first wetsuit swim

[silver]

I just tried out my rented wetsuit tonight in the pool and I have some questions.

Is some water supposed to get into the wetsuit? If not, what does it mean that it does?

It did seem like a good fit, but this is all new to me.

[kelownagirl]

Oh I was going to post about this today. I get to borrow a wet suit tomorrow and I really want to try it out but didn't know if I would look dumb doing that at the pool.

So did people look at you funny? I am so self-conscious sometimes...

I think I remember someone saying to let water into the wetsuit as soon as they get in so it warms up. I'll be curious to see what the answer is.

[silver]

hey kg, yeah, I was a little nervous about doing the wetsuit in the pool thing but figured I had to give it a try. Ended up there was only one other person in the pool and she never acknowledged my presence.

I kept telling myself, "I look like a cool triathlete"

I'm so glad that I did try it. I'm going to try for a couple more times hopefully.

The first length across that pool was freaky, but I became more comfy as time went on.

[kelownagirl]

hey kg, yeah, I was a little nervous about doing the wetsuit in the pool thing but figured I had to give it a try. Ended up there was only one other person in the pool and she never acknowledged my presence.

I kept telling myself, "I look like a cool triathlete"

I'm so glad that I did try it. I'm going to try for a couple more times hopefully.

The first length across that pool was freaky, but I became more comfy as time went on.

Well I just gotta remember that no one can recognize me anyway with the swim cap and goggles. I KNOW I will feel terribly self-conscious though. Especially trying to get the thing on in the change room. But now that you said you did it, I will do it too.

[Zen]

I think I remember someone saying to let water into the wetsuit as soon as they get in so it warms up.

Divers sometimes urinate in their wetsuits for that purpose.
Sometimes ya gotta do what you gotta do...

[rocknrollgirl]

It will smell, and it is tough to get out. Don't worry about looking silly in the pool. I tested mine out in the pool last year when my new one came. It is the smart thing to do.

The water should fill up the wetsuit. That is part of what keeps you warm. You just want to make sure it fits well enough that you do not have gaps of material behind your knees etc where big pockets of water form.

Do you have anywhere nearby that you can get in open water?

[lph]

fwiw - the only one wearing a wetsuit at our local pool is the swimming instructor. She looks really cool

[Tri Girl]

RNRGirl is right- some water is OK. It's your layer of insulation. You'll definitely get more comfortable at it the more you wear it. Just don't forget to body glide your neck. I've chafed there a million times from my wetsuit (where it velcros). Yeeeouch!
And I HAD to pee in my wetsuit during my IM. I mean- where else was I going to go when I was into my second loop with almost a mile left to swim? Plus, the water was cold (I had on a sleeveless), and I was starting to get REALLY chilly. It warmed me up and made me not have to do the "I gotta go" dance. When I got home 17 hours later, I washed it out really well and it hasn't smelled yet (and that was 2 years ago). Sometimes nature calls in the most inconvenient places...