Another dorky wetsuit question

[teigyr]

Not that I've asked wetsuit questions but I have enough silly questions about everything.

I got my wetsuit. It fits! I felt like a sausage Cat Woman. I know I have to be very careful about fingernails and stretching it and pinching it. Are there any tricks to get it on? It came off FAR easier. I was trying to inch it up my legs like nylons but I was scared to hurt it. Would talc on my legs help?

Any tricks at all would be so appreciated. It was very comfy once it was on - while it was tight, it felt more comforting than not. I go see my OW swim coach on monday so hopefully I can figure out how to get it on gracefully - I really don't see him helping me squeeze it up my legs...DH did it but, um, that's his job.

Lastly because this will be my first tri (hence the questions), are people allowed to the start to help people do things like put on wetsuits?

thank you...all the advice I've received here is more valuable than anything I've read in a book.

[Tri Girl]

Yay- it fits! Makes you wanna wear it around town now, huh?

When I put mine on, I always have my tri shorts on (cuz that's what I'm biking in anyway). It makes sliding up my giant thighs and butt much easier than dragging over dry skin. Also, Body Glide is great for ankles, calves, etc that might be a bit rough to go over. Oh- and don't forget to body glide your neck where the collar is (I had a nasty rub the first time I wore mine).

As for pulling it on, I use my palms and all fingers instead of pulling it with just my fingers and thumbs (think: mitten hands). I've been *lucky* so far... (great- now I jinxed myself).

Have fun at OW Monday!

[divingbiker]

I've never worn a wetsuit in a tri, but have been putting on wetsuits for diving for 25 years.

What works best for me is to turn the arms and legs inside out, and roll the suit up your legs/arms. The hardest part is getting your hands and ankles through the holes, so body glide would help there.

No matter how you do it, getting a wetsuit on takes a lot of wriggling if it fits right; they only go on easy if they're too big.

[KnottedYet]

I used to slather hair conditioner on my legs to help put on my diving suit.

My kayaking suit has strategic stretchy bits and zippers, so it's easy to put on.