Wetsuit Question?

Question

Hi,

I'm looking to get out and enjoy open water swimming. However, up here in Maine, the water's freaking cold until late June. I'd like to get out to some ponds and lakes before then. So I'm thinking about getting a wetsuit for this purpose. Then I'll probably use it in the ocean come summer (ocean's always cold up here). Does anyone have some suggestions. I don't mind being a little chilly, I just don't want hypothermia.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

It'll be a personal comfort thing there. Some people chill easier than others. You also mention open water swimming so there's some physical exertion happening, which tends to heat you up. I dive in water temperatures ranging from just slightly above freezing to 70 F and quite often I'll use my US Divers 7mm two piece with integrated hood for any of these temperatures. If it's an ice dive and I decide on wet because of an exertion level ( I use my dry suit, if it's a lazy dive with little or no exertion) I'll go with the entire wet suit and wear the hood. If it's a warmer dive, I might ditch the jacket and go with the johns or I may wear the jacket alone and ditch the johns.

7mm two piece will allow you a number of thermal protection options. If you're not prone to chills, you can go to a 5mm two piece for that matter. I had a pal ice dive with me 4 weeks ago in a two piece 5. He was fine but I wouldn't have done that. It's all in your comfort level. Just remember, the thicker the suit, the more restrictive it is.

Answer 2

Get a Winter Suit/Dry Suit...

They're more expensive, but you can go swimming and diving w/o geting cold.

Answer 3

ied get and  xcel wet suit there the best

Answer 4

I would check out what the triathletes use in their cold water training.  Most dry suits are really baggy and will slow you down miserably.  Cost might be a factor, but  using a neoprene wetsuit like a kayaker or sailboarder would wear would still be a little too bulky for me.  You might think about buying an inexpensive scuba hood made from thiin neoprene, as half your body heat is lost thorugh your head.  Seen several on ebay for like $12.  Good luck.