How To Put On A Roka Wetsuit (The Right Way)

[@99cya]

Carl, thanks a lot for your advice. I am in training for my first ironman next year and i am beginning to look up good information for my preparation. One thing that bothers me when reading about wetsuits, how can i fully zip them up by myself? I dont want to think that i need help closing up the suit everytime i wanna use it (early training mornings, noone around). Do i really risk damaging the suit if im trying to zip it up by myself? And another thing, how accurate would you say is the size guidance on the roku website?

[@CarlCunningham360]

@99cya Congratulations on training for your 1st Ironman. The Roka wetsuits are true to size. I agree it takes some effort at times zipping up yourself and if you have the option to get a volunteer/fellow athlete near you to help; please do so. I find when putting the wetsuit on it helps to #1 pre-lube the wetsuit interior with conditioner and #2 if you have the option, definitely wet the interior down with the water from the body of water (or even from a water bottle). Would make things 100% easier and saves your wetsuit from rips/tears.

[@99cya]

@@CarlCunningham360 thanks for taking the time to get back to me. Your advice is very helpful. Have you ever seen someone destroying the zipper by pulling it up by himself? Is that really a risk that wetsuit makers havent been able to solve?

[@travisplumb587]

how do you get the conditioner off after the swim? I would absolutely hate having that on my body for the bike and run... i love the thought of this but maybe a little more detail on what to do after the swim

[@CarlCunningham360]

Great question. When you’re coming out of the water headed for the 1st transition you want to start unzipping, taking off the top torso portion and the water washes most of it away. Then once you’re at your bike (triathlon) or at your shoes (aquathlon) kick off the legs, then boom no more conditioner. Understood about not knowing if conditioner will still be on (especially in the saddle). Never had any issues. Kicking off the suit is especially fast using conditioner and prevents tearing so your wetsuit will last longer as a result. *Guaranteed your transition will be quicker than your competition. You’ll thank me later. 👍

[@CarlCunningham360]

PS- I would recommend trying conditioner for a practice run before your race. Good luck with your race btw. Let me know how you did.

[@travisplumb587]

@@CarlCunningham360 thank you brother! this was some great advice and appreciate the response. Race is in Oct. Flying out to do my first full ironman in Barcelona Spain. should be alot of fun

[@CarlCunningham360]

@travisplumb587 small world. Going there with the family in July. Good luck!

[@travisplumb587]

@@CarlCunningham360 yea that's awesome. I have never been so this will be a first and im bringing the family with me so should be alot of fun! safe travels my friend.

[@Mac087]

Is vaseline a good alternative to conditioner??

[@CarlCunningham360]

@@Mac087 great question @Mac087…unfortunately Vaseline is a petroleum jelly and will eat away at your suit. Plus once Vaseline is on you it’s tough to remove from your skin. Conditioner is water soluble and does not hurt your wetsuit.

[@Mac087]

@@CarlCunningham360 Thank you for the prompt reply. If Vaseline is bad for the suit, do you know if body glide is also bad for the suit? I'm for sure going to use conditioner for the body but I'm wondering what I can use around the neck area

[@CarlCunningham360]

@@Mac087 body glide is definitely better than Vaseline for anti-chafing.