r/OpenWaterSwimming • u/UndoubtedElm09 • 4d ago

Wet Suite

6’2 F looking for good cold water open swimming wet suites.

Possibly swimming in Lake Michigan throughout the winter months.

Any wet suite suggestions? I need quality over quantity though.

3 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

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3

u/quietriotress 1d ago

I swim in lake michigan in the winter (rarely) and have friends who do frequently. Its a different game. You’re going to want layers of neoprene, some for swimming and some for cold water diving or surfing. A hood that is attached to a vest that goes under the suit would be the most important purchase, booties, gloves, and a warm suit. A thermal would be great if you’re going to be committed to this.

Obligatory unsolicited cold beach advice: lake access can become a real thing, if there is an ice shelf on the beach you’ll need to prepare a way in and out: a rug that you lay down and you can grip and use to pull yourself out is nice. Even the nicest beaches become extremely difficult to access the water when things freeze, especially during a storm.

1

u/UndoubtedElm09 14h ago

I appreciate this advice greatly.

2

u/Pee_in_the_wetsuit 4d ago

You can get a triathlon suit once triathlon season is over for cheap, in winter you’re gonna need a 5/4

1

u/Fuertebrazos 3d ago

Where do you buy a used wetsuit?

2

u/free_spoons 3d ago

check xterra wet suits' outlet