wetsuit....

[Tri Girl]

Bodyglide is essential for getting it on IMO (the off is really not a problem- when you're wet it comes off easy, but does not go on easy when wet- go figure). I would avoid using pam because I've read that it can cause deterioration of the neoprene over time (and will wear on the inside as well). Although people in my tri club use pam- I'm just too cheap to risk it ruining the one I have. The bodyglide is also good for around the neck, and anywhere else it may rub you raw. My friend puts plastic grocery bags on both feet as she pulls her suit on, and it works wonders (although her ankle openings on the suit are far smaller than mine).
I also find that it goes on over my butt easiest when I'm wearing my tri shorts (because my derrier and hips are ample, the fabric helps it to glide easier than my flesh).

Oooooo... I may be just as excited for you to get your new wetsuit!

[Offthegrid]

I might bug you to take me open water swimming. I totally panicked in the black water when I did my tris!

[rocknrollgirl]

Any time....you just let me know.

Ruth

[tygab]

Congratulations! That is awesome - enjoy the new suit. My husband wanted to get me a wetsuit for my holiday gift but I declined, since a) I don't know what I want and b) I think it is something I need to figure out myself. I don't know what style, size etc and figuring it all out now seemed daunting. Would love to see pictures, if you're so inclined!

One of my main questions is should I get L/S or sleeveless. He thinks I should be getting LS because I get cold very easy, but I favor the idea of sleeveless due to more arm mobility and maybe easier to take off. I would expect to be using it in New England lakes during the months of may to mid sept. Up here the lakes are usually cold til mid July and then mostly pleasant for a brief swim unless it is a deep/cold fed one. I may at some point do a bay tri as well, but probably in late summer if so. Any suggestions given my expected use?

Good tips re bodyglide too, I am already a fan of it from my cycling.

[rocknrollgirl]

I went with the LS because some of the early season water temps will be in the 50's, and I am looking at 1/2 mile and up swims. So I figure even 20 to 30 mins at those temps....long sleeves.

It is a bit of a gamble, pruchasing having not tried it on, but I searched all over the state, and there was nary a store that carried that gear.

So for what we paid, I figure, what the heck. According to their size chart, I should be ok.

So far, he is running about 98% success with his purchases for me on ebay.

Pictures will be coming.....

[Bluetree]

I just got my wetsuit, too. Yippeee!!!

I planned on driving to all the tri shops in a 100 mile radius to find the "perfect" suit, but I happened to find it at the very first shop I went to - what luck. This store had every brand, in every size, even women's! On top of that, all suits were 20% off. I ended up with the Blue Seventy Ironman (full suit).

It was a sight - I was flailing my arms around and running around the store, trying to get a "feel" for each suit. The salesguy was very patient (he's probably seen this all before). I liked the Orca suit, too, but the feet were so tight it was a nightmare getting them off. I also liked the Zoot two-piece suit, but not enough to pay top dollar for them.
On top of that, I had some Xmas money left over, so I splurged and boughht a pair of Specialized Pro Shorts. Thanks mom and dad!

[Running Mommy]

congrats!
And a quick tip... Throw on some knit running gloves when you put it on. That keeps you from putting a finger nail through the rubber.
And yeah, NO PAM!!! That is SOOO circa 1994! It will eat up the rubber and leave a nasty residue on it.
Also, don't forget to rinse it out when you get home to get the lake. river, ocean, whatever ick water you were swimming in out of it.
And BODY GLIDE YOUR NECK!!! Trust me on this one! At IMAZ I had a huge gouge in my neck! It was the first time I swam more than a few hundred yards in the suit and I didn't think it would rub like that. It did. UGH!
Also bodyglide around your ankles helps to slip it off easier.

Ok, so that was more than A tip, it was more like a few tip'S!!
Good luck with the suit! And nice to hear you have a good local place to practice your OW skills. I wish I did!