Orca's wetsuit selection guide What's the best suit for you?

What is the best suit for you?

A wet suit is not mandatory equipment, but in Finnish conditions an important addition for open water swimmers. The wetsuit warms and floats the swimmer and its use extends the swimming season when the weather is still cool. Wetsuits are mainly made of neoprene and the idea behind them is that a thin layer of water gets inside the suit, which is warmed by body heat and thus keeps the swimmer warm. The suit must be well-fitting and snug on all sides, but the hands should be able to move well. The fit is required especially around the wrists and neck, so that too much water does not get inside.

In the selection, you can find high-quality Orca wetsuits for both professionals and beginners in different price ranges. This guide has been created to make it easier to choose the right suit, swimmers are divided into three main categories (beginner, hobbyist and competitive swimmer). This division has been made especially with triathlon in mind, but is very suitable even if you don't practice the sport. The swimmer's primary characteristics and requirements in each category and when you know what you want from a suit, choosing a suit becomes much easier.

Completely redesigned Orca wetsuits

In spring 2022, Orca launched its completely redesigned wetsuits, ready for the market after years of design.

The wetsuits are divided into three categories, beginner, amateur and race mariner, with two suits in each category, Athlex and Apex. The Apex range uses the best materials, while the Athlex range of wetsuits are more affordable. All wetsuits retain the good features of the previous models, but also feature completely new technology and a complete overhaul of materials and colours.

Orca has renewed the materials used in its wetsuits. The suits use different thicknesses of neoprene, and the cuffs and neckline of the wetsuits are made of easy-slip material, which makes putting on the suit easier and smoother.

All Orca wetsuits are made from 100% neoprene and are made to withstand continuous, long-lasting use year after year. The new suits have taken the buoyancy and flexibility features a step further to better serve the user and meet their needs.

Renewed materials that respect the environment! In addition to the new stylish patterns for the 2022 season, Orca has taken sustainability into account in its choice of materials. In addition, the company is actively involved in projects to improve the environment. Find out more about these projects at orca.com.

1. Newbie - You haven't done much open water swimming

You fall into this category if you're looking for maximum buoyancy. You may not have a long training background in swimming, especially in open water, or you may have problems with buoyancy (e.g. sinking feet) when swimming in open water.

You are looking for a wetsuit to help you maintain the correct swimming position. In this case, the buoyancy of the wetsuit is a key factor.

In particular, you want your wetsuit to have the following features:

Buoyancy and maximum support, to improve body position and technique.

Confidence to swim in open water, a buoyant suit adds to that.

Technique development, you are looking for a wetsuit that will help you correct and improve your swimming technique in open water.

We recommend Orca's Float range of wetsuits for the swimmer who is just starting out in triathlon or open water swimming. The wetsuits in this range are made for swimmers who are not yet fully accustomed to open water and are looking for a wetsuit that will help them improve their swimming position. This will help the swimmer to improve their swimming technique in open water. The Float range offers a lot of buoyancy, which allows the swimmer to achieve a stable position in the water, which greatly improves performance. The flexibility of the wetsuit is also an important feature, but for the beginner swimmer who has not yet fully honed their technique, buoyancy is the thing that will allow the swimmer to improve their time the most through improved swimming position.

Float series wetsuits:

Athlex Float - The Athlex Float wetsuit is a completely new version of the Orca S7 wetsuit. The new Athlex Float wetsuit, combines flexibility with a high level of buoyancy, making it ideal for the beginner open water swimmer looking for a suit with good buoyancy. Designed to improve the swimmer's position in the water, the upper part of the wetsuit is made of a thinner neoprene, while the lower part is made of a thicker neoprene that lifts the swimmer's legs into the correct position. New version of the S7 suit.

Apex Float - The Apex Float wetsuit has the highest buoyancy of the Orca wetsuit range. This is designed to help the swimmer maintain swimming position and correct technique, so that the swimmer's swimming position remains optimal even when tired. The suit is made of flexible neoprene, to guarantee freedom of movement in the hand stroke. New version of the suit 3.8. (Available on request, please order by e-mail elisa@aquaction.fi)

All Orcan Float series wetsuits

ORCA FLOAT

2. Amateur - You already have open water swimming experience

You fall into this category if you already have some swimming experience and do not consider yourself a progressive swimmer or a natural swimmer. You're looking for something in between, i.e. a wetsuit that combines buoyancy and flexibility.

Your swimming technique is good. Your body position and arm stroke work, but you may have challenges with proper kicking technique. You're primarily looking for a wetsuit that floats, but also leaves more room for flexibility than a beginner's suit. You don't need as much buoyancy as the Float series models offer. For you, the suit is the priority:

Convertibility, both float and stretch, offering both features to suit your needs.

Flexibility that doesn't restrict mobility. You don't need as much buoyancy as a beginner, but more than a racer.

Extra buoyancy in the foot area, you may have the challenge in open water of sinking feet, where the swimming position does not remain optimal.

In this case, a good choice is the Flow range of suits. "Flow" swimmers make minor errors in their kicking technique, which buoyancy can help correct by lifting the legs to achieve a horizontal swimming position. In addition, if the swimmer does not have shoulder problems, flexibility in the upper body and shoulders is needed to help the swimmer maintain the correct stroke technique. Orca's Flow range, which is somewhere between the Flex range and the Float range, meets these needs. Flow is a combination of both; the maximum upper body flexibility found in the Flex range and the maximum buoyancy for the legs found in the Float range. The buyer of a Flow suit needs both buoyancy and flexibility from a wetsuit, combining these to create the right suit for the swimmer's needs.

