- Computer Software always gets bigger and slower
- Fuel prices go up and
- Over time your body gets larger not smaller
Is was with this last point that convinced me that I was never again going to fit into my
Aquaman wetsuit ever again despite a desperate 2 months of dieting. So I resolved to get a super-dooper new suit and I chose an Orca 3.8
However to date there is no happing ending. I chose size 7 which should actually too big based on the orca sizing guide:
Imagine my suprise, shock and rather disappointment (since I travelled all the way to London to pick this up) when I found it too small! Too small on the thighs, too small on the chest, and not long on the arms or legs. All this despite the fact that I am surely not 173cm tall nor 75Kg in weight. Well I would not believe it either. So here is an extreemly unflattering photograph to prove it
So all in all I'm going to reorder a size 8 orca 3.8 suit which is for people upto 188cm in height and 89Kg. This is somewhat surreal to say the least. So to finish what 10 things might you like to know about wetsuits
- You wear a wetsuit because it is too cold to swim in the open water / sea
- Not only will you be warmer but you'll swim faster too
- Orca 3.8 and other wetsuits have different thickness of neoprene and / or air filled buoyancy compartments to place your body in a better swimming position
- A triathlon wetsuit differs from a diving or shorty recreational wetsuit mostly in that the area around the arms is specially flexible to aid swimming
- Instead of wearing a wetsuits some triathaletes wear a single (sleeveless) suit that they can use on the swim, bike and finally run. This cuts down transition times but does not give you the speed advantage that a wetsuit does in the water
- Traithlon Wetsuits are fragile, they tear easily. Shorty recreational or diving wetsuits are almost indestructible. You could tear a triathlon wetsuit with sharp nails just trying to put it on. So apart from keeping your nails short be careful pulling on and taking off a suit
- The suit should fit tightly all over the body. However if it is too tight on the chest you wont be able to breathe properly. Pay close attention to chest sizes on wetsuit specifications therefore
- After sports use best to wash your suit in clean water and hang it to dry. Some suits e.g. Aquaman are designed to dry quickly. Hanging avoids creasing.
- Women and men have different body shapes you cannot interchange suits!
- Trying on a wetsuit at a local shop is usually the best bet. Remember to put on a rash vest and swimming trunks before you try your suit on. You would do this in real life and these two items will make it easier to suit up in the shop.
