Wetsuit advice please

[Slubberdegullion]

As mnhq have still not heeded my call for a Great Outdoors topic I'm going to stick this one in here, as wetsuits come under the umbrella of swim wear don't they.

I'm need to get a wetsuit for half term so I can enter the Irish Sea without developing catastrophic lower limb and trunk vasoconstriction.

What to get please? decent brands and recommended millimeterage. Shorty or full length? Do not need a jacket with under gusset attachment as this is leisure wear, not scallop harvesting.

eBay a good option?

Thank you

wetsuits as leisurewear? Perhaps this should be over in relationships

seriously = go take a look at decathlon's website, reasonably priced.

Irish sea? Forget the shorty. Go for a "steamer", usually with a back zip, 2.5mm arms and legs, 4-5mm body. You will be toasty warm. Mind you your hands and feet will drop off, if it isnt the cold, the radiation will do it!

I'd avoid ebay for this (unless you have already been fitted and see something perfect), it is important it fits properly or you get pockets of cold water that make swimming even harder, however, lots of triathlon based shops let you hire them for a season (cheaper option).

Type depends on what it is for, if surf or kitesurf shorty would be okay in summer, if canoe you want long john and if swimming I would go for full length. Depending on your circulation, gloves and socks (neoprene) can be a godsend. Also a silicon bathing cap. The wetsuits designed for swimming have some buoyancy in the legs and upper body, so you should get one the correct weight for you or it is hard to get your legs down into the water when swimming. The outdoor swimming society can be a great help and might even have a member who can lend you theirs (most people I know from it are okay in swimsuits in summer)!

If it is just for messing about ebay might be okay (or a Nigella burkini)!

I got my shorty from decathlon and its brilliant. My thick one I got from a surf shop but like above, its a 4-5mm with thinner bits on the joints so you're not totally like mr staypuft.
Definately get boots and gloves though. I only wore a hat once, I figured if it was that cold I was getting a headache I should probably be on the beach with a hot chocolate

This is really helpful.

Thanks voiceofnoreason and Runner.

It's primarily going to be used for standing waist deep in the sea teaching the dds to boogie board (with a spot of boarding by myself when I get back into the swing of things without developing hypothermia).
I have SHIT circulation and developed white Toe while only paddling for quarter of an hour at Easter.

I know I should be fitted but the thought is so mortifying. Surf shops are only staffed by young, fit, hearty men with freckles. Maybe I need to get a grip.

Ok boots deffo on list.

mmm have never been to Decathalon before for fear it might be the Ikea of camping shops [kit addict].

Do they let you try them on in store?

We were allowed to try ours on. You might have to go in with your head down and go straight to the surfing bit as they do sell absolutely everything ! Very easy to pick up bits and pieces.

You'll be fine in the sea it's about 11 degrees at the moment so lovely and warm (I'm hardcore openwater swimmer so no wetsuits here!) I'd say go to Decathlon and try some on as they all fit differently.

Also avoid ebay unless you like to have stuff other people have pee'd in?!?

The cheaper ones from the likes of Aldi, Tesco etc just make you sweat so it's better to pay a little more.

OK So I think a trip to Decathalon is a goer. Will wear blinkers.

Thanks all

Slubber, Decathlon is the new IKEA. make sure you take £££ - you will find all sorts of things you never knew you needed. And they have a camping section!

One trip and you're hooked. We even had a trip out there on our camping hol last year on a very rainy day

oh no

[head in hands]

There is no room! No room in the car for any more stuff (apart from wetsuit and boots obv ).

I will remain strong and not even look in the camping dept.
[har bloody har]