The way I was told (by our local tri shop) was to think abut whether you'll be getting windchill - i.e if you are getting out of the water onto a board/into a canoe/onto the rocks, then the thicker, more durable wetsuit is what you need. Whereas, if you are getting in the water and staying in it until you've had enough then windchill isn't a factor, so a swim wetsuit will be better suited to you, as well as the additional mobility that you'd need. Another great video though, thank you!

Another brilliant and informative video. That waterproof repellent bit on the surf wetsuit is actually a super sticky bit that keeps one in place on a surf board when paddling out as otherwise one would maybe rely on the attachment cord when the inevitable surf dunk occurs. Surfers do not want sticky bits on their legs and arms.

T’is the season for a comfy blue hoodie… and perhaps a wetsuit? What more could a wild swimmer ask for as the winter swim season approaches?? Rachel you have done a fantastic job of highlighting all the important features of these two styles of wetsuits, and also how to repair and care for neoprene. I’m not sure if this is helpful info, but for any viewers who live in 🇨🇦, I have used “Aquaseal” for neoprene repairs. It is a very easy to use product, it dries clear and flexible, and the repairs last for years. Rachel, I love the colourful beach huts in the background, and also the amber coloured stones on the beach. This must be an Atlantic Ocean thing? Thanks for all the awesome info in today’s video Rachel. Keep ‘em coming my friend. Happy Autumn Swims to all. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary🏊‍♀️🍁

Thanks for this. My local lido is about to have its first (unheated) winter season and they recommend a wetsuit but it’s such a mysterious world without a bit of a guide! I’m definitely on the hunt for a breaststroke friendly suit.

Thank you very informative I have shared this with my fellow dippers as we were having this very discussion on Sunday whilst shivering over our tea!

Definitely enjoyed your video! I knew next to nothing about wetsuits and now know more! Thanks Rachel.

Thanks for your helpful tips on wetsuits. I'm a dipper and this will be my first winter flipping, as I started in may. I totally love it. Watched a few of your other videos and they have been very useful. Thanks 😊

Thank you Rachel. Found out lots. Never knew about the little bubbles!

I remember trying to swim in a surf wetsuit... nope, like a bag of soft jelly floating about. Such a complete difference to get a swim wetsuit (Yamamoto rubber coated). Btw, I'm a breaststroker and use 250gm weights on my ankles when in a standard swim wetsuit in salt water, or no need in freshwater. Next year I will change my suit and aim to get a breaststroke-specific model which are now much more commonly available (and way cheaper than before), such as from Dare2Swim.

Thanks for another really helpful video. After contemplating for several weeks, I went ahead two weeks ago and bought an Alpkit Lotic. The price war very convincing, I read good reviews and it is a swimming wetsuit made for "swimming adventures" rather than racing. I've put it on and off twice (fits like a glove) but haven't been swimming in it yet, because it's still too warm. It's really good to know that it s possible to use a wetsuit for years, if you treat it well. Looking forward to some longer autumn and winter swims in the river now that I've got a wetsuit and have figured out how to join two tow floats with a carbine so I can take warm clothes as well as my changing robe for walking back after the swim.

Bit like getting kitted out for a suit or dress for a black tie or wedding event - but with even more variables to consider! Also in a shop you can't test it properly! Thank you for sharing as always Rach :)

Your videos are brilliant, really helpful, thank you!

Thank you!

Very informative. I have never felt comfortable in a wet suit and hate the struggle of getting them on and off but maybe I’ve just been wearing the wrong kind or size 🤔

What is the difference in feel while swimming? As a windsurfer I have different all purpose neoprene wetsuits. Some friends told me that swimming in a swim wetsuit is much better. What does it mean beside of better shoulder mobility? Windsurfing wetsuits are much more durable, cheaper, warm, and modern suits are made from the same ultra flexible neoprene. So is it worth to consider buying one for swimming, if I do not race at all?

Hello, your videos have been a huge help for me starting cold water swimming. I was wondering if you could review the towel changing robe by Passenger Clothing and possibly the Nordic Robe by Bluebird. :)

I've always found wetsuits scary. They make me feel too buoyant, as if I'm floating on the surface of the water and my arms and legs are flailing on the surface. I always do breaststroke. It's terrifying because it prevents me from being able to swim properly and feeling so out of control once you are already in the water is quite scary. I don't know if it would be worthwhile buying a swimming wetsuit, partly due the cost but also because I hate the bog standard wetsuits so much. I own an assortment of them and have simply never got the use out of them.

Rachel may I ask you re the wearing if swimsuits, do you wear a cosi underneath

I am torn about buying a wetsuit. I swim in Lake Michigan and it's about 15C right now. I am still fine just with a hat and booties, especially if the water is calm. I swim a mix of breaststroke and freestyle, but I really love breaststroke, and I am afraid it's not going to feel good in a wetsuit. I am thinking maybe a shortie plus booties, gloves, and a hat will be a better substitute? Any advice?

I love my Blue Seventy but I can’t do it up myself no matter how hard I try 😂🤦‍♀️

Супер 👍