I need some advice on buying a wetsuit

[ChazNoName]

I need to get myself a wetsuit and I'm on a bit of a tight budget....

I'm doing the London Triathlon in August and the organisers have sent me some advertising on a wetsuite hire service.

http://www.wetsuithire.co.uk/

Has anyone out there used this service? They offer the Orca S1 for hire which is specifically made for them - can anyone comment on how good this suit is and how much they would charge for it after the season if I wanted to keep it?

Also, any ideas on anywhere in Kent you can ty before you buy??

Any help would be great!
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Hmmmm......

[Gary Holmes]

Charles, the Club has 8 wetsuits all Ironman or Orca makes which as a member you can try out and borrow free of charge. far better deal! They cover all sizes from xs to xl. They of course cannot be borrowed for the whole season, but at least you can try them out in some of our sea swims or book one for a target race etc.

We are planning a return to the Open Water sea swim sessions under directorship and coaching of Charlie Laws in early May. Charlie is looking after some Channel solo and relay teams again this year which is great news for us with lesser ambitions as we can hook into his sessions. Sea swims and our coached Saturday and Sunday pool swims will really help you.

See Ivor for availabilty and booking of suits via the link on the Contacts page of the main site.
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Still waiting for the great leap forwards!

[Groovy Tri]

There you go Charles !

Probably the best answer you could get and once again it underlines just how well Deal Tri looks after its members.

If you later decide that you like the water enough to merit the purchase of a wetsuit - speak to any of the regular open water swimmers and they will advise you.

In the meantime - get down to the open water sessions and get confidence. The "London Starts" look terrifying. I know, as I was the Senior Referee there for about 5 years and usually managed the swim start.

It is a deep water start and each wave comprises 200+

You need either to be a very good swimmer, or someone who can cope with a fist fight for the first few mins. You will probably reach max heart rate - but afterwards you will be buzzing with adrenaline.

Have fun!

Paul

[ChazNoName]

That sounds great!

I was looking forward to the sea swims starting back up again in Dover.

I'll give Ivor a shout about having a go in a suit and see how I get on.

Cheers!

Charles.
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Hmmmm......

[Dave]

You might want to pop into Activ too, they've got some of last seasons Orca suits knocked down at the moment.