Wetsuits are one of the best pieces of equipment you need if you spend some time in or on the water. While they give you all the protection you need, they can be quite tough putting on especially if you don\u2019t know how to properly do it. They look simple yet can be a headache if you don’t plan well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a guide on how to put on your wetsuit in several easy ways. The one thing you need to know is that there are many types of wetsuits all suited to different conditions. The simple ones in the form of vests, shorts and trunks are easy to put on. We’re concerned with the complex ones especially the full body wetsuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The easiest way to put on a wetsuit involves starting with the legs upwards. This allows you to use your hands with ease as the hands will be the last part of the wetsuit to put on. This can be done in the steps below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you use your wetsuit with protective gear, it\u2019s the first thing you should start with. For those who are reactive to neoprene and rubber, you can use a rash suit or rash guard often made of Lycra to prevent direct contact with the wetsuit. If you don\u2019t need one, head over to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The suit will need to be opened up by unzipping it, removing any locks and buttons that may be locked. In this state, you should be able to see the suit with a distinct shape from the hands, legs and torso. Often, the zips are on the back side of it. Make sure they’re in working condition and can close and open with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roll up the suit then sit or stand on one leg while unrolling it up the other foot. Move it all the way up to the thigh then start putting it on the other leg. Make sure there are no folds or creases on either foot when you’re putting it on. If the suit has any padding, make sure it\u2019s properly aligned to the part of the body it\u2019s meant to protect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pull the suit on either side of the hips at the same time to give yourself a snug feeling around the crotch and hip region. Make sure that the pockets are flat and not bulging outward. Also, this region should be without any creases or wrinkles to minimize the loss of heat from the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can get a better fit if you jump up and down while pulling the suit up. Just don\u2019t overdo it such that ankles are too exposed. Also, if you feel it\u2019s too loose or restrictive, get a smaller or larger wetsuit respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next up, start putting on one arm after the other. The best way to do this is to use one arm to put it on the other till the suit is up to your chest then do the same for the other arm. Neoprene can be pricked with sharp nails and you thus need to be careful this time one. Roll the suit upwards as you did with the legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the wetsuit is snugly fitting the body, zip it up. If the zip is at the front, you can do it yourself. Be careful not to hurt your skin while doing it. If the zip is on the back, you’ll need someone else to do it for you. Some wetsuits come with an extension on the zip which can be pulled upwards even when it\u2019s on the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To make the wetsuit even more watertight, close the Velcro fastenings at the neck and over the zip after zipping it up. This gives it a secure fit which gives you the assurance of a warm suit when diving or surfing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the suit is in place, try the fit by doing some movements with the body such as raising your knees, walking around, rotating your shoulders and others. You can also do a squat and some jumps to gauge how comfortable you will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you feel the suit is tight and restrictive, you need a bigger one. If it’s too loose such that there are many areas of the body that aren’t in contact with the skin, you need to get a smaller suit. You should have such a fit that it\u2019s close to the body but not too tight to make you uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Taking it off will be these steps but in the reverse order. Always wash your wetsuit after using it in the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n