How to put on a wetsuit?

Wearing a wetsuit may seem like a simple task, but it’s not, especially for those who are new to the world of surfing. Each wetsuit model has its own technique and method of putting it on.

In this article, we will explain how to properly put on a wetsuit based on the type of entry: Back zipper, front zipper, or no zipper.

First, we must be very clear that every wetsuit has a front and a back. We can easily identify it by looking at the knee pad, which obviously should go on the knee. This may seem very basic and amusing to experienced surfers, but the reality is that many beginners don’t pay attention to these details.

Just like there is an inner and an outer side, it is usually easy to guess based on the seams and by paying a little attention. But above all, we can look for the suit’s branding, which will indicate the outer side.

To put on a wetsuit, patience is key. A wetsuit is a material that creates a vacuum and sticks to the skin. If you have the suit partially on and try to pull it up, for example, from the back directly, it will be useless until you have everything properly pulled up from the knees, legs, and waist.

Let’s explain in detail how to proceed according to the type of entry your wetsuit has:

Wetsuit with a back zipper:

This type of wetsuit, with the zipper at the back, is the most conventional and the original design. It features a zipper that runs down the entire back, making it easy to get into. Although this zipper limits elasticity slightly and may not be as watertight, it is a popular choice among beginners, people with less flexibility, or those who wear larger sizes.

We always start with the legs, but not in any way. Slowly, step by step, allowing the suit to adjust to each part of the body without stretching it excessively and risking damage.

Once we have reached the waist correctly, we put one arm through the sleeve and then the other, positioning the suit as best as possible on the body. With one of the arms, we pull the cord attached to the zipper to pull it up until it reaches the neck closure. Finally, we adjust the neck using the Velcro.

Typically, these suits are of an entry-level or mid-range price point and are the easiest to put on since the entry space is quite large.

Wetsuit with a front zipper:

With the invention of the wetsuit featuring a front chest zipper and the passage of time, these models have become the most commonly used. They provide great elasticity without the limitation of a back zipper, and they are also more watertight than their predecessor.

Being more watertight, these suits tend to be warmer and offer greater flexibility. However, the way to put them on is slightly different, and it’s important to know how to do it properly.

This suit doesn’t have the large opening at the back like the previous model, so you need to open the area around the chest zipper to slide your body in. Once you have the suit opened wide enough, you always start with one leg and then the other, gradually pulling it up onto your body.

Up to this point, the process is the same as with the back zipper suit until you reach the waist. Once you’ve reached the waist, it’s important to first put in the arm on the side where the zipper seam is located. This is because this area is slightly less elastic and will be easier to maneuver. Usually, this arm will be the right arm.

Once that arm is in place, you can proceed to put in the left arm until it is fully fitted. The only remaining step is closing the neck, where you need to slide your head through the opening to join the zipper and zip it up before heading into the water.

Wetsuit without a zipper:

This wetsuit model is the latest development. It shares similar characteristics and functionality with wetsuits featuring a front chest zipper, with the only difference being that this one has no zipper anywhere on the suit.

The entry is made through a space located between the left shoulder and the left pectoral muscle.

We begin by inserting our legs, always slowly and attentively, gradually pulling the wetsuit up. Once it reaches the chest, we insert the right arm, followed by the left arm to fully position it.

The main difference from the front zipper model is when inserting the head through the neck opening, which, once in place, is completely closed. Only the shoulder elastic remains to be tightened slightly to adjust it and seal any potential water entry.

Tips for putting on a wetsuit

Regardless of the wetsuit model, it’s important to know that when you try on a wetsuit, you will typically sweat a bit, causing the wetsuit to stick to your skin and make it difficult to put on. This might make you think that the suit is too small or extremely challenging to get into.

To make it easier, we recommend using a plastic bag on your foot. This will help the wetsuit slide on more smoothly, as the bag acts as a barrier between your skin and the suit. Another option is to use the Orca Wetsuit Sock, specifically designed for this purpose.

Once you have the wetsuit on, regardless of the model, we recommend doing some final checks, such as simulating paddling or performing some movements, to ensure that everything fits correctly and allows for comfortable range of motion. It’s important to keep in mind that a wetsuit reaches its maximum elasticity and functionality once you are in the water.

What do you wear under a wetsuit?

What to wear underneath a wetsuit is a very personal choice as it depends on each rider’s comfort level.

The most common and natural option is to go without anything underneath, as the contact of the skin with the neoprene provides warmth to the body and is the most comfortable. Some people prefer to wear a swimming brief for added support. In the case of women, they may wear a bikini, just the bottom part, or even go bare underneath the wetsuit.

We hope this explanation helps you when putting on your wetsuit, once you have chosen the correct size.

We also provide a video explanation for your reference!