Men's Open-Water Swimming Neoprene Wetsuit OWS 100

To prevent chafing around the neck and other areas liable to friction, apply Vaseline or a mixture of 50% Vaseline and 50% lanolin.

Arms: 1.8 mm STANDARD neoprene (fabric outer)Chest and thighs: 2 mm GLIDE SKIN neopreneBack and backs of legs: 2 mm STANDARD neopreneFLATLOCK seams: not waterproof

Neoprene is made up of 3 layers:- Inner layer: fabric.- Middle layer: foam.- Outer layer: standard or glideskin fabric.Standard neoprene has a woven fabric outer layer. This material is very tough but soaks up water and is more difficult to repair.Glideskin neoprene has a polymer outer layer. This has the benefit of being more hydrodynamic and also waterproof. It is more fragile but is easily repaired with neoprene glue.

Surfing wetsuits are made from standard neoprene, with a woven fabric outer layer. This material is very tough but soaks up water. It is suitable for surfing.Open water swimming wetsuits are made partly or entirely from glideskin neoprene. This waterproof material is more hydrodynamic. It is also more fragile. Open water swimming wetsuits are therefore strictly designed for the practice of swimming

Getting into a neoprene wetsuit may seem like mission impossible, especially for those who have never used one. Neoprene wetsuits need to be a tight fit, as this is what prevents water from getting in. If the wetsuit is too big, swimmers will be more exposed to the cold, as well as to skin irritation as the wetsuit will move over the course of their session.

If you’re enjoying your first open-water sessions with a wetsuit, it's completely normal to feel it more or differently in your muscles. This is because the sleeves offer added flotation for your arms, and so you have to use “extra” strength to plunge your arm into the water. This sensation will ease off and disappear after a few sessions.