Wetsuits
The type of wetsuit you bring to these workouts is going to make a huge difference in your experience. The following info will help you have an awesome workout!
Swimming wetsuits are made specifically for swimming! Some of those brands are Blueseventy, Roka, Zoot, 2XU, TYR, and a few others. Watersport wetsuits are allowed at this workout since they provide buoyancy, but they are a big detriment to swimming. Swimming wetsuits have a slippery, shiny rubber exterior and a jersey (fabric like) interior. Water Sports wetsuits (like for waterskiing, wake-boarding, or jetskiing) have a fabric-feeling exterior. When you wear the correct size of a swimming wetsuit, they are form-fitted with no pockets of air that will fill with water. Your arms can move freely and unrestricted even when the sleeves are full length. They keep your body on top of the water and make swimming easier and faster. The watersport wetsuits are often looser, become heavy, and actually make swimming harder! It will be hard to move your arm through the range you need to swim freestyle. If you have any questions about a wetsuit, don't hesitate to reach out to Patty. patty@weraisethebar.com.
Blueseventy is making a size run of Men's & Women's Wetsuits available for OWW swimmers to try at the workouts FREE OF CHARGE.
They are available at Northwest Tri & Bike - just across the street from the workouts. You can pick one up on your way to the workout (before they close at 6PM) or during the week prior to the workout. They must be returned to NWTB before the next OWW swim - no exceptions! Be careful with these suits! If they are damaged, you'll have to pay for the repair. For more info, contact the shop 253 638 2453, info@northwesttriandbike.com
These wetsuits aren't intended for multi-week use! If you find the size you like, please head over to NWTB where you can purchase one of your very own. The Fusion is a great value at $375. Blueseventy makes a large line of wetsuits that you can learn about Here. The Fusion is considered an entry level suit. You'll see some differences in price, of course. Like all things, if you're able to spend a little more money on a wetsuit, you'll notice a little more flexibility, buoyancy, and other subtle differences that can make a difference in your swim. Having a swim-specific wetsuit of any level will give you a large advantage over not wearing one.
Please consult the size chart below to locate the right size for you.
If you've never put on a wetsuit, check out this video for some great tips! It's easy to damage a suit when you put it on and you'll be on the hook to cover repair or replacement costs with Northwest Tri & Bike. So see the video and watch those fingernails!
