surf wetsuit or swim wetsuit, what’s the difference?

[@jennifercash1093]

The way I was told (by our local tri shop) was to think abut whether you'll be getting windchill - i.e if you are getting out of the water onto a board/into a canoe/onto the rocks, then the thicker, more durable wetsuit is what you need. Whereas, if you are getting in the water and staying in it until you've had enough then windchill isn't a factor, so a swim wetsuit will be better suited to you, as well as the additional mobility that you'd need. Another great video though, thank you!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Great to hear they gave you some things to chew over so you could decide what’s best for you 🏊‍♀️😀

[@gretelstonebridge2323]

Thank you Rachel. Found out lots. Never knew about the little bubbles!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

They are happy, helpful, cuddly bubbles!

[@vanessalake4468]

Definitely enjoyed your video! I knew next to nothing about wetsuits and now know more! Thanks Rachel.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Morning Vanessa! I'm so glad you found it useful. 🏊😃

[@vanessalake4468]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Absolutely, I'm not a strong swimmer so some buoyancy would be good!

[@emmasimpson6194]

Thanks for your helpful tips on wetsuits. I'm a dipper and this will be my first winter flipping, as I started in may. I totally love it. Watched a few of your other videos and they have been very useful. Thanks 😊

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for watching Emma enjoy the changing seasons and make your dips shorter. Be sure to soak up the time before and after the wet bit to really enjoy being out in the elements. Don’t forget a warm drink and cake though!

[@user-ux7yg2ch6i]

Wetsuits can be awkward to get out of afterwards, especially if you get too cold. It may take longer to escape from the wetsuit than the time actually spent in the water.

[@alisonball9949]

Thank you very informative I have shared this with my fellow dippers as we were having this very discussion on Sunday whilst shivering over our tea!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I'm glad it's helpful. Enjoy the water! 🏊😀

[@marycharlebois6627]

T’is the season for a comfy blue hoodie… and perhaps a wetsuit? What more could a wild swimmer ask for as the winter swim season approaches?? Rachel you have done a fantastic job of highlighting all the important features of these two styles of wetsuits, and also how to repair and care for neoprene. I’m not sure if this is helpful info, but for any viewers who live in 🇨🇦, I have used “Aquaseal” for neoprene repairs. It is a very easy to use product, it dries clear and flexible, and the repairs last for years. Rachel, I love the colourful beach huts in the background, and also the amber coloured stones on the beach. This must be an Atlantic Ocean thing? Thanks for all the awesome info in today’s video Rachel. Keep ‘em coming my friend. Happy Autumn Swims to all. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary🏊‍♀️🍁

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Nice tip on Aquaseal Mary for the Canadians who are joining us. I knew you’d like the beach huts, I kept shifting the angle of the camera to try and get a few different ones in just for your interest!

[@marycharlebois6627]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Gee Rachel… that’s pretty dang thoughtful of you to get all those colourful beach huts in frame just pour moi. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary💕

[@kateskeet6470]

Thanks for this. My local lido is about to have its first (unheated) winter season and they recommend a wetsuit but it’s such a mysterious world without a bit of a guide! I’m definitely on the hunt for a breaststroke friendly suit.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Good luck finding the right one for you. I think the outdoor swimming society or the outdoor swimmer magazine did an article this year explaining which wetsuits are good for breast stroke 🏊‍♀️😀

[@kateskeet6470]

Thanks both. I’ve ordered a Zone3 breaststroke suit, and if the size is right I’ll keep it!

[@mikegibson6872]

Another brilliant and informative video. That waterproof repellent bit on the surf wetsuit is actually a super sticky bit that keeps one in place on a surf board when paddling out as otherwise one would maybe rely on the attachment cord when the inevitable surf dunk occurs. Surfers do not want sticky bits on their legs and arms.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Another explanation I heard was that it is wind resistance to keep you warmer font and back when hanging ‘out back’ on the board waiting for your ride in 🏊‍♀️😀

[@swiminthesea6391]

Thanks for another really helpful video. After contemplating for several weeks, I went ahead two weeks ago and bought an Alpkit Lotic. The price war very convincing, I read good reviews and it is a swimming wetsuit made for "swimming adventures" rather than racing. I've put it on and off twice (fits like a glove) but haven't been swimming in it yet, because it's still too warm. It's really good to know that it s possible to use a wetsuit for years, if you treat it well. Looking forward to some longer autumn and winter swims in the river now that I've got a wetsuit and have figured out how to join two tow floats with a carbine so I can take warm clothes as well as my changing robe for walking back after the swim.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Sounds like you got the fit right. You’ll be amazed how great it feels in the water no bracing to take the cool, just hop in and float! My wetsuit is 5 years old, and having lost weight I need to get another one. It has lasted well though. Enjoy your adventures! 🏊‍♀️😀

[@sarahburch4825]

Your videos are brilliant, really helpful, thank you!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thank you, what a lovely comment 🏊‍♀️😀

[@gaborparlagh8378]

What is the difference in feel while swimming? As a windsurfer I have different all purpose neoprene wetsuits. Some friends told me that swimming in a swim wetsuit is much better. What does it mean beside of better shoulder mobility? Windsurfing wetsuits are much more durable, cheaper, warm, and modern suits are made from the same ultra flexible neoprene. So is it worth to consider buying one for swimming, if I do not race at all?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Swimming in a wetsuit is much warmer and you are much more buoyant which can help with swim form. General purpose watersports wetsuits are nornally thicker than swim wetsuits so can provide too much buoyancy which makes swimming awkward. However, if you're not going long distance, it will be fine, why not try it in one you already have? If you want to swim for fitness or train for an event, then you shoulld us a swim wetsuit.

