Wearing a Wetsuit

CAUTION: Sharp objects can penetrate the rubber of your performance wetsuit. Long fingernails and other sharp objects could make small cuts in the surface of your wetsuit if caution is not exercised. These small cuts are not covered under the manufacturer Warranty and are the responsibility of the owner. When trying on a wetsuit, it is best to clip fingernails and/or to be especially aware of your nails.

Putting On A Wetsuit

1. Step in to the wetsuit with the zipper facing behind you.

2. Pull the legs of the wetsuit about 1-2 inches above your ankle

3. Raise the wetsuit up around your waist. Work the wetsuit rubber towards your crotch area until all air pockets have disappeared. For an ideal fit, the wetsuit should feel snug and almost tight around the waist and legs.

4. Lift the wetsuit up around your arms or shoulders depending on the wetsuit model purchased.

5. If you purchased a full suit (long sleeve), pull the sleeves 1-2 inches past your watch or wrist area. When pulling on the sleeves, pull on the rubber between the elbow and shoulder.

6. To maximize range of motion and comfort in the water, it will be important to take your time fitting the arms. Point your arms to the sky and start working the wetsuit material towards your shoulder. The wetsuit fit is correct when there is no gap between the wetsuit and your arm pit. Excess rubber should reside above the shoulder. Repeat for both arms.

7. Have a second person zip the Hydro Slide Zipper™ and secure the LocFlex™ Collar. Ask the person assisting you to be careful that the zipper does not catch in the protective back flap. Having another person secure the back mechanisms will prolong the life of the rubber and help prevent your zipper from getting stuck in the closed position.

8. The wetsuit should feel tight around your neck causing the wetsuit to move with the neck. If your neck moves freely inside of the wetsuit, readjust the LocFlex™ Collar. If you choose to use lubrication products, make sure it is a non petroleum based lubricant. Xterra Wetsuits recommends Body Glide.

9. A proper fitting wetsuit should feel almost uncomfortably tight out of the water. The suit will naturally expand and become more comfortable once in the water and in a proper swimming position.

Getting Out of the Wetsuit:

The key to a quick transition is being relaxed and using controlled movements while removing the wetsuit. Extra force will only slow this process.

1. Begin by releasing the Velcro closure on your LocFlex™ Collar. Take your opposite hand and slowly use the rip cord to pull down on the wetsuit. Imagine that you are unzipping your wetsuit in slow motion. Fast uncontrolled jerks will add time to this process and only slow your transition.

2. Start to turn the wetsuit inside out. This entire process can be completed while you are exiting the water and finding your bike in transition. Your wetsuit should be rolled down and hanging off your waist by the time you reach your bike rack.

3. When taking off the bottom portion of the wetsuit, remember to use your arms. The special rubbers used in the Xterra Wetsuit will make your transition very quick and easy. Xterra Wetsuits roll off the body very quickly when wet.  Do not use opposite legs to take off the wetsuit. Standing on the wetsuit could cause pavement, sand, or any other surface to puncture the wetsuit.