How To Put On A Wetsuit | A Step By Step Guide

There is a certain art to putting on a wetsuit before going for an open water swim. Wetsuits are difficult to get into the best of times, it can leave many of us to question the fit of it, but there are certain hacks and tips from our experience that we'd love to share with you!
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There is a certain art to putting on a wetsuit before going for an open water swim. Wetsuits are difficult to get into the best of times, it can leave many of us to question the fit of it, but there are certain hacks and tips from our experience that we'd love to share with you!
To improve the lifespan and condition of your suit, but also to improve your mobility, range, and performance when swimming in the suit. You might think that you already know how to put a wetsuit on properly, but trust us here, very few people are really putting them on so that their shoulders move freely!
So, let’s run through a bit of a step-by-step guide!
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📹 7 Things You Need For Your First Open Water Swim 👉 gtn.io/FirstOWSwim
📹 Tri Suit Vs Wetsuit - Which Is Fastest? 👉 gtn.io/wetsuittrisuit
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[@gtn]

Do you have any wetsuit hacks? Share them with us 🏊‍♀️

[@yiannis_christodoulou]

Not thought of the bag part great tip

[@holgerheinisch3387]

I would not pull the legs up at the outside of the wetsuit, I would pull at the inside. I did damage my wetsuit by pulling at the outside (even though I do not have long nails). Glued it with Neopren glue, which worked surprisingly well.

[@guthans]

I second that motion

[@WillPower46]

Thank you this video helped me a lot.

[@CarlosSalinas-ml2ek]

Years putting the wetsuit on and off and still new tricks to learn, Thanks Mark!

[@nicholasmartin5446]

i think this process would be a bit different for those with beer guts like myself ;-)

[@evanmacdougall9715]

Practice putting your wetsuit on at home at least once or twice a month - especially during the months when you're not using it. Then take a bath or a shower with it on to get it wet before taking it off. This helps "season" your wetsuit and stretch out the material to make it easier to put on and also keep it from stiffening up when not in use for long periods of time. This is especially important for new wetsuits.

[@breizizel3256]

With talque for baby on néoprene !

[@lwittrock1]

As a retired scuba Course Director of 42yrs, The simplist way to put on wetsuite, a tri specific suit, is to apply hair conditioner to you ankles and arms. Not only will it slide fast and effortlessly, the lake, river or ocean water will not leave smelling really bad. It makes easy to remove in transition as well.

[@DigininjaRobin]

I saw someone trying that for the first time the other day, she said it worked and did help her get into it.

[@yummyanj]

I use body oil and my wetsuit glides on quick! I’ve seen a few people with wetsuits with the sleeves and leg area cut off and always wondered whether I should be doing the same..

[@sinetwo]

Yeah but it looks leaves hair conditioner in the sea. Might be best to use conditioner which is sea friendly (if that exists)

[@nami1540]

Basically that is dropping silicone oils in the water. Many of which are known to bioaccumulate

[@yannickfriche2299]

Has anyone experience with sun protection? ...is it making easier or harder to put the suit on?

[@ilanakearns4210]

Thanks for this video!! I am new to triathlon world and was struggling with the wetsuit. I appreciate the tips!!

[@The2014engineer]

Thanks GTN, I felt that putting my wetsuit on for the first time was a workout in itself, after seeing Mark slide in with ease, next time is going to save my shoulders even more. (to actually get a swim workout in) Thanks all!

[@olivianascimento727]

Wearing mine for the very first time this weekend and this video is brilliant! Thanks for sharing!

[@kylebrown2035]

I appreciate this video in so many ways.

[@johnkelly8298]

Great video. I've just bought my first wetsuit, and got nowhere near putting it on. It looks as though I need to be much more assertive with it, so I'll try that shortly. Be warned, wetsuit. From now on, it's no more Mr Nice Guy!

[@Vik.uk.]

😄😄👍🏼

[@joel007morris2]

Thanks. Very helpful. Had bad experience when hired one so this is definitely a good insight into how to put one on.

[@Nessunego]

Great video, very spot on.

[@ryanmilton2643]

I'm a noob! JUST got my wetsuit...so this is important!

