BT Forum

I need one, as I just started training and live in NH, but am going to wait for xmas or next year. With that said where did you buy yours from and what did you buy?

Xterra had a sale bout 2 weeks ago. 4149 for the full length suit. I got the XXL.

Will try it in the water soon.

I would suggest going to OWS Clinic.  I did this one week prior to my first race and it was a blessing.  It really prepared me for the OWS experience and allowed me to experience the wetsuit; using a wetsuit is a very different feeling.  It has taken me about two Tri-It Novice Races and three OWS Swims with the local tri-Club to really get used to the wetsuit feeling.  My last race was my first full sprint (1/2 mile swim) and I had a great swim.  I really believe it was because of the three weeks of OWS with the Tri club, knowing I can swim the distance and more (building my confidence), and getting used to the feeling of wearing the wetsuit.

Im doing my first wetsuit race on 9/27. My concern isn't the suit, which isnt triathlon specific, but rather it's my first ocean swim. I've done open water, and I've done a good bit longer than this distance previously. But I haven't gotten an ocean swim during a race yet, so that'll be interesting.

In regards to wetsuits or trisuits, what is the difference. The only wetsuits I know are the Body Glove suits made for surfing and diving. How does one change so fast from a wetsuit into clothes for a bike? Do people deck change it with a towel or what? I am really new to this if you cannot tell.Is a wetsuit truly necessary. I am looking to do a half mile open ocean swim in June in So. Cal (Redondo Beach) would it be needed there?

The wetsuits made for triathletes have more room in the shoulders (for the swim stroke). Are they necessary? It depends on how cold the water is. Regulations say if the water is less than 78 degrees at the start of the race, you can wear a wetsuit. It will make you more buoyant and provide with some confidence (OWS can be intimidating)...

If this is for your first tri - I would recommend renting one (most of the local tri stores should have rental suits)...see how you like the whole experience.

There are a lot of good articles on this site for how to get into (and out of) a wetsuit...well worth the time once you have the suit in hand.

Typically, you would wear your cycling bottoms (tri shorts, specifically because the "pad" doesn't hold as much water as "normal" bike shorts) under the suit with a sports bra (for women) and nothing for men. At T1 (the transistion from swim to bike), you peel off your wetsuit (again - look at the articles for recommendations on how to do this quickly), pop on your shirt, socks (optional), helmet, sunglasses and shoes and get on the bike. Poke around this site for a bit and all your questions will be answered!

For wetsuits (rental or purchase) I'd highly recommend Fit2race www.f2r.com currently they are blowing them out.  F2R actually surprised me how easy it was to get out of.  I find getting out of a wetsuit to be easiest in the water (as you are walking out).

Swanny, I feel your pain with regards to your wife's laughter.

I also got my first full wet suit.  I scored a 1x used Xterra Vortex 3 on ebay, 2 days before Xterra put them on sale for 50% off.  That's my luck; bad luck, or none at all.

Anyway, mine fits snug, but definitely have room in the shoulders. I'm headed out to a lake on Friday to try it out.  I can't wait.

Last year I had a "shorty" for Lonestar and it was also sleevless.  I'm going to blame it on the cold, but it took me 7 miles to find my legs on the bike.  My hope is the full will keep that from happening.

Good luck and be bouyant! 

That about sums up my first experience as well.  I'll echo the open water clinic - it was a lifesaver for me after I made my first ocean attempt and swallowed nearly as much as I put behind me while I swam. 

For those wondering, it's an XXL Xterra Vortex 3 full on a 6'1" 250 lb frame.

I got a QR XXL ultra john (no sleves) for cheap cheap on sale.  Fits good.  I mainly did it cause I needed the boyancy.  As fat as I am, I should bob like a cork, but i sink like lead. 

Wife had the same reaction, I am 6'5" and was 290 at the time, so ya, If i went in the ocean I would have got harpooned.  But the swims here are lakes, so I just started swiming in my suit in the lake.

I have just "learned" to swim at 39, so I went out to the float line and swam back and forth, so if I got tired or cramped I could grab on. 

But ya, I look, on the best day, like a sealion in the damn thing, but it makes swiming much easier.

Medusa, I *love* the wetsuit pics - hilarious. I've seen plenty of guys' suits in XXL-type sizes, but not too much for bigger girls. If you don't mind my asking, what size are you wearing, and is it larger women's or smaller men's sizes? Did you have a tough time finding one where you liked the fit?

Heather

Heather, - I'm 5'9 and weight 195, I have a nineteen women's size XL.  The if you have a smaller frame for your weight than the average person, you could probably easily fit into a wetsuit at 20 pounds over the recommended weight range.  I bought my wet suit a few years ago when I was 170 and it still fits (albeit tightly) now. 

I also found that Nineteen was the only company that made wetsuits for a bigger girl.  Only in triathlons would a girl 150 and 5'9 be considered a size large. 

Anybody have a recommendation for a guy 5'7" 205#?   Chest 46", Waist 34" = = = All the suits I look at say I'm a small size - - but I doubt it.

I'm your height,  though 15 pounds heavier.  Depending on the brand it would be a medium or large.  But I'm betting a medium

I ended up getting an Xterra XL -- then large just wasn't big enough in the chest.  I wore it to the pool this Sunday.  It took about 600m to feel comfortable and be able to breath normally.

Not well. I borrowed it from a friend for my first race. I was so excited about finishing that I forgot to pack it when clearing out of the transition area.

That was my most expensive race. Ever.  

Hello

I guess I need to try mine on.   I am sure I will send my wife into a laughing fit.

Kevin