Do the sleeves make it harder to swim?
356636
No (though my daughter doesn't swim great yet). The sui wet suit is quite right and doesn't drag too much.
356637
Not at all. They are rather tight. It really is like a thicker second skin. My little one has no trouble at all. She actually loves the suit because it keeps her warm when we kayak cold mountain waters.
356638
My 3yo wears size 4 currently as Amazon only carried even-numbered sizes. It's a good fit though for her and she is a beginner swimmer (knows her basic strokes & swims unaided in pool for short distances). The sleeves have not been an issue. It really has kept her warm on the windy days and she can last 3x longer than before at the pool. Winner in my books.
356639
In size 6 there was no problem with movements while swimming. And they are doing a lot of free style etc, no trouble at all. The smaller tighter size 4 was little uncomfortable in this way. Id say the way size 6 fits my kid is like on the picture of the girl for this item here on amazon.
356640
Not that we've noticed. The sleeves are soft enough that the arms still have full range of motion.
356641
Sleeves cut and attached to allow free arm and shoulder movement. Do not hamper swimming motion.
1276410
I found them to be pretty heavy actually. I don't think they would work very well snorkling. They are basically a training aid to learn to swim better but I guess you could give it a try.
293121
The Suit can be used in cold weather in the water however I did find it difficult to get my shoulders inside of the suits perhaps since you're getting an extra large it'll be easier however the fact that she had a stroke may make it even more difficult that maybe something you want to consider. it's very difficult getting your shoulders in and especially out.
285462
I have used this suit for my first 4 triathlons (spanning 3 years), and for training for them (in open water). I've used it in the summer in lakes in inland Michigan and Illinois, in Lake Michigan, and in the ocean in northern California. I find I'd want sleeves for water colder than 60 deg. F, and may buy another suit. It has held up very well (no issues with suit, zippers, etc.).
1473447
The vest I ordered was too small and seemed very stiff. I doubt if you could swim in it because it basically keeps your head and shoulders out of the water; I guess, just as a lifejacket is suppose to do. I hope this helps you with your decision.
974635
It would be almost impossible unless you were a strong swimmer using swim fins
342086
Can't say. I do yoga and pilates to keep my lower back stable. Haven't noticed any effect with the sleeves.
1250783
Amazon sent me an email to answer this and I can't but I can say that the wetsuit is thick enough to work. We went to lake Michigan this summer and the water was very cold (I never went in) but my incredibly wussy, wimpy daughter did and was warm enough in it! :)
268840
You can use it for lap swimming but should note that the ribbing on teh edge of the sleeves and the legs is a bit tight...even with many uses, I found them tight.
2029685
I haven't had any problem at all, and I kind of like that the buttons on the iPod are stiffer than usual. This way they don't accidentally push if I lean my head against the side of the pool or hot tub.
376429
No, not at all. I use it in and out of the water. The swim cap can actually cause the earphones to fit awkwardly requiring occasional adjustment. You will probably have a better fit without a cap. That's just my opinion.
2165407
Swimming might prove a tad difficult. They are flexible enough for that but it wouldn't be something I would do numerous laps in.
924982
The palm is thick, the top is neoprene. We use them to water ski, so we don't deal with cold all that much. We use them for blisters. I would think they would help with cold, tho. We use wetsuits when the water is cold, and you still feel the cold of the water, it's just that the wetsuit holds the water on your skin and your body heat warms warms it and keeps you warmer. I would think these would do the same. At least you know they are for the water and they dry quickly.
181713
I believe you can swim with it on. There is a commercial with a former Olympic swimmer, that shows her coming out of a swimming pool, with one on. I have tried other support sleeves, but this is the best one I have ever used.
191784
Yes, but they don't have sleeves the way a shirt does. Everyone in my family (6' adult to 6 year old) was wearing long sleeves on a cool day that became rainy, and we were dry from about the knees up. we were glad we had them, and even dried them out and packed them into plastic bags for next time.
149335
It might be easier if you are a fast swimmer. I swim laps with mine but I am a slow swimmer. The vest is a little restrictive but does keep me warm. Thanks
225014
Nope. It has an elastic fabric covered band at the top of the arm portion that holds it in place well enough since the sleeves fit snugly on the arms, like a wet suit.