BlueSeventy Thermal Helix wetsuit

On first appearance the Blueseventy Thermal Helix looks like any other wetsuit. However inside it has the added feature of an orange jersey lining, which is supposed to provide extra warmth without absorbing water. The suit felt slightly different against the skin due to this extra inner layer, but was very comfortable and flexible. It was true to size for my measurements and easy to do up with a bottom to top zip. I tried the suit out in 12 degree water in a lido, along with neoprene thermal gloves, boots and a hat. My position in the water felt good and there seemed to be plenty of room around the shoulders and my stroke did not feel restricted at all. It didn’t feel like I was wearing a different suit to my regular one but I definitely found the Thermal Helix kept me warmer – and crucially allowed me to stay in the water longer. I usually find low temperatures hard to deal with, partly due to a medical condition but also because I simply don’t like the cold.

At over £500 the Thermal Helix is quite pricey, but I would say it is a good investment for anyone who wants to extend their open water swimming season to the colder months.