Wetsuit for beginners

For some people, a wetsuit doesn't matter, like Jenn above... she's an FOP swimmer.

For others, like me, I panicked in my first 7 OWS races, and would have probably DNFed every one of them if I wasn't wearing a wetsuit.  I was a BOBOP swimmer.

You might be able to rent one?  Not sure if that is available in Switzerland... that might be a cost-effective solution for you.

Good luck!

eta: My experience in my first few races is NOT normal, or typical. 

Edited by newleaf 2009-07-01 2:12 PM

I'm a newbie and a weak swimmer, I couldn't even swim until a few months back.   My decision to get one was simply for survival purposes, not time.   I am almost certain I would not have finished my first open water swim, this past Saturday, without a wet suit.  Or, at best if I managed to make it through I would have been totally spent going into the biek.

I was struggling big time just to work up to a quarter mile in the pool.  The first time I practiced with a wet suit, I tried it at the local YMCA, I easily did 12 straight laps (warm up for most, great day for me).  Somehow, that helped me find a balance, because I'm much stronger even without the suit. 

Granted, I'm still slower than most of the retired folks swimming laps next to me, but the "I'm going to sink" feeling has gone away.   I feel I'm actually improving now.

On another note - What is a bopop swimmer?  I've seen that before in reference to new/weak swimmers.  Not sure what it means, but I'm pretty sure I'd qualify as one.

Edited by jammers 2009-07-01 2:33 PM

wait, can you order from a US company that ships internationally?  i just got a sleeveless blue seventy reaction from trisports.com for around $200 w/ the BT discount.

Thanks to everyone for the valuable input.Well, honestly, since I am pretty new to swimming, and I expect to do more triathlons (a HIM and hopefully a full IM in 2011, according to my plan), then I guess it would be a good idea to buy a wetsuit. I guess it's more a thing about comfort than performance. From what I have read, it seems that wetsuits are most valuable to people just beginning the sport.It isn't such a bad idea to order them from an US online retailer, what I am afraid is that if Swiss customs stops the package at customs and then they'll make me pay a bunch of taxes. But I found an online retailer in Germany that sells orca wetsuits for about USD 100 cheaper than here in Switzerland, so I think I'll go for it.Which takes me to another question: what do you think about the S2 and Equip Orca wetsuits? Would you recommend them?Kind regards,Luis.

I'm new too.  I went with Desoto.  They sell 2pcs suits I got the pants to try the whole bouyance thing.  I didn't believe it was that big of a deal.  I was wrong they make a huge difference... I went back (online) and got  a long sleeve top for cold water events.  I like having the options to buy spearates and wear whatever makes sense for that day/event.