[@Luvandfaith72]

Thank you!!! I thought my suit was too small and after watching this video I successfully got my wetsuit on. It took me 17 min but I am sure I'll get quicker!

[@gtn]

Practice makes perfect for sure!

[@rc198028]

Same. I was just about to send my wetsuit back when it is actually a great fit if I use these tips.😊

[@DigininjaRobin]

A tip I've just remembered from my old diving days, the plastic gloves you get in petrol stations work well for getting your hands in. Like the plastic bag idea but easier to get hold of in some areas.

[@sicro1000]

Really helpful. Just bought my first suit and struggled to get the zip up. Using your the techniques you shared has made the process much easier and the zip went up without any issues, thanks!

[@breizizel3256]

Un truc tre connu des plongeurs : avoir à chaque fois un litre de mélange d'eau et de schampoo ! Bien humecter l intérieur et après ça glisse tout seul ou presque ! De plus vous sentirez bon haha !

[@655Louisa]

Brilliant! Thank you!

[@neilreynolds432]

Great stuff

[@sdmikesurfer]

Awesome video, now I don't have to make one! You shared the greatest tips for comfort and flexibility that I use as well! I have been using the shopping bag hack since I was a grommet. It is especially helpful if your wetsuit is wet. I've been surfing the California coast from Santa Cruz down deep into Baja California for 44 years, and many of my surfing buddies and I surf several spots on the same day a lot of the time. The shopping baggie hack has been a godsend for putting on wet wetsuits. \!!!/ Shaka Brah

[@ortega181956]

great info. thanks for the share.

[@clairexxx0405]

Thank you very much for this video 🌊🌊🌊

[@MrJordilicious]

Somehow I feel that it looks so much more easy when you do it. Perhaps because your suit looks a lot more flexible compared to mine? I have an Arena one (the "base" model I guess, not the carbon one) and while I think it's quite flexible, it does also feel pretty thick. Is there a major difference in thickness between perhaps lower end/starter wetsuits and more higher end suits?

[@margezarate2656]

Thanks for these videos! Very helpful! I do wish you could share how a wetsuit should fit. When I put on my suit, I seem to pack air in and bending over and smoothing over takes me additional 5 mins! And it takes longer to feel comfortable and after walking around. I know some rules decide on a wetsuit 2 hrs before the race when temps are checked. I haven't raced officially when such a change to a suit was needed. So, how many hours early should we put on our suits before the race?

[@alisontriathlonlover]

Thanks very helpful 👍😀

[@IAmJenWilson]

super useful, thank you

[@l1lyzz]

very useful video, thank so much! :)

[@atlosass]

Your wetsuit looks a lot more flexible than mine. I have a lower end Blueseventy and it's a major production to put the thing on!

[@KataUno]

Oh my gawd. Me too. I can't do this video technique with my blueseventy.

[@resol_beats]

The bag hack 😤😤😤🙌

[@tobygauntlett2046]

I put mine on inside out which obviously reverses as it’s peeled on. Fined it better than pinching the neoprene.

[@petermeeussen2193]

Me to. Wetsuit last longer and fits much better around the shoulders

[@fakefruit]

Im impressed by the durability of that suit! I ve got an orca athlete float model and if i had to pull over it like it i would tear it to pieces! 😢

[@spinthma]

Thanks a lot!

[@hugueswarren]

When you put the plastic bag on your foot, instantly I thought that you were a genius. Thank you very much !!!!

[@stephaniegutz1247]

great tips. and are the recommendations reef/aqua safe? I'm about to do a sea trip so am mindful of reef safe products.

[@tommckanna6054]

Good info. Just bought one. what type gear do you wear underneath? What is the outfit you're wearing?

[@erkaltarm2872]

Thanks 👍

[@johnpedersen4162]

Can you do a video on how to train on the bike with no tech

[@nadkine6601]

I'd like to know how to zip the other kind of zipper (Top-Down) you talked about. That's the main issue I have with mine :(

[@minatiroy6947]

Nice sir

[@stephenkeim4143]

Do you have any tips for someone who does have a non traditional zipper, one that zips from too to bottom. It is really tough to get the two sides to line up behind the head.

