THE DOJO OPEN WATER

I took advantage of a sale to order an XLS. I'm at the minimum height and maximum weight for the size, and fit is hit or miss. I fit a 2 mm XLS Dante, comfortable once on, and have a much-liked 3 mm XXLS Tumo, plus a couple of XLS Tumo shorties. The Dojo's slippery lining, typical of Matuse, makes getting it on and off a dream. (A popular brand with fuzzy carpeting all the way down the legs has proven impossible for me, at least, to get on). The only hitch with the Dojo was the back zip, which was balky about getting started. This morning, I gave it another try, first with the zip up a bit, which un-balked it. Then a try with the zip all the way down and some care to get the suit fully "on" in the torso and shoulders. Another success. A bit of recent weight loss and a bunch of swimming may have helped. My Florida body did not quite like it in 60º air and probably 75º water, but my first swim, with about 4' surf and Yucca fins, was utterly comfortable in terms of fit and flexibility. It'll be a first choice for cool swims and bodysurfing.

It is remarkably lightweight. I wish that were the case with more surfing-type wetsuits.

The Dojo is warm, (relatively so, in Ireland’s winter water temp) flexible and light. Excellent service. Prompt delivery. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Matuse.

Almost a dozen seasons later, my DOJO is still going strong. Super-comfy. It’s warm when the water is cold (55f), but won’t cook you during the late season races. Very flexible with buoyancy in all the right places. Comfortable for training and racing. Love it!