“Can I Swim in a Wetsuit Made for Another Sport?” OWS Q&A with Coach Christina

Is it possible to swim in a wetsuit made for another sport (surfing, diving, etc.)? 

Yes, but it’s NOT recommended. 

According to Coach Christina: 

“These suits are usually uncomfortable to swim in. They are restricting in places that will make it hard to take a full stroke, and can also be hard to take on and off.  

Look for wetsuits specifically made for swimming or triathlons. Tri wetsuits, especially, may give you that flotation boost that may improve your swim speed.” 

Open water swimming is difficult enough; don’t complicate it further by adding in an uncomfortable wetsuit.

Need help finding the right wetsuit?

We recommend renting from the Sports Basement. We also have a partnership with Blue Seventy, a company dedicated to making products that “empower swimmers to achieve their personal best.” Get 20% off Blue Seventy products through our partnership. Use code OOWS22. View eligible products here!