[@exposingproxystalkingorgan4164]

Using plastic shopping bags to slip into a wetsuit is genius. I had not considered that. 👏

[@victoriadropps4897]

I’ve just received my first wetsuit in the mail! So excited but unsure if it fits right. It is particularly tight in the arms and hips. I was surprised at how difficult it was to get on but per the size chart it is my size. Do they stretch after wearing them? I’m hesitant to get a larger size and then end vup risking the warmth factor.

[@HaggisCat1]

I just my first suit, it's a Blue 70, I plan on using some talcum powder.

[@kajet666]

All my friends use plastic bags to get the suit through their feet, but I just leave my socks on.

[@mr.rodriguez5099]

It s impossible for me to zip it without help

[@Deefie]

This helpt me release so much discomfert nu my shoulders! TY

[@Clover11399]

Big question. Do they keep you warm?

[@travelsphereuk-7090]

Is this what they wear when scuba diving as-well?

[@lorispicer4598]

I had a question about if a wet suit might help with if u experience salt water sensitivity on the skin, myself it effects my legs. Does this happen to u while swimming? Will wearing a wetsuit help stop this?

[@CP-kb1du]

Can you wear it with no clothing on ? underneath . baby powder to apply

[@tarek14sabry]

Stupid question: at which point in the morning do you put it on? At the hotel before heading out to drive to the place? Or after checking everything in transition?

[@joemoya9743]

Petroleum or vegetable oil based products are NOT recommended by neoprene manufacturers. This is especially true for glued seams. Only water based lubricants are recommended.

[@markthrelfall3577]

That’s very true, and has always been recommended by brands. That said, I’ve used petroleum for years, and never experienced or seen any degradation

[@athenafaulk-antonakis9127]

Water based lube make wonders (and as it's safe for us, I imagine it is safe for fish etc)

[@athenafaulk-antonakis9127]

​​@markthrelfall3577 it probably depends on what materials your suit is made out of! :) I prefer using water based lube. Batter be safe than sorry

[@Daniel-yg4fp]

My local dive shops got last years Mares semi dry at a really good price I tried it on and struggled but my instructor said it fits so I’ve put it on my account at the shop but I was having second thoughts. I think I just need to learn how to put it on properly I like the plastic bag technique also putting lube on the suit opposed to on your body I’ll try conditioner as well ,,, anything just to get on the suit aaaaah lol

[@KarltonMeadows]

great tips!!!!! My shoulders and chest were in prison

[@robertowen758]

Question:. Is it still ok to ask someone to do your zip? 2m rule and all...

[@costasgeorgiou5015]

Phew..... Then after all then got in for a nap for the workout to take it off. 🤣 🤣 But I must do it till I can afford a dry suit! 🤪 6:24

[@mahmoudelzeidy5024]

we need tips about how to buy them the buy the right size? Thanks

[@greatheathen]

You are obviously asking the wrong guy. That thing fits more like motorcycle leathers on him than a wetsuit should.

[@vg3222]

@@greatheathen do explain

[@birdmann6923]

@@vg3222 i think he was implying that this guy doesn't wear the right size wetsuit, so you shouldn't ask him for advice on getting the right size wetsuit. 🤷‍♂️

[@itsmedave7815]

Ive had a wetsuit for circa a month. Orca S7. Not used. I tried it on in the store. It did seem tight, but I was aware that wet suits aren't meant to be loose. Went through the procedure in the shop of getting as much material up to the shoulder/chest area to enable zipping. up. I couldn't zip it up,. He came over and zipped it up. Made me aware "you will be able to zip it up when you put your shoulders back". I trusted this. He didn't check to see if I could zip it up myself. I'm guessing that would be basic stuff to ensure a person's suit is a correct fit - if they can zip it up themselves. I remember clearly he didn't ask me to do this. I had arranged with someone to go out for my first swim in it tomorrow morning. I decided to try it on this evening. Nope. I took as much folds up as I could. When I tried to zip up. Couldnt do it. Not particularly happy about this. Its still in excellent condition as its not been used since I bought it. Its a tight fit but manageable. I cant zip up though. I will be phoning the store and seeking a refund or hoping that they will help in arranging a correct fitting suit. I didnt keep a receipt as to be honest I presumed the suit would fit as it zipped up. However, again, the member of staff imo, should have ensured that I could zip it up. Q. Is it normal - Okay for this to be the case? Is it okay for someone else to zip my suit?

