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Frequently Asked Questions
For most Australian ocean swimming a 3 mm suit like the Vitalis TRN is the all-rounder: warm enough for spring and autumn, flexible enough to swim in every day. Go sleeveless or shorty for warm water, and the Vitalis Thermal for winter. Thicker neoprene adds warmth and buoyancy but costs some shoulder freedom.
Yes. A swimming wetsuit uses thinner, stretchier neoprene through the shoulders and arms so you can swim long distances without fighting the suit, and adds buoyancy in the legs. A surf wetsuit is built for warmth and durability while you sit and paddle, and feels restrictive over a long swim.
Start with a thermal suit such as the Vitalis Thermal, then cover the places you lose heat fastest: a thermal neoprene cap or hood, booties or swim socks, and gloves. A base layer or Heatseeker vest under the suit adds a further layer. Get changed quickly after the swim.
Rinse it in fresh water after every swim to get the salt out, wash it occasionally with a wetsuit shampoo such as Gear Aid Revivex, and dry it inside out in the shade. Store it flat or on a wide hanger and keep it away from sharp folds and direct sun.
How to choose an ocean swimming wetsuit
Start with when and where you swim, then pick the suit. Orca's Vitalis line covers the lot:How to choose an ocean swimming wetsuit
Start with when and where you swim, then pick the suit. Orca's Vitalis line covers the lot:
• Vitalis Light Sleeveless — no arms, nothing on the shoulders. Buoyancy and some body warmth for warm water and swimmers who hate a sleeve.
• Vitalis Shorty — cut at the elbow and knee, with orange hi-vis panels. One suit for a summer swim, then a paddle or a snorkel.
• Vitalis TRN — 3 mm throughout, built for flexibility over warmth. A good first full suit, and a daily training suit for squad swimmers.
• Vitalis Hi-Vis — a full training suit with bright orange panels so boats, skis and your support crew can pick you out in chop and glare. The one to own if you swim outside a patrolled course.
• Vitalis Thermal — Orca's warm suit, with Thermal X lining and an extra "batwing" layer of neoprene across the back. Fabric gloves come with it. For winter ocean swimming.
• Openwater RS1 — a two-piece suit, top and bottom joined with a Velcro seal at the hip, so you can mix sizes. We have the last women's pieces: Top in XL, Bottom in L.
Juniors are covered by the Vitalis Squad Shorty and Squad Hi-Vis.
Racing triathlon as well? Compare race suits on our triathlon wetsuits page, or see every type, surf suits and swimskins included, on the main wetsuits page.
Men's and women's swimming wetsuits
Every Vitalis suit comes in separate men's and women's cuts, and the fit is different through the chest, hips and torso length. Women's swimming wetsuits run from the Vitalis Light Sleeveless to the Vitalis Thermal ($643–$650). For a men's swimming wetsuit, start at the Vitalis Hi-Vis ($297) and Shorty ($308). Size from the chart on each product page using height and weight. A swimming wetsuit should be snug with no water pocket in the lower back, and you should be able to reach overhead without the shoulders pulling.
To push a suit into colder water without buying a second one, layer it: a thermal neoprene swim cap or hood, Hydro Booties or swim socks, open water gloves, and an Orca base layer or Heatseeker vest underneath.
The best wetsuit for ocean swimming in Australia
There isn't one, because the water isn't one temperature. A Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast swimmer gets most of the year out of a sleeveless or shorty suit, a thin wetsuit for swimming that barely feels like neoprene. Sydney's winter ocean pools and harbour swims suit a full TRN or Hi-Vis. Melbourne bay swimmers and Tassie swimmers going through winter want the Vitalis Thermal plus a cap and booties. If you're training for an event like the Rottnest Channel Swim or the Cole Classic, check the event's wetsuit rules before you buy.
Whatever you pick, see and be seen. A hi-vis cap or a safety buoy costs little and makes you far easier to spot. Add a pair of open water goggles and you're set.
Why buy from Oz Backcountry
We carry the Orca Vitalis range in men's, women's and junior sizes, with the caps, hoods and booties to match. Filter by "In stock – ships immediately" to see what ships today from Helensvale. Free shipping over $150 (T&Cs apply).
Related: Wetsuits · Triathlon Wetsuits · Orca · Swim Goggles · Swim Accessories · Gear Repair & Care · Swim