How to Choose Wetsuits
The wetsuit you choose will be determined mainly by the temperature of the water you'll be swimming in. If you will be in water that is extremely cold, you'll need a more heavy-duty wetsuit and should be prepared to pay more. These wetsuits are well worth the investment, though, when they are protecting you from hypothermia while you move through freezing cold water. Size, cost and quality also will influence the wetsuit you buy.
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Instructions
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Determine the temperature of the water you will be swimming in. For water temperatures above 60 degrees, a short-arm and short-leg wetsuit is perfect. This wetsuit stops at your knees and elbows. For colder waters, you should choose a suit with a thickness of at least 5 mm.
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Try on a variety of suits to understand what size best fits you. The suit should fit snugly, but should not be too restrictive. You need to have full range of motion.
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Check the quality of the suit. Inspect each suit that you are considering for loose threads around the stitching. It's important that your suit is well-made.
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Determine how much you want to spend on a suit. If you only plan to use it a couple of times in warm water, you may not want to spend a lot of money on a high-quality suit. If you plan to use the suit regularly, it is in your best interest to spend the extra money.
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Tips & Warnings
Read reviews of wetsuits online to get an idea of what other people think of them.
Spend time picking out a wetsuit. It shouldn't be a rushed decision.
If you'll be swimming in colder waters, it is a good idea to purchase a hood along with your suit.
References
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