How to Put On a Swimming or Triathlon Wetsuit – Video Guide
Putting on a swimming or triathlon wetsuit can be tricky, especially if you're new to open-water swimming. In this practical video guide, the Wetsuit Centre team demonstrates how to get into your wetsuit correctly, with useful tips to achieve a comfortable, close fit, maintain freedom of movement and avoid unnecessary strain on the neoprene.
Introduction – Putting On a Swimming Wetsuit Safely
Today, we're going to look at how to put on your swimming wetsuit without damaging it.
Wetsuits can be difficult enough to put on, but swimming wetsuits present an additional challenge. They're designed to fit very tightly, and the smooth outer surface of the neoprene can be particularly delicate and prone to tearing.
That combination means you need to take extra care when getting into your suit.
Step 1: Turn the Wetsuit Inside Out
The best way to start is by turning the wetsuit inside out.
Don't just fold it down to the waist. Turn it inside out all the way down to the mid-thigh or even the knee.
This makes it much easier to get your feet into the suit without damaging the neoprene.
When pushing your feet through the ankle openings, you can hold the lined inner surface of the wetsuit rather than the smooth outer material, which is more vulnerable to cuts and tears.
Step 2: Slide the Wetsuit Up Your Legs
Once you've pushed your foot through the ankle opening, you can begin sliding the wetsuit up your legs.
If you have particularly large feet or struggle to get them through the openings, a useful trick is to place a thin plastic bag over your foot.
This reduces friction and helps your foot slide through the neoprene more easily.
Focus on getting the lower half of the wetsuit into position first.
Whatever you do, avoid gripping the neoprene with your fingernails or pinching the material.
Instead, use the flat pads of your fingers to gently work the wetsuit up your legs.
Take your time and make sure everything is positioned correctly before moving on to the upper body.
Step 3: Put Your Arms Into the Wetsuit
Once the lower half of the wetsuit is correctly positioned, you can move on to the upper body.
The process is very similar.
If necessary, you can use the plastic bag technique over your hands to help them slide through the sleeves and wrist openings.
Once your hands are through, gradually work the wetsuit up your arms and shoulders.
Again, use the pads of your fingers rather than your fingernails to avoid damaging the smooth neoprene surface.
Keep adjusting the material until the wetsuit is sitting snugly underneath your armpits, with no unnecessary folds or creases.
Step 4: Adjust the Fit Before Closing the Zip
It's important to complete all these adjustments before pulling up the zip.
Leaving the zip open gives you more freedom of movement and makes it easier to position the wetsuit correctly around your body.
Check that the material is sitting comfortably around your legs, torso, shoulders and underarms.
Once everything is in the correct position, reach around and carefully pull the back zip all the way up.
You should now be properly inside your wetsuit.
You may still need to make a few small adjustments, gently moving the material into place using the pads of your fingers.
Once the wetsuit is correctly positioned and feels comfortable, you're ready to get into the water.
Final Tips for Protecting Your Swimming Wetsuit
The key things to remember when putting on your swimming wetsuit are:
- Turn the wetsuit inside out first, ideally down to the mid-thigh or knee.
- Use a plastic bag over your hands or feet if needed to help them slide through the openings.
- Avoid using your fingernails to grip or pull the neoprene.
- Use the pads of your fingers to work the wetsuit gently into position.
- Adjust the wetsuit fully before closing the zip, ensuring there are no unnecessary folds or creases.
By following these simple steps, you'll find your swimming wetsuit much easier to put on while reducing the risk of damaging the neoprene.
Taking a little extra care can also help extend the lifespan of your wetsuit.
