General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Getting a wetsuit off Rss Feed  
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2004-04-20 3:11 PM

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Subject: Getting a wetsuit off
Anybody out there have any suggestions on how to get a wetsuit off? My daughter had a really hard time getting her wetsuit off on Sunday. She got the first leg out pretty easily, but that last leg was a bear! The leg rolled up and was bunched up at her ankles. She really struggled with it before it finally came off. Kind of put a damper on her great swim. I think the legs might be a little long, based on where other people's wetsuit were hitting their legs. Hers goes all the way down, covering her ankles. I would prefer not cutting it, but I might have to cut to help her get out of it. We have practiced several times and most times she has a hard time with that last leg. Any suggestions? Thanks.


2004-04-20 3:58 PM
in reply to: #20336

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NW Suburbs of Chicago
Subject: RE: Getting a wetsuit off
Have you tried Vaseline or Body Gliding her calves to ankles?
There was a thread in the other forum about putting plastic bags on the foot/ankle to get the suit on.
Perhaps there is some variation you could do with a plastic bag to help slide it off ..... ?
2004-04-20 4:42 PM
in reply to: #20336

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Princeton, MN
Subject: RE: Getting a wetsuit off
Someone else can correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought vaseline shouldn't come into contact with a wetsuit as being a petroleum based product it will dissolve the neoprene.
I think someone in the past has suggested PAM if that won't gross your daughter out too much
As for taking the thing off - practice. The first time I tried it. It took two of us to get me out of the suit (thank goodness there are no photographs) Now only after a few attempts I can get myself out easily. If you want next time I try I'll analyse what I do...

Ian
2004-04-20 4:51 PM
in reply to: #20354

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St. Louis, MO
Subject: NO VASELINE!!!
The petro-based product WILL ruin the suit. As for getting out, practice. I find that simply turning the suit inside out as I peel it down from the waist gets me out of the ankles pretty cleanly. Don't try to step out like you would pants or you will get your ankle/feet tangled for sure.
Also ditto the Body Glide usage but I also agree with the "cooking spray" cheap alternative.

Have Fun,
Paul
2004-04-20 6:36 PM
in reply to: #20336

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Seattle
Subject: RE: Getting a wetsuit off
For all we worry about not harming the suit...

The easiest way to get out is to peel outwards and roll down. Step on the torso portion to pull out one leg, then step on the other leg to get the second leg out. Yup, step on the suit, as if you were a 12-year-old boy getting changed for gym. The suit is designed to stretch, so this won't hurt it (whereas digging your fingernails into it is bad), and it's the easiest way to get it off.

This is actually how both QR and ProMotion (at least) recommend taking a suit off.

Here's a good description of putting a suit on and taking one off:
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/wetsuit.shtml
(Scroll down for removal)
2004-04-20 10:27 PM
in reply to: #20336

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Master
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Kingston Ontario
Subject: RE: Getting a wetsuit off
Yep, I get my wetsuit off the same way as Rich...works for me.
Jen


2004-04-21 12:10 AM
in reply to: #20336

, Alabama
Subject: RE: Getting a wetsuit off

The body glide is your best bet (that and practice!).  The suit should be peeled of and end up inside-out.  Neatness doesn't count in a race.

Sharon

2004-04-21 9:35 AM
in reply to: #20336

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Iowa
Subject: RE: Getting a wetsuit off
Westfried ... thanks for the link. That is THE best bike shop link I have ever seen!
2004-04-21 2:10 PM
in reply to: #20336

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NW Suburbs of Chicago
Subject: RE: Getting a wetsuit off
I agree. Great link!
Everything I needed to know about wetsuits.
2004-04-22 8:48 AM
in reply to: #20336

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Subject: RE: Getting a wetsuit off
Thanks for the help, you guys are great! I will try the body glide on the lower leg and ankles, as this seems to be where the problem is. She will probably only use her wetsut for one more race this spring and will hopefully be taller by the time she needs it again in the fall. Thanks again.

ps. the video was great!
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