Budget Wetsuit advice

[Graham_S]

As another Scuba Diver, I'd say look at a 5mm as an absolute minimum and semi-dry too.
you want to minimise the flushing action.
You want a good close fit too.
Personally I like Oceanic, as I find they fit me best, but most suits have a slightly different cut and you really need to try them on.

 

[troutman]

Some good advice here already. Certainly look at Lomo wetsuits online, they can advise you on fit and they are cheap.
Ensure you get the fit right as flushing will occur, which means the displacement of the water which your body has already warmed and can actually cause hypothermia.

Most importantly consider safety. You may be a strong swimmer in a pool but factor in the strong current pull of a river, cold temps and debris and you can easily get into trouble. Consider a bouyancy aid.

Finally tell someone where you are going and when you intend to be back.

 

[Ronnie]

As another Scuba Diver, I'd say look at a 5mm as an absolute minimum and semi-dry too.
you want to minimise the flushing action.
You want a good close fit too.
Personally I like Oceanic, as I find they fit me best, but most suits have a slightly different cut and you really need to try them on.

This

Flushing makes you cold. Avoid steamers - these are built for surfing, canoeing etc - not swimming. Consider a free-diving suit. Low buoyancy, no zips, no fasteners, warm, flexible, a total bitch to get into and out of. I like Cressi. What's your budget?

 

[DavidJT]

I think Decathlon do some good value suits that are designed for swimming in.

 

[widu13]

I've got one of their cheapest wetsuits, they are made for 20-25c water and are 1.5mm (might be 2mm) but it seems very thin. I looked at the cheap wetsuits that Aldi have in and they are much thicker but no good for swimming in. I'd give the cheapie Decathlon ones a miss and buy a branded one- it won't be cheap.