Budget Wetsuit advice

[wildworld]

Hi everyone!
I want to do some wild swimming and need a wet suit as I really feel the cold!
Anyone have any advice on where to go and try on a selection to get a good fit? I'm on a budget so it's also where to get one that's not going to be too expensive but does the job? May also use it for kayaking. I'm based in Surrey.
Thanks

 

[ged]

What I know about wet suits would comfortably fit on the back of a postage stamp if you wrote it with a chisel point marker, but I noticed that they're doing them in Aldi or Lidl or somewhere like that soon,

 

[wildworld]

Thanks again Ged! Worth a look to see what they're like.

 

[Goatboy]

Hi Wildword,

If it's going to be used for kayaking too I'd go for sleeveless as it'll chafe less and be a lot more comfortable. Don't go super, super tight as circulation can get cut off, especially kneeling in a boat and that'll make you cold and uncomfortable. Maybe think about 5mm if you really feel the cold. Doesn't look as cool and Spiderman outfitty as 3mm but it'll keep you warmer in the blinking cold UK waters.

Maybe also look at a neoprene skull cap, gloves and booties. Keeps the extremities a bit warmer and will protect your hands and feet if there's sharp rocks about.

Most canoe shops will have a budget range, especially if you're not too focused on styling. Don't know much about the Aldi/Lidl one's apart from the one's I've seen being only 3mm.

Also look at the adverts in canoe mags, there's usually adds for cheap new suits from manufacturers. (Unless you want to go down the 2nd hand previously pee'd in route?)

Have fun,

GB.

 

[wildworld]

Thanks for the advice GB
Don't think I'll go for secondhand - you kind of put me off! Also may be difficult find one the right size.

 

[hiraeth]

Get mine from www.wetsuitoutlet.co.uk, had great service from them and decent prices to, they also are helpful with sizing, worth picking up a rashie at the same time.

 

[wildworld]

Thanks I'll take a look. I've no idea what a rashie is - I thought it was something you wouldn't want to pick up!!

 

[hiraeth]

Thanks I'll take a look. I've no idea what a rashie is - I thought it was something you wouldn't want to pick up!!

Sorry should have said, Its worth picking up a Rash Vest at the same time, well worth the money on the comfort it gives.

 

[Zingmo]

From time to time, Aldi do a "camping tee shirt" which serves as a rash vest. And it is OG!

Z

 

[andibs]

Check out Lomo Watersports on line

 

[LittleChief]

I saw today that Sports Direct are doing quite a range of surfing wetsuits, might be worth a look as they were very cheap.

 

[munkiboi182]

i picked one up from the range a while ago. fairly good quality for £35 too

 

[wildworld]

Thanks for all the advice guys! Given me a few places to take a look.

 

[MertzMan]

I scuba dive and for the UK wouldn't want anything less than 5mm for a wetsuit. 3mm isn't really worth the effort in my opinion.

 

[oldtimer]

When I did my scuba training in the sea off Devon 55 years ago, wet suits were unknown and dry suits too expensive for a 17 year old. Instead, we used wool sweaters: it may sound bizarre, but it did keep a layer of warmer water next to the skin.

By the way, is wild swimming what I call swimming but not in a pool?

 

[Goatboy]

When I did my scuba training in the sea off Devon 55 years ago, wet suits were unknown and dry suits too expensive for a 17 year old. Instead, we used wool sweaters: it may sound bizarre, but it did keep a layer of warmer water next to the skin.

By the way, is wild swimming what I call swimming but not in a pool?

Hi Oldtimer,

Yup it's basically swimming in lochs, rivers, tarns, the sea anywhere outside that its safe to do so. Took a wee bit of a rise in popularity after Professor Alice Roberts did a wee program on it - mainly amongst males for some reason LINK

I used to kayak/swim (I seem to do both at once!) wearing wooly jumpers or my Buffalo top to supplement my wetsuit. Though these days its a drysuit all the way.

 

[ozzy1977]

yes it is, its the new name for swimming

 

[ozzy1977]

Kate Silverton did a program like that , very nice it was too

 

[Goatboy]

Kate Silverton did a program like that , very nice it was too

Oh the Professor get's my vote over Ms Silverton

 

[wildworld]

Thanks for all the advice. Not sure a wet wooly jumper would be sufficient to stop me from getting hypothermic, but may give it a try as an experiment!