Wetsuits for fat, blobby, unathletic chair-sitters

[divad]

A visceral reaction is not a meditated judgement.

Absolutely agree with the rest of your post, I'm just not as courageous as the person in the picture.

 

[Bali1]

Is there a source for wetsuits for those who are not perfectly athletic specimens of muscular fitness?


Seems like most wetsuits are size for the thin and trim. An "extra extra large" wetsuit does not necessarily have more girth around the belly. Instead it is sized for an elite athletic person of 0% bodyfat but also happens to be about 8ft tall.

I have an XXXL zipperless hooded neck-entry Rip Curl that is about 10 years old. I thought it might be more "roomy" inside, but no, it is so tight that it is nearly impossible to get into, without completely lubing my body and the inside of it, to slither into it. Without lubing it, my fingernails turn dark red and I am sweating hard struggling to pull on that tight neoprene. Then once it's on.... wow the legs are long, and the excess length bunches up around my knees...

I also have an XXL zipperless neck-entry Billabong Furnace Pro about 1 year old. It's not as tight as the Rip Curl, but it too is designed for really tall, thin athletic people. The chest area seems to be about 1-2 inches taller than me so water sloshes around in the top, and again the legs seem to be designed for an 8ft tall basketball player, with all the excess bunching up around my knees.

Maybe it's just something about how surf suits are designed vs other sports? If you surf, you MUST be an Adonis representative, and the wetsuits are sized accordingly.


I am a guy, about 5' 11"... and about 240-250 lbs... with apparently all of the excess concentrated in the region referred to as the beerguttius bellyius. I don't have large arms or legs, they're normal sized for a 5' 11" male human.

Usually I just end up getting a Large of whatever and squeezing into it, though seems like I could use a slit cut into the front of the suit, and a diamond wedge of extra material sewn in over the gut region.

Zipping up a rear zip suit is quite difficult when crossing the paunch region, and I keep wondering if I'm just going to end up tearing off the pull strap or derailing the zipper. Have jammed them on occasion, though didn't wreck it.


Meanwhile when I get in the water.... the beergut magically goes away and I become thinner. Not sure where it goes exactly but get horizontal in the water and I can now cinch the weight belt down more than it was on land and it's not uncomfortable. Maybe I'm not really fat but it's just bad slouching posture.

Yes, probably should lose some weight. However if I wear these tight belly crushing wetsuits long enough, it should squish the fat down flat. That's how it works, right?

 

[Bali1]

Wetwear custom fit westuits

You measure. They fit to you. An excellent product.

 

[VsubT]

Is there a source for wetsuits for those who are not perfectly athletic specimens of muscular fitness?

Check out Akona Quantum suits, wide range of sizes with lots of flex. If the arms or legs are too long, don't be afraid of some basic modifications with shears, glue, and fabric tape to chop them down.

Custom is nice too if you're okay with spending more. Good luck with your search,

Lance

 

[northernone]

One of my dive buddies is your shape. He's in a stock BARE that fits well, unfortunately I don't remember the details.... or a custom suit, it's often not horribly more expensive.

Maybe some of the girthyer forum members have a specific model.

 

[motorref]

Javik - check out Tommy D Sports (Wetsuits for Big Guys and Larger Ladies | Diving Wetsuits a former manager bought one for a trip to Capetown a few years ago and seemed pretty happy with it; he got the farmer john 7mm, and he is/was about 6'5", 350 #, and they made one to fit him for about $200 (I think).

KevinL

 

[DMDavid]

Have you tired wearing a lycra rash guard under your wetsuit? It does make it a lot easier to put on and take off due to the slick material.

 

[arcticat99]

I hope my appetite comes back....maybe tomorrow.

DAMN!!!!

 

[hroark2112]

I'm in a Bare XLShort and it is a good fit. If I ever get off my ass and lose the weight I'll send it to you.

 

[Manneca]

I'm a blobby 70 year old female. I've found if I can find a short wet suit it works for me. I have also rolled up the legs and arms of wetsuits. I also found that lycra socks and a long sleeved rash guard helps the wet suit go on easier. Also, sharkskins are easier to put on.