[@toddjust5179]

The literature that came with my new Orca suit states, "...your wetsuit is going to be very, very tight and it needs to be." It also states, "Have someone there to help you with the zipper. Zipping your wetsuit will be a struggle." Bottom line is that if the dude in the store got it zipped up then it was a good fit. The literature also states that you should feel somewhat uncomfortable in the suit on dry land and that it will feel much better in the water.

[@itsmedave7815]

Thanks Todd. I've done circa 20 swims in it since. It's a good suit 👍🙂

[@user-yl8hn5ls9y]

I find water getting in at my neck any tips?

[@holgerheinisch3387]

So what happened to the watch? Did you put it under the wetsuit? Or do you put it on top of the wetsuit- so you could see time and distance, but you might have difficulties at T1?

[@playtimenick]

I also wonder how to maneuver around the watch in the run to T1

[@holgerheinisch3387]

@@playtimenick the wetsuit is tight, I don't think I can fit the watch below If I put it above T1 will take longer- worst case I forget the watch and can not get my arm out of the wetsuit

[@Fifty8day]

One problem those plastic bags are banned in supermarkets now in New Zealand which is a good thing but now It will be a struggle to find one 🥺 I’ve got the same suit as you I love it. Thanks so much for your tips.

[@athenafaulk-antonakis9127]

Use lube, it will help it glide through. I saw comments saying to use conditioner (bad for the environment) or oil (bad for the plastics in the suit depending on what they use). So lube that is compatible with latex is safe for us so I guess also safe for fish etc, and won't break down your suit. So maybe just rince it off but no need to scrub it to take the oil off ASAP as it won't interact 😉

[@DigininjaRobin]

In the demo bits where Mark isn't talking he has the facial expression of an air steward showing how to put on the life vest.

[@markthrelfall3577]

😂

[@neilblackburn3133]

The flap behind the zip keeps getting folded over when I zip it up. Very irritating.

[@InsEngineered]

I can swim in the pool but I am not confident in the open lake. Is there any wetsuit that can also act as a life jacket?

[@Angus-McFife-2nd]

Take a tow float with you. Get for emergency floating and also helps with visibility

[@Fabio-Correr-eh-Viver]

Hello, I don't know if I am doing something wrong, but last times I used a wetsuit the back of my neck was hurt. Does anyone have any tip about how to solve this issue? tks

[@playtimenick]

Body glide helps for that

[@86CJ74U2NV]

I have a 7mm farmer john and it's nowhere near as flexible as yours. I have to use a skin dive suit under it or KY lube. I feel like the Michelin Tire Man when I have both pieces on but it's warm in those 40 degree quarry dives.👍 Another good tip is don't gain weight after you buy your wetsuit.

[@tylerpacifica8165]

What is that he's wearing underneath the wetsuit? Is that a necessity?

[@donbridgewater2988]

It also helps to be skinny as a rail. Us bigger folks have a lot harder time getting suited up.

[@deanb61]

I'm yet to find a wetsuit that was designed for someone with biceps...

[@jaydesimone4297]

@@deanb61 Or calves.

[@TheDpsc]

@@deanb61 or beer belly. Mine refuses to go up any further waist up..

[@charmanthicham3606]

Hello, how are you? May I know how much it costs

[@ManjiganiAnandRao]

That looked simple. My xterra wet suit just feels like a torture chamber once it's on. I hope it loses up. I've double checked the size. Yet feels too small. I have no exp with wetsuit swimming. But the plastic bag is a great idea. I'm also ridiculously hairy don't think that helps lol. At this rate I might need a full body plastic bag lol

[@Amras89]

Any change in your suit? I too have an Xterra suit and feel as though putting it on is an event in its own right. Just want to know if it ever gets any better

[@WhydoIsuddenlyhaveahandle]

Huge tip that worked for me: I could not zip ot up. It simply would not close up and the zipper would not move. I bent over almost 90 degrees and it zipped super easy. I am 13 lounds underneath the max weight for my size and right in the height range for my size so i dont know why it wouldnt zip unless i bent over. I am brand new to this, so maybe I didn't have it pulled up on my shoulders high enough, but that worked for me!

