How to Put On & Take Off a Chest Zip or Zip-Free Wetsuit – Video Guide
Struggling to get into or out of your chest zip or zip-free wetsuit? In this practical video guide, the Wetsuit Centre team demonstrates how to put on and remove these wetsuits correctly, with useful tips to make the process easier and avoid unnecessary strain on the neoprene.
Video Transcript
Introduction
Hi there, Jeff here from Wetsuit Centre.
Today we're going to talk about getting in and out of chest-entry and zip-free wetsuits.
We'll share a few tips we've learned over the years to make putting your wetsuit on, and perhaps more importantly, taking it off, a little easier.
We'll walk you through the different stages and share some useful techniques to make the whole process more straightforward.
Chest Zip vs Zip-Free Wetsuits
Here we have a zip-free wetsuit and a chest-entry wetsuit.
Essentially, both have a very similar entry system. Rather than using a full-length back zip, you enter the wetsuit through the opening at the top, pulling the collar and upper panel back to create enough room to get inside.
This is where things can become a little tricky.
Unlike a back-zip wetsuit, which opens up much further, chest-entry and zip-free suits have a smaller opening to get through.
Some people struggle with this, especially if they're a little less flexible or mobile.
We're going to demonstrate a few simple techniques that should make the process easier. The key is preparation.
Our model today is Robbie, who's going to demonstrate each stage of putting on and removing the wetsuit.
For reference, Robbie is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs approximately 85 kg and fits perfectly into a Large Tall wetsuit.
Step 1: Prepare the Wetsuit Before Putting It On
As I mentioned, the first stage is all about preparing the wetsuit to make it as easy as possible to get into.
Robbie is going to start by removing the hanger.
Next, reach down inside the wetsuit through the chest-entry opening and grab the material around the hips.
Give the suit a little shake and fold the upper body section down towards the waist, turning that section inside out.
This makes the wetsuit much easier to put on.
Instead of trying to pull the entire suit up your body in one go, you can start by putting it on like a pair of trousers.
You're effectively breaking the process into two stages.
The first step is to fold the upper section down to the hips so the legs are ready to slide into.
Step 2: Put Your Legs Into the Wetsuit
Now that the upper part of the wetsuit is folded down, the first thing to check is that you've got the suit the right way around.
The easiest way to do this is to make sure the knee pads are facing forwards. That way, you know you're not about to put it on back to front.
Robbie is now going to slide his legs into the suit, just as he would with a pair of trousers.
This is much easier than trying to pull your legs through the entire wetsuit while the upper body section is still in position.
If you struggle to get your feet through the ankle openings, particularly if you have quite large feet, there's a useful little trick.
You can place a thin plastic bag over your foot before sliding it into the wetsuit.
This creates a smoother surface and helps your foot slide through the neoprene without catching or dragging against it.
Robbie is doing a good job here, and this gives you a realistic idea of how long it takes to put the suit on.
At this stage, the important thing is to make sure everything is correctly positioned.
Check that the knee pads are sitting over your knees, the ankle openings are in the correct position, and the waist and crotch areas fit properly.
You may need to make a few small adjustments later, but getting everything into position now means you won't have to keep pulling and dragging the wetsuit up your body.
That's the first stage completed.
Step 3: Get Your Arms Into the Wetsuit
Now Robbie is going to put his first arm into the wetsuit.
I generally recommend starting with the left arm, as this makes it easier to reach and work your way into the suit.
Slide your left arm carefully through the sleeve.
You can also use the plastic bag technique over your hand if you're finding it difficult to get through the cuff. It's usually less necessary for your hands, but some people find it helpful.
Next, put your right arm through the other sleeve.
One important thing to watch out for is accidentally putting your arm through the chest-entry compartment instead of the actual sleeve opening.
It's a surprisingly common mistake, and you can end up feeling a bit like Houdini trying to free yourself!
Make sure your arm goes through the correct opening.
Once both arms are inside, the wetsuit should naturally slide up and over your shoulders.
Step 4: Pull the Collar Over Your Head
The final stage of getting into the wetsuit is to pull the chest-entry system or collar up and over your head.
This is another part that some people find difficult, often because they're worried about damaging the neoprene.
However, these entry systems are designed to be extremely flexible.
Carefully stretch the opening over your head, allowing the neoprene to return to its natural position around your neck and shoulders.
Once the collar is in place, pull the toggle to tighten the closure and create a good seal.
Then reach around the suit and check that any folds or flaps of neoprene are lying flat against your body.
Smooth out any areas where the material has become twisted or folded.
You should now be properly inside the wetsuit.
If the suit fits correctly, there shouldn't be excessive folds, loose areas or bunching of material.
It should feel snug but comfortable.
Obviously, if the wetsuit is too small, you're going to struggle to get into it. If it's too big, it may feel unusually easy to put on and leave gaps around your body.
That's the second stage completed, and you're ready to get into the water.
Step 5: How to Take Off a Chest Zip or Zip-Free Wetsuit
Getting out of the wetsuit is just as important as getting into it, and it can be equally tricky.
The key is essentially to reverse the process, although there are a few useful techniques to make it easier.
Start by loosening the toggle and opening the chest-entry system.
Make sure the upper panel is completely loose so you can lift the collar up and over your head.
Once you've freed your head, the next step is to remove your first arm.
I recommend starting with your left arm.
Reach across and grab the neoprene around the upper arm, pulling it down towards your elbow.
What you're trying to do is catch the edge of the material underneath your elbow.
Once the neoprene is positioned there, bend your elbow and reach for the larger opening.
Grab the material and pull it down and over your elbow.
This should allow your left arm to slide free relatively easily.
Think of it as a two-stage process: first, work the neoprene down until it catches beneath your elbow, then grab the larger flap and pull it over your elbow to release your arm.
Once your left arm is free, you're on the home straight!
You can begin rolling the wetsuit down your upper body.
Then repeat the process with your right arm, working the neoprene over the elbow until your arm is free.
Once both arms are out, the rest is fairly straightforward.
Continue rolling the wetsuit down your body and remove your legs.
Is a Chest Zip Easier to Put On Than a Zip-Free Wetsuit?
Hopefully, you've found that demonstration helpful.
In case you're interested, the suit Robbie has been wearing is an O'Neill Hyperfreak 5/4mm, a winter wetsuit for UK conditions.
It's a very flexible zip-free wetsuit.
Zip-free wetsuits are generally the more challenging of the two entry systems when it comes to getting in and out.
A chest-entry wetsuit with a zip will usually be a little easier because there's more room to open up the top section.
Rather than having the entry system secured across the chest, you can pull the upper flap further back.
The separate neoprene panels inside the chest-entry system can open up more widely, giving you a little more space to get into the suit.
So, of the two systems, a chest-zip wetsuit is generally easier to get into.
However, the basic process is essentially the same for both.
Final Tips for Getting In and Out of Your Wetsuit
The most important thing is to take your time and follow the stages we've demonstrated.
Prepare the wetsuit properly before putting it on, get the legs into position first, then work your way through the arms and collar.
When taking it off, loosen the entry system completely and use the elbow technique to help free your arms.
Hopefully, these tips will make getting in and out of your wetsuit much easier, with less need to ask random strangers in the car park for assistance!
