Pretend im stupid and talk to me about wet suits..

[al320]

I was just talked into a 2.4 open water swim. I swim in a pool. Wet suits are strongly encouraged and required if e water is below a certain trmp.

I literally know nothing..what to look for, where to shop, how much to spend.

So, like im an idiot....and GO.

[Susie]

I don't wear one, but I do know that renting one is an option if you're not ready to commit to buying one.

[mrs.jacinthe]

I won't wear one unless required (and I don't do OWS that require them). If you have a local Fleet Feet, I'd check with them regarding their rentals - you can try on a couple of different models and sizes before you walk out the door. You can also buy the used wetsuits from FF, but theirs can be well-used.

The one time I *had* to wear a wetsuit (lifeguarding for IMLT), I used an XTerra model they provided - full sleeve. I did not care for the full sleeve at ALL - a sleeveless would be my preference for 2.4, for sure.  That said, the XTerra did fit me well - I'm 5'4", long torso, big hips/butt.  I wore a men's large and it was a pretty accurate fit.

Also, be aware that they can (and do) chafe, especially in salt water. You'll need to aquaphor thoroughly before you put it on to swim.

[al320]

Apr 24, 2014 12:13:09 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

I won't wear one unless required (and I don't do OWS that require them). If you have a local Fleet Feet, I'd check with them regarding their rentals - you can try on a couple of different models and sizes before you walk out the door. You can also buy the used wetsuits from FF, but theirs can be well-used.

The one time I *had* to wear a wetsuit (lifeguarding for IMLT), I used an XTerra model they provided - full sleeve. I did not care for the full sleeve at ALL - a sleeveless would be my preference for 2.4, for sure.  That said, the XTerra did fit me well - I'm 5'4", long torso, big hips/butt.  I wore a men's large and it was a pretty accurate fit.

Also, be aware that they can (and do) chafe, especially in salt water. You'll need to aquaphor thoroughly before you put it on to swim.

Its a lake, so at least i dont have to worry about sal water!

Im sure it can vary, but how much do they run, about? Or to rent? I never even thought to check a running store, theres a swim place near my office that i figured id check out.

This is helpful, thanks! Im tall (5'10") so sizing for swim stuff is totally wacky for me, mens is a good idea. And i think i prefer sleeveless. Really, i prefer a bathing suit lol

[mrs.jacinthe]

Apr 24, 2014 12:21:33 GMT -5 al320 said:

Apr 24, 2014 12:13:09 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

I won't wear one unless required (and I don't do OWS that require them). If you have a local Fleet Feet, I'd check with them regarding their rentals - you can try on a couple of different models and sizes before you walk out the door. You can also buy the used wetsuits from FF, but theirs can be well-used.

The one time I *had* to wear a wetsuit (lifeguarding for IMLT), I used an XTerra model they provided - full sleeve. I did not care for the full sleeve at ALL - a sleeveless would be my preference for 2.4, for sure.  That said, the XTerra did fit me well - I'm 5'4", long torso, big hips/butt.  I wore a men's large and it was a pretty accurate fit.

Also, be aware that they can (and do) chafe, especially in salt water. You'll need to aquaphor thoroughly before you put it on to swim.

Its a lake, so at least i dont have to worry about sal water!

Im sure it can vary, but how much do they run, about? Or to rent? I never even thought to check a running store, theres a swim place near my office that i figured id check out.

This is helpful, thanks! Im tall (5'10") so sizing for swim stuff is totally wacky for me, mens is a good idea. And i think i prefer sleeveless. Really, i prefer a bathing suit lol

When I was pricing before I knew that the IMLT one would be provided, it's $40 for a weeklong rental from FF.  The online places seem to run around $65, again for a week.  I'd definitely google "wetsuit rental near [your location]" to see what's available near you ... I don't think every FF does wetsuit rental.

[al320]

Apr 24, 2014 12:25:46 GMT -5 mrs.jacinthe said:

Apr 24, 2014 12:21:33 GMT -5 al320 said:

Its a lake, so at least i dont have to worry about sal water!

Im sure it can vary, but how much do they run, about? Or to rent? I never even thought to check a running store, theres a swim place near my office that i figured id check out.

This is helpful, thanks! Im tall (5'10") so sizing for swim stuff is totally wacky for me, mens is a good idea. And i think i prefer sleeveless. Really, i prefer a bathing suit lol

When I was pricing before I knew that the IMLT one would be provided, it's $40 for a weeklong rental from FF.  The online places seem to run around $65, again for a week.  I'd definitely google "wetsuit rental near [your location]" to see what's available near you ... I don't think every FF does wetsuit rental.

Thank you!

[mainewifey]

I rented one from a local bike shop of all places, so check around! I would go with no sleeves. The one I rented had sleeves and I felt claustrophobic in it. I think having one that was sleeveless would have been much more comfortable, and more true to swimming in a regular suit.

[emilyj]

I just rented one for the first time for my race this weekend - I rented through Tri Wetsuit Rentals for $45.  In the lead up, I have to say I've been really pleased with them.  I was really worried about the sizing, and I've exchanged multiple emails with one of their reps about the wetsuit - when it shipped out, he emailed me and told me what they sent me, why, how it should fit, and when I tried it on, I emailed him back with a couple of questions.  They said if I didn't like it, or it didn't work, they would have gotten me a new one in plenty of time for my actual race.  I feel like they've really gone above and beyond so far. 

It was $45 for the rental.  I got sleeveless. I can report back on the actual wearing of it after this weekend.  

[al320]

Thanks!