I used my wetsuit in some open water swimming this morning for the first time and have some questions.
The first thing I noticed was that my breathing seemed a lot harder, it felt like my chest was tight from the wetsuit… is this normal? I had this thing fitted in January and I’m about 10 pounds lighter NOW!
Also, related to tightness, I find the arm stroke to be more tiring because of more tightness in the shoulders. I know have it on right and there seems to be enough slack everywhere, but wow, it seemed odd.
So is this just because it was my first time in a wetsuit and this are things to get used to, or is there something else I can try???
Also, where exactly are the main points that people put bodyglide for wetsuit? I just threw it on the neck, and around moving joints, and ankles and wrists…
It’s not unusual to feel some tightness in the chest or shoulders of a new wetsuit. Just keep swimming in it, and it’ll stretch out & you’ll become more accustomed to it.
Body Glide (BG) around the neck (heavily!) and AROUND the armpits (NOT IN!! It’s NOT deodorant! You should be making an “O” around your armpit). If you find the suit binding up at any other spots, then BG those spots (for very long swims, I BG the inside crook of my elbows). You may choose to BG around the ankles to aid in wetsuit removal. I don’t, but some do.
You should NOT have to use too much BG, except possibly around the neck. Even then, there’s a limit to everything.
I know you said you were happy with how it went on but I still have to spend fiveminutes “walking” the arms of my wetsuit up so that I have enough freedom in my shoulders. When it first goes on the suit ends where you’d wear a watch but when I’m done it’s at least 2 inches higher - the difference is massive for me so it’s something you may want to try.
You will need to get some time in the wetsuit to get used to it. The tightness is normal, and the restriction you’re feeling in your arm stroke is why these wetsuit companies make so much money coming up with new materials and cuts to try to make it easier.
As for bodyglide, I agree with the other poster. Neck and armpits. Anywhere else that you need it, you will feel it pretty quickly.
