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Orca

Orca Vitalis Thermal Women's Openwater Wetsuit

$629.10 $699.00
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Description

The Orca Vitalis Thermal is an open-water wetsuit built for cold water, using panels up to 4.5 mm thick with a Thermal X inner lining and a hood with a Batwing neoprene layer across the back. It is the warmest suit in Orca's open-water range.

Who it's for

Open-water swimmers in genuinely cold water — winter ocean swimming, alpine lakes, and anyone who stops enjoying a swim because of the cold rather than the distance.

It is not a racing suit. The thickness that keeps you warm costs flexibility, and for training in mild water the Vitalis TRN is the better swim.

Buoyancy and flexibility

Warmth comes from three things working together: panels up to 4.5 mm, a Thermal X inner lining, and a hood with a Batwing — an extra layer of neoprene across the back that cuts the flow of cold water against your skin.

Those thick torso panels also make it highly buoyant, though Orca describe the overall balance as neutral. Elasticity is protected with 39+ and 39FS neoprene at the shoulders and underarms, where a thick suit would otherwise restrict the stroke.

Water temperature range

Orca do not publish a temperature range, and an invented figure on a cold-water wetsuit is a safety claim rather than a detail. What is known is that this is the warmest suit Orca make for open water — thicker than the TRN at 3 mm and far warmer than the Vitalis Light.

Getting the size right

Orca size on height, weight and chest together, and all three have to work — a suit that fits your chest but is too long in the torso will pool water at the shoulders. If you fall between sizes, go by torso length first.

It should feel tight to the point of awkward when dry. Neoprene loosens in the water, and a suit that feels comfortable in the shop is a suit that will flush cold water through it in the surf.

Looking after neoprene

Rinse in fresh water after every swim, salt or chlorine, and dry it in the shade — UV kills neoprene faster than use does. Hang it folded over a wide hanger at the waist rather than by the shoulders, which stretches them out over a season. Never wring it, and never leave it in a hot car.

Specifications
  • Material
    Neoprene with Thermal X inner lining; 39+ and 39FS at shoulders and underarms
  • Type
    Openwater wetsuit, thermal
  • Thickness
    Panels up to 4.5 mm
  • Weight
    XS: 46-54kg, S: 54-61kg, M: 60-67kg, L: 66-74kg
  • Care guide
    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 properl
  • Chest
    XS: 78-83cm, S: 83-89cm, M: 89-94cm, L: 94-99cm
  • Height
    XS: 144-160cm, S: 157-167cm, M: 165-177cm, L: 170-185cm

Sizing Guide

Additional Information
  • Comfort
    The excellent thermal properties of this wetsuit were achieved thanks to its construction of up to 4.5mm-thick panels together with its Thermal X inner lining. In addition, its hood with "Batwing", an extra layer of neoprene in the back that acts as a thermal barrier, reducing contact between the cold water and your skin.
  • Elasticity
    39+ and 39FS technologies are incorporated in the shoulders and underarms to improve the elasticity of this wetsuit.
  • High and Neutral Buoyancy
    The high-thickness panels located in the torso provide a high level of buoyancy, providing you with greater peace of mind in open water. In addition, thanks to its construction, it has a neutral level of buoyancy.
  • Comfort
    The Thermal X inner fabric is soft and comfortable, providing a high degree of comfort when swimming in cold waters.
  • Composition:
    Neoprene : 95 %, Polyamide (Nylon) : 5 %

FAQ's

What is the temperature range the wetsuit is suitable for?
The upper temperature for the wetsuit is 24 degrees Celsius, but the lowest temperature is based on personal comfort.

Can I wear items from the triathlon apparel range for the full triathlon?
All triathlon apparel garments are designed to be worn under the wetsuit for the swim, and to be quick drying during transition onto the bike and run.For a non-wetsuit event a swimskin can be worn over the tri suit, or a tri suit can be worn on its own throughout the triathlon, but it needs to be chosen with the distance of the race in mind.

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.