Men's Open Water Swimming 2/1.8 mm Glideskin Neoprene Wetsuit OWS 100

Recommendations for use

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

Component

Arms: 1.8 mm STANDARD neoprene (fabric outer)

Chest and thighs: 2 mm GLIDE SKIN neoprene

Back and backs of legs: 2 mm STANDARD neoprene

FLATLOCK seams: not waterproof

What are the different types of neoprene: standard and glideskin?

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.

What is the difference between a surfing wetsuit and an open water swimming wetsuit?

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

Why is it so difficult to get into a wetsuit?

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.

I feel the muscular effort differently when wearing a neoprene wetsuit. Is this normal?

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.