I just got my KIT! How do I try on my wetsuit?

"Putting on a wetsuit isn't hard, but following a few steps can make it much easier!

1. Take your suit out of the bag and lay it flat for inspection. Ensure there aren't any significant abrasions or tears, and verify the zipper is in good order.
2. Sit down and work on getting your legs in. Neoprene suits aren't movie-night sweatpants; this'll take a few minutes. Turn the tops of the legs inside out until you're halfway down. Then work the suit up over your feet first. Once your feet are through, straighten any wrinkles from your around your ankle up your calf. Once you've adjusted the bottom/cuff (just above your ankle) of the suit comfortably, roll the rest of the suit up over your legs, adjusting as you go. Stop to make adjustments as needed; trying to pull your leg through neoprene like a pant leg is likely to damage the suit and make you swear off neoprene for life.
3. Work it up to above your waist and move your lower body around. Swing your legs, take a few squats, and get a feel. You may feel some slight pinches occasionally, but if that's it, continue with your arms.
4. If your wetsuit is sleeved, turn the arms partially inside as you did with your legs. Then roll the suit up to your about your elbow on one arm, and switch to the other. Don't pull hard, but shift your arm to ensure you're comfortable. Once both arms are in, slide the arms up to your biceps, bend slightly, and slip the suit over your shoulders. Stand up and move around; as you do the suit should shift into place.
5. Zip up the back slowly. If the zipper is stuck, get someone to help you. The neoprene guard that protects your skin can get bunched; make sure it's flat against your back as you zip. You should not have to pull hard; leaning forward slightly can help smooth the zipline–just be mindful you don't get any skin! Slow is key.
6. You're in! Try to move around, gently squat, move your arms in a swimming motion and across your chest, etc. If there isn't numbness or significant pinching that's a good sign! If any part of the suit is baggy or hanging--it's too big. Once it gets wet that's going to get worse. Loose suits don't keep you as warm and increase drag during your swim. Contact us to see what we can do.

Remember that wetsuits are tight. Your suit should be snug, and when you stand straight, your relaxed arms will probably stick out slightly, and closing your legs tight may be a little difficult. TRI suits are made to optimize the body's motion and position for swimming, so it's ok if sitting feels strange. Noeprene will loosen slightly in the water, so minor discomfort will go away once the suit is wet.

You're done! Remove your suit and store it right-side out, in a cool spot out of the sun. ALWAYS dry your suit! Putting on a wet wetsuit is SIGNIFICANTLY more difficult, so rinsing and drying your suit after each use is advice you'll thank us for. You're now prepared to slip through the water like a seal, minus the fish breath.