuits are definitely needed if you are not acclimatised and planning on distance that requires longer in the water. Otherwise listen to your body and get out when you start to feel cold.

make sure you don’t swim alone and have checked out your exit points before you get in.

I would definitely recommend a tow float though.

I posted this on the rip tide thread the other day but worth posting here too there have been too many fatalities over the last week.

Can I also add a bit about rivers and quarries in this heat.

1. Don’t just jump in, you have no idea if there are any hidden dangers under the water and the biggest killer is cold shock.
2. Find a graduated place of entry and acclimatise gradually. Quarries in particular can be very cold and the body goes into panic mode which affects your breathing and ability to move.
3. float to survive, if you get into trouble don’t try and swim against it just turn on your back and float until you are able to control your breathing.
4. Make sure you know your exit point.
5. DON’T swim alone.
6. Wear a bright coloured hat or tow float.
7. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT MIX OPEN WATER SWIMMING AND ALCOHOL.

Thanks very much everyone. To answer a few questions I live in the East Midlands and will be swimming in a lake that has a designated section for swimmers. As you pay to do it theres a lifeguard and you have to wear a tow buoy & swim cap. Water is around 24 degrees at the moment so maybe I won’t need a wetsuit yet.
I do like the idea of a neoprene swimsuit so thank you @cestlavielife for that suggestion which I hadn’t thought of. It looks less restrictive than a full wetsuit.
I do have suitable footwear but gloves are a good shout too.