[@mattc9998]

What's the purpose of the undersuit you're wearing and what is it called?

[@markthrelfall3577]

Matt C Orca RS1 Dream Kona. It’s a short sleeve aero trisuit. Such a nice trisuit

[@deanbrough8898]

How do avoid the choking feeling from the wetsuit?

[@katrinaamaro]

Hi. I have issues with that choking feeling. I use a balled up swim cap there or a loofah. Actually half a loofah just inside the collar. Helps me!

[@clownworld-honk410]

Getting conflicting advice about damage to neoprene from Vaseline / baby oil. What's the reality about this !?

[@toddjust5179]

Just got my new Orca wetsuit and the literature states, "NEVER use petroleum jelly, cooking spray, tanning oil, or any kind of grease, oil, or solvent on your suit because it will cause irreparable damage."

[@kathyfrain5800]

Any tips for swimmers with arthritis and hip replacements putting wetsuit on and off would be welcome.

[@davidbayles6494]

More zippers. 😳😮🤨😉😏😁

[@squidge125]

Having only had really cheap general wetsuits I bought a posh tri suit in the January sales and it's like a different world, actually cut to fit my chunky thighs and so much more supple. Took me 30 seconds to get it on and could move my arms!

[@RafaelSilva-ms7qb]

Hi can you do the same review with a thermal wetsuit because I think is really harder to put on, I just bougth a roka thermal is my first wetsuit so I find that is different (sorry for my english) Greetings from Ecuador!

[@sarahbright8102]

I tryed😂lol

[@breizizel3256]

For the legs is no gout with gourou fingers !

[@jnwano]

I was told explicitly not to use baby oil or Vaseline with my wetsuit

[@enoughstuff8544]

I found this really helpful.... however best to mention your skin should be bone dry before putting on a wetsuit. Sweaty skin makes it near impossible.

[@wildsurfer12]

The biggest challenge is how to put it on without incurring several “Black Witch Scars.”

[@isobellahobbs1597]

This is so true!using the white gloves I put my first orca wetsuit on and it got a tear.second time same,the third time a rip.This wet suit by orca was amazing to wear so flexible,so warm but what’s the point if it keeps falling apart every time you wear it🙀. Unfortunately because it was such a good fit and all of the above I bought another one.Not quite as fragile but still developed Nikes😿

[@MrsBananaMinion]

That’s odd I was told keep Vaseline as far away from wetsuits as possible

[@leonard8766]

Been using for two months most of this is common sense

[@JohnDBroadwater]

The plastic bag is a great idea!

[@scoobychau]

Isn't Vaseline bad for wetsuit? U mention baby oil.. Can't we just use baby oil for everything?

[@jodigaylord8258]

No. Baby oil is petroleum based, which will degrade your wetsuit and is extremely damaging to aquatic environments.

[@scoobychau]

@@jodigaylord8258 oh .. I thought Vaseline is Petro base so suggest baby oil... It is actually the other way around!?

[@hynekjanousek7887]

Pull the wetsuit inside out, then pull it up your legs and hands, no need to grab it on the neoprene side, you need to grab it on the inside - ask women how they put on long compress stockings. That is the number one trick - somehow women get it. Men always grab the suit on the outside and then make videos on how to grab it gently.

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

So, I thought you and I were about the same shape. Not according to my wife though !

[@thecarl168]

nice looking men

[@MissGlassButterfly]

It’d be easier if they actually fit the measurements they say they fit when they sell them 🤣🙄

[@bd603]

Bullshit skipper 2:10

[@greatprogs3696]

The sincere barge comprehensively soothe because description finally battle beyond a defective blowgun. skillful, determined feast