Getting a wetsuit on and off can be a huge pain. While the tight, form-fitting suits can be a lifesaver in cold water and are necessary for a lot of diving and scuba activities, they are far from easy to get in or out of. The task becomes even more difficult if either the suit or the person trying to put it on is already wet.

1.Put Rushguard gear on
If desired, put on your protective gear now. This often includes a rashguard or rash suit usually made of Lycra. Of course, some people prefer to only wear their bathing suits, or even nothing at all.

 2.Unzip the wetsuit

You'll want to make sure that the suit is fully unzipped. With most wetsuits, the zipper will go in the back. If there are any hitches or kinks in the zipper, work them out now.

3.Start with your feet and legs
Once you have the wetsuit lined up, pull your wetsuit over your foot and ankle, gradually working it up over the knee one leg at a time. Make sure that any wetsuit padding is properly aligned. There shouldn't be any large wrinkles or folds. Once the wetsuit is up around mid thigh, switch to the other leg.

If either you or the wetsuit is wet and you have difficulty pulling it on, consider

using plastic bags or socks on your feet. This can make it easier.Work out rolls and ripples in the wetsuit as you move up your legs.

4.Pull over your hips and torso next

Once the suit is past mid thigh on both legs, gently pull the suit past your hips until the seam is nestled snugly in your crotch. Now pull the suit up over your torso and onto your shoulders. Your crotch shouldn't be pinched, but you shouldn't have any loose fabric or pockets either. It should feel like a firm second skin.You can jump up and down to make sure that the fit is right.

Loose pockets will circulate cold water, ruining the purpose of the wetsuit. 

The wetsuit shouldn't overly constrict movement either. If it feels too tight or like you can't move, take it off and get a bigger size before you waste more time.

5.Insert one arm at a time
Use the same method that you did with your legs. Be careful with fingernails on the fabric.Gently pull the suit up your arms and then lift it onto your chest. Just like it was with your crotch, you'll want the wetsuit to be snug and tight without constricting movement.

6.zip up
If you have a rear-zip wetsuit, have a friend help you zip up. Reaching and trying to zip it yourself can put strain on both the zipper and suit.

7.Lock it up
Your suit should have Velcro fastenings over the zipper and at the neck area. Close these fastenings to prevent the zipper from unzipping and make your suit more watertight.

8.Check the fit. 

Walk around, raise your knees, rotate your shoulders, bend your arms, and maybe do a few jumps or squats. While you should be able to feel the snugness of the wetsuit, your movement shouldn't be overly constricted. You shouldn't have any big pockets or loose areas either.If your movement is constricted, take the suit off and get a bigger one.If you have large pockets or loose areas, take the suit off and get a smaller one.

Finish up
Now that the suit is on and you have confirmed that it is properly sized.
Congrats. Enjoy the water!