Orca Wetsuits: Finding the Right Fit for Your Open Water Swimming
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into open water swimming or training for your next triathlon, finding the right wetsuit can transform your experience.
At Peak Tri Store, we’ve hand selected an excellent range of Orca suits, we’ve written the below guide to help you when deciding which suit, suits you!
Why Orca?
Orca has earned its reputation as one of the best in the business for triathlon and open water wetsuits. Founded by a former triathlete, Orca’s mission has always been about innovation, comfort, and performance — designed by athletes, for athletes.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
- Buoyancy – thicker neoprene increases buoyancy, helping you maintain a higher, more efficient position in the water. Whilst this can improve body alignment it may slightly reduce flexibility – so experienced swimmers often prefer thinner suits for a more natural feel.
- Flexibility – a flexible suit allows unrestricted movement for a smooth, powerful swim strokes. Entry-level suits focus on thicker neoprene for added buoyancy, high-end suits tend to offer thinner, premium neoprene for maximum freedom in movement and added performance gains.
- Thermal Protection – consider the temperature of the water that you will be swimming in. Thicker suits trap more warmth, ideal for colder waters or winter swimming. For extra insulation in winter you can also add neoprene accessories like gloves, boots or caps to keep your extremities protected. For summer swimming, you may prefer a thinner skinned suit or even short-sleeved or short-legged suit.
Top Picks at Peak Tri Store
Orca Vitalis Hi-Vis Open Water Swim Wetsuit
Perfect for beginners or those new to open water. Offers great warmth, buoyancy and visibility. Thanks to the highly durable materials incorporated in the leg area, you can also use it for other water sports, such as SUP, kayaking, snorkeling — without compromising on comfort. The most versatile option for multi-sport use.
This suit is also available in short sleeves and short legs for those warmer swims.
Ideal for beginner – intermediate swimmers, this suit combines high buoyancy with high elasticity. The extra buoyancy helps to achieve the correct position in the water allowing you to concentrate on your technique.
The perfect blend for intermediate – advanced swimmers. This suit is designed with highly elastic materials for flexibility in the upper torso, with buoyancy in the legs helping you to maintain a more hydrodynamic position when in the water. It gives you the best of both (buoyancy and flexibility).
For high-performance swimmers, this suit pairs a reduced buoyancy with maximum stretch — perfect for experienced triathletes and fast swimmers. Its high elasticity with medium buoyancy is excellent for swimmers who can naturally maintain the correct position in the water.
Trying on a wetsuit
If you’re trying on a wetsuit for the first time, it’s important to be aware that they can tare easily. To avoid tares, first remove any jewellery, avoid touching the neoprene with the ends of your nails, and take your time! It may sound silly but placing a plastic bag over your foot before pulling on the leg of a wetsuit on can really help the suit glide on without catching. Do not pinch or stretch the suit too far or you will risk splitting the neoprene skin – instead gathering and smooth out incrementally. It can be useful to watch an instructional video first such as this one from Orca.
How should your wetsuit feel?
A wetsuit should feel snug like a second skin, but never restrictive. Once you’ve got a suit on zip it up fully and simulate swimming arm movements, it should feel close-fitting yet comfortable.
TOP TIP: wetsuits feel tighter when dry but loosen slightly in the water.
Orca demonstrate how a wetsuit should fit in this video.
How To Look After Your Wetsuit?
• Rinse with cool, fresh water after each swim
• Hang inside-out to dry (avoid direct sunlight)
• Don’t fold or crease the neoprene
• Store flat or on a wide hanger
Can You Repair A Wetsuit?
Yes, you absolutely can!
Whilst it might never look as good as it did fresh out of the box, there are wetsuit glue products available specifically designed to seal rips and tares extending the life of your wetsuit.
Still Not Sure Which Suit Or Size Is Right For You? We’re Here to Help
Pop into the store, give us a call or send us an email — we love helping people find the right kit for their goals. Whether you’re aiming to conquer your first sprint triathlon or looking to shave minutes off your swim time, we’ll help you feel confident and comfortable in the water.
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