Wetsuit for winter swimming

Janice: I want to use my inground pool in the winter for water exercising and I need to know what type of wetsuit would be ok. I live in the south so it doesn’t get very cold for very many days. I would think in the 40’s and 50’s.

Janice, if the pool is not heated then at least a full 3/2 wetsuit. If the water cools down to 40s and 50s – thats pretty cold. I know you meant air temperatues but a small body of water like a pool cools down faster than the sea. Still for active swimming a 3/2 full wetsuit should be enough.

9 Comments

  1. Hello,

    My Mum is wanting a wetsuit for swimming in the winter here in Australia. The Temps can go as low at 8 Degrees C, which converts to 46 Degrees F in the US. Would you suggest a 3/2 for these temps as well?

    many thanks.

  2. Julie, are we talking 8C air or water temperatures? For anything under 12-13C water temp I would say 4/3. Even 13-15C water temp I would recommend a 3/2 only to people who swim actively and then get out of the water. If the water is not to cold then 8C air is OK for 3/2.

  3. If you want to swim in a lake that the ice has just melted, so the water would be 0+1 degrees celcius, what thinkness of suit would you recommend. The water temp would keep rising since I am in Canada, southern Ontario and would not reach plus 10 degrees till late May.
    Let me know your thoughts,
    Thanks
    Dani
    p.s is there a difference between mens and ladies wetsuits?

  4. I want a wetsuit to swim in barton springs – the water temperature is always 68 degrees. I want a short sleeve one with shorts not pants – what would you recommend?

  5. Tammy, I would recommend a “shortie” it has short sleeves and pants just as you require. They are normally somewhat cheaper than a full wetsuit and can run as low as $50.

  6. What would be the best wetsuit for an open water swim regime in Alaska late winter water temp between 38º-46º F. Were talking-into the water, moderate swim rate, 1-1.5 miles and then out of the water?
    Thanks, Jim

  7. I would like to extend the ocean swimming season to when water temperatures are as low as 62°-65°. What would be the most comfortable suit for swimming? If I use a hood, could I use a shorty? What kind of a hood?
    Thanks,

  8. Hi, I’m a newbie so i’m looking for a good price but quality is still important. I’m looking for a 5/3 but could i get some advice about what brands are good and what to avoid?
    I’ve heard good things about o’neill and billabong, what about brands like animal?

    Thanks

  9. Billabong, Rip Curl, O’Neill, X-cel are imho top.. then also body glove, patagonia, quiksilver, hurley… not so sure about animal. It can be a very good wetsuit but maybe not the most advanced.

Leave a Reply to Uri Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.