Orca Vitalis Hi-Vis Men's Open Water Wetsuit

Cleaning

Neoprene can be damaged by excess salt or other chemicals such as chlorine if used in swimming pools. We recommend washing your wetsuit with plenty of water after each use. A small amount of neutral pH soap can be used and then rinsed out afterwards.

Once clean, make sure prevent it from holding onto too much moisture. Air dry it outside or in a ventilated indoor space, somewhere without direct exposure to sunlight as this can damage the materials.

Storage

Storing your wetsuit properly keeps the materials and seams from creasing and being stretched for long periods of time. It also prevents the material from wrinkling, which can affect both the wetsuit's durability and appearance.

The best way to store a wetsuit is to hang it draped over a hanger from its waist, so that the most delicate areas such as the shoulders and arms do not have any kind of tension on them.

For wetsuits with very flexible shoulders (Apex Flex or Apex Flow), it is important not to place them on a hanger from the shoulder area, as this will degrade the elasticity over time. For the rest of the models, a wide hanger can be used, as long as the wetsuit is not strained in the shoulder or neck area.

Recommendations for use

1) If your suit has Velcro, avoid contact between the Velcro and the inner lining of the wetsuit, as it will damage the fibers in the material. Keep the Velcro covered with the provided fabric patch or make sure that the Velcro is closed, so that the rough part of the Velcro does not damage the inside of your suit.

2) For all suits, especially those made with neoprene, be careful not to damage the neoprene material with your nails when putting on or taking off the suit, as this type of damage is not covered by our warranty policy.

3) Triathlon and open water suits have been designed specifically for swimming. We cannot guarantee correct functioning of the wetsuits for other activities. Any damage to the wetsuit resulting from use in activities other than swimming is not covered by our warranty policy.

4) Avoid leaning on or coming into contact with any surfaces (especially rough ones) while wearing your wetsuit.

• Weight 6: 67-74 kg, 7: 75-82 kg, 8: 82-89 kg, 9: 89-97 kg, 10: 98-109 kg, 11: 107+ kg

I have had a look at your wetsuit size chart but only fit the chest and weight measurements in my chosen size. I am too tall for this size, what should I do?
The most important thing to consider when fitting a wetsuit is that the suit fits correctly on your torso (shoulder to crotch). So, if you are too tall to fit into the corresponding height measurements for your weight and chest size, but you either know that you have a long or short legs or arms, then don’t worry, your core will be warm and the suit will fit you. It may be worth try some swim booties when the temperature starts to drop.

I have had a look at your wetsuit size chart but only fit in the height and weight measurement’s, but my chest is too broad/big, what should I do?
When it comes to being too broad for our size chart (but only a little bit), the best thing to do is to go for a more flexible wetsuit which accommodates your chest or shoulders better. Unfortunately, this does tend to mean spending a bit more, but a correct fitting wetsuit makes a world of difference.

I have had a look at your wetsuit size chart but only fit in the chest and height measurements, my weight is below the minimum for that sized suit, what should I do?
If you are just a bit below the minimum sizing and you are looking at an intermediate suit or above (Sonar or above) then you should be ok and these wetsuit models are cut to be a more ‘athletic’ fit than the entry level suits. If you are substantially below the weight require and near the lower limit of the height and chest size, it may be worth trying a size down in one of the more flexible wetsuits.

Why does high visibility matter?
Because in open water you are a head in a swell. Orange panels contrast against the water so boats, skis and surfers see you early.

What water temperature is it good for?
As a guide, comfortable from about 16°C up - which covers most Australian open water from spring through autumn.

What size am I?
Size on body weight: 6 is 67-74 kg, 7 is 75-82 kg, 8 is 82-89 kg, 9 is 89-97 kg and 10 is 98-109 kg.

Will it restrict my stroke?
Highly elastic panels through the shoulders and body keep the stroke free, which is what lets you hold form over a long swim.

Should it feel tight?
Yes, genuinely snug. A loose wetsuit lets water flush through it, and moving water is what makes you cold.

How do I look after it?
Fresh water after every swim, dry in the shade, hang it over something wide. Sun is what ruins neoprene.