Wetsuit questions - first swim today

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2009-07-11 7:58 AM

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Subject: Wetsuit questions - first swim today
So, I rented a full wetsuit (2XU full suit) to take a few test spins in anticipation for a race in October. I tried it out for the first time this morning, and it was pretty cool, but I have a few questions.

1 - When pushing hard off the wall, I kept feeling water "surge" down my back. Is this normal, or did I not have the collar tight enough?

2 - I occasionally felt water surging up my arms (under the sleeves). Is this normal, or should it have been tighter there too?

3 - The extra bouancy was awesome, but I was surprised to feel a tiny bit of resistance in the arms/shoulders. Is this normal, and just take some getting used to, or should I take it as a sign that the suit is not a perfect fit? I thought that it fit pretty well.. I also did my best to "work" the material up as I put it on giving as much room in the arms/shoulders as possible.

4 - I only swam 1000 yards, but admittedly, I was a little tired toward the end. I'd like to think that it is mostly 'cause of the heat (full suit, 85 deg water, 80deg something indoor pool... ^@#$^ it was HOT!!), but again... it just takes getting used to?

Thoughts from those of you who wear them frequently would be GREATLY appreciated.



2009-07-11 9:16 AM
in reply to: #2277855

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit questions - first swim today
Occasional cold water working into the sleeves/neck/legs is normal. A wetsuit is not supposed to be sealed, just keep you warm.

You need to work the suit up so you have wrinkles on top of your shoulders when you go swim. Your shoulders will feel it a bit but not a lot different than no suit. Breathing is what you have to get used to with the added constriction.

75 degrees is pushing it for full sleeve suit temp. 80 is just about a sauna to swim in. You will want to find a lake or other open water to swim and get used to the suit. Yeah, the heat will wear you out.
2009-07-11 9:26 AM
in reply to: #2277855

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit questions - first swim today
scoli121 - 2009-07-11 7:58 AM
4 - I only swam 1000 yards, but admittedly, I was a little tired toward the end. I'd like to think that it is mostly 'cause of the heat (full suit, 85 deg water, 80deg something indoor pool... ^@#$^ it was HOT!!), but again... it just takes getting used to?



Just curious if you timed yourself and what your pace per 100 yards was compared to without the wetsuit?
2009-07-11 9:27 AM
in reply to: #2277998

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit questions - first swim today
popsracer - 2009-07-11 10:26 AM

scoli121 - 2009-07-11 7:58 AM
4 - I only swam 1000 yards, but admittedly, I was a little tired toward the end. I'd like to think that it is mostly 'cause of the heat (full suit, 85 deg water, 80deg something indoor pool... ^@#$^ it was HOT!!), but again... it just takes getting used to?



Just curious if you timed yourself and what your pace per 100 yards was compared to without the wetsuit?


I wish I would have.. I felt like I was flying... er uh... floating... whatever.. I actually meant to, I was just so side tracked by messing with the thing at the pool that I forgot.

Edited by scoli121 2009-07-11 9:28 AM
2009-07-11 5:52 PM
in reply to: #2277855

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit questions - first swim today
All of the that is pretty normal...but your arms should not be overly tired after 100 meters. About the water temp its all relative for different people. Someone mentioned that 75 was pushing it for a full sleeved wetsuit but I consider that perfectly acceptable for a wetsuit. I just depends on how easily you get hot. I am always always cold so swimming in a wetsuit in 77 or 78 degrees is perfectly comfortable for me. That's why my motto is if its legal where the wetsuit...you will thank the extra buoyancy.
2009-07-13 8:19 AM
in reply to: #2277855

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit questions - first swim today
All sounds relatively normal, but my guess is that you didnt have the suit up high enough. That takes some trial and error. If the suit has pockets of air in there when you put it on, they eventually fill with water and slosh around. That would also explain why your shoulders felt tight and you were more tired than you usually are for the distance (heat probably also contributed here). Next time, put body glide on your legs and really work the suit up...starting with your ankles. The best way to tell if you have it up enough is in the crotch area...if there is much space there, its not up high enough and you will notice that once you put your arms in.

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