Flow wetsuits:

Athlex Flow - The Athlex flow wetsuit is Orca's improved version of the Sonar wetsuit. This wetsuit combines both flexibility and buoyancy. This wetsuit is ideal for the swimmer who is looking for both buoyancy and flexibility in a wetsuit, but does not need as much buoyancy as the Float series suits offer. New version of the Sonar suit.

Apex Flow - TheApex Flow wetsuit takes Orca's technology to the next level and offers unique flexibility and buoyancy. The wetsuit is designed for open water swimmers who demand a lot from their wetsuit. The materials and technology used are the best on the market. It is designed to lift the legs to the maximum, helping the swimmer to correct the swimming position and achieve a hydrodynamic swimming position. New version of the Predator suit. (Available on request, please order by emailing elisa@aquaction.fi)

All wetsuits from the Orcan Flow series

ORCA FLOW

3. Natural Swimmer - Competitive swimmer

You fall into this category if you have a long racing history, there are no major flaws or corrections in your technique and maintaining the correct position in the water comes naturally to you.
Youdon't need a wetsuit to be very buoyant, but you do need the following features in your wetsuit:

Maximum flexibility that allows you to swim in open water without changing your technique. Lightness, you're looking for a suit that feels against your skin.

Alittle buoyancy, your feet will stay close to the surface while swimming.

In this case, a good choice is the Orca Flex range, designed specifically for swimmers who want to maintain their swimming position in open water without major technique challenges, even during oxygen starvation. The Flex range of suits are made for the longer term recreational swimmer and the swimmer needs extra flexibility from the suit to maintain kicking technique, but too much buoyancy can lift the legs too much above the water surface. The suits in this series have minimal buoyancy and are designed for triathletes and open water swimmers who naturally have the correct swimming position in the water. This allows the swimmer to achieve a sense of freedom in the water, but the suit keeps the swimmer warm for a comfortable swim.

Flex wetsuits:

Athlex Flex - Good flexibility, medium buoyancy, lower price range. New version of the Equip suit.

Apex Flex - Very good flexibility, medium buoyancy, a good example for former competitive swimmers. A new version of the Alpha suit. (Available on request, please order by email elisa@aquaction.fi)

All Orcan Flex series wetsuits

ORCA FLEX

What else do you need to take with you in the open water?

Best swimming goggles for open water?
Orca's multi-purpose Killa 180º goggles are ideal for training and competing in both pool and open water. The Killa combines both comfort and streamlining, with a lens shape and large surface area for wide visibility. This glass is suitable for most and is very popular! The lenses are available in three different colours: blue, smoke and mirror.The glasses have an ergonomic 3D silicone cushioning that is designed to sit on the face to reduce the feeling of pressure around the eyes. Easy adjustment method, you can easily and quickly adjust the glasses in the water while wearing them. Highly durable anti-fog treatment to keep your glasses clear in a variety of weather conditions.

Safety buoy -must have

The inflatable safety buoy attaches to the swimmer's waist with a cord and the buoy remains floating on the legs. You can put your car keys in the buoy while swimming, for example. The buoy gives visibility to other swimmers in the water, so you won't be overlooked. The buoy can also be used as a safety bell if necessary.

Swim cap

When swimming in open water, it is advisable to choose a swimming cap in as bright a colour as possible, as it will be visible to other people in the water, thus increasing safety. If the water is cold, you can try wearing two caps on top of each other!

Tip!

In open water, try using aids such as flappers or flippers as part of your training. This will give you a change of pace during the open water season too!

Seven tips to extend the life of your wetsuit

1. Wash your suit properly (salt and chlorine will wear it out) and clean it after each swim. The easiest way is to shower in a wet suit immediately after use. Also rinse the inside of the suit after you have taken it off. If a shower is not possible, you can use a garden hose or submerge the suit in a tub, turn it over and submerge it again. Do not use laundry detergent! We recommend using a wet suit cleaner every five washes or if the suit smells stale.

2. Never wash your suit in a washing machine, and never dry your suit in hot air (e.g. a hairdryer) or sunlight.

3. Dry your suit correctly: turn it inside out and let it dry on the inside first. This is particularly important if you are wearing the suit again the next day. It is much easier to put the suit on when the inside is dry.

4 . Store the suit in a dry and dark place. Do not store the suit on a hanger for long periods of time or leave the suit in a car for storage, for example.

5. Do not tear the suit in a hurry. Take off jewellery and rings, even long fingernails can easily make a hole in the suit. If you find it difficult to put the suit on, you can use thin cotton gloves (one pair of gloves comes with each Orca suit). If possible, ask a friend to zip up the suit. If you do it yourself, remember to pull your shoulders together and keep your arms up when you pull the zipper up.

6. Warm up before putting on the wetsuit. The suit is not made for jumping on dry land, so the seams will stretch over time if they are constantly stretched.

7. Repair cracks and cuts immediately. It is very common for the neoprene to become chipped over time due to the suit hitting rocks or other sharp corners, for example. Minor abrasions and holes are easily repaired at home with wet glue. If the holes are not repaired, they will easily tear into larger ones. For more information on how to repair your suit, please contact our customer service.