[@gaborparlagh8378]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Hi Rachel, Thank you for your reply. It seems that I formulated my question wrong. I already swim in my wetsuits, also longer distances (1-1.5 hours). Earlier I had problem with the buoyancy (feeling like a cork with arms and legs), but since my rotation in freestyle swimming is better, it is not a big issue now. There is some limitations around the shoulder area, but not too much. So the question is, if I feel that my wetsuits are ok for swimming, even for long distances, but I do not want to race, is it much benefit to buy a special swimming wetsuit? Do they provide a similar feeling of swimming skins?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

@@gaborparlagh8378 I find a great difference between my Watersports wetsuit and my swim wetsuit - it’s much freer swimming in the swim one and feels closer to skins

[@Daveonarave]

Bit like getting kitted out for a suit or dress for a black tie or wedding event - but with even more variables to consider! Also in a shop you can't test it properly! Thank you for sharing as always Rach :)

[@Daveonarave]

Leads me to ask a random question. Have you ever in your outdoor swimming community got to know people so well albeit in that context only so you associate them being in their swimming costume, wetsuit (booties fins or barefoot) then maybe in fleece and tracksuit or waterproof after swim with hair still wet or wooly hat on? Beautiful in every sense but if we're honest not glamorous... ...and then you all go to some evening event and everyone dresses up? And it's almost a bit hard to recognise each other! Has that ever happened? And for the record Rach please don't worry - you are extremely glamorous all the time in the water and waterside in your vids 🙂

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Happy Tuesday Dave! I mostly swim alone or with one or two others so haven’t had the occasion to end up dressed up with a group of swimmers, but I see what you mean on not recognising each other!

[@wesleyingham3588]

Hello, your videos have been a huge help for me starting cold water swimming. I was wondering if you could review the towel changing robe by Passenger Clothing and possibly the Nordic Robe by Bluebird. :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Wesley, at this time of year, I tend to review a couple of waterproof changing robes because of the inclement weather. I havent done either of the two you mention, but will keep them in mind. 🏊😃

[@Franscampi]

Very informative. I have never felt comfortable in a wet suit and hate the struggle of getting them on and off but maybe I’ve just been wearing the wrong kind or size 🤔

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

The easiest way to get one off is to do it in the water or have a bottle of luke warm water to pour into the neck, arms and legs to 'unstick' the wetsuit. It should peel off like a banana skin then 🏊😃

[@suefriend5587]

Rachel may I ask you re the wearing if swimsuits, do you wear a cosi underneath

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Sue when I wear a wetsuit, I wear either a cossie or a sports bikini underneath which tends to feel more comfy on the boobs!

[@yubable]

I am torn about buying a wetsuit. I swim in Lake Michigan and it's about 15C right now. I am still fine just with a hat and booties, especially if the water is calm. I swim a mix of breaststroke and freestyle, but I really love breaststroke, and I am afraid it's not going to feel good in a wetsuit. I am thinking maybe a shortie plus booties, gloves, and a hat will be a better substitute? Any advice?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Gloves and booties make a massive difference for me, a shortie is much easier to get on and off and they are generally much cheaper. Make sure it fits very snuggly on your core to keep as much water out as possible and I think you’ll be on to a winner!

[@yubable]

@@EverydayAthleteRach thank you!

[@shaysando]

Thank you!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching. 🏊😃

[@user-ux7yg2ch6i]

I've always found wetsuits scary. They make me feel too buoyant, as if I'm floating on the surface of the water and my arms and legs are flailing on the surface. I always do breaststroke. It's terrifying because it prevents me from being able to swim properly and feeling so out of control once you are already in the water is quite scary. I don't know if it would be worthwhile buying a swimming wetsuit, partly due the cost but also because I hate the bog standard wetsuits so much. I own an assortment of them and have simply never got the use out of them.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

A swimming wetsuit will be much better and less buoyant, but just make sure you get one designed for breaststroke 🏊😃

[@heather6264]

I love my Blue Seventy but I can’t do it up myself no matter how hard I try 😂🤦‍♀️

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It is a bit of a feat of contortion isn’t it!

[@heather6264]

I drove there in it yesterday just to be on the safe side 😂

[@heather6264]

😂At least it’s not just me then

[@Морж-м4л]

Супер 👍

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hvala vam! 🏊😃