Triathlon Wetsuits
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How can you swim faster with a wetsuit?
If you spend most of your time swimming as opposed to falling in…then you would appreciate the added bouyancy and speed advantage of a wetsuit that is designed for swimming. The gas bubbles within the neoprene give sufficient bouyancy to raise your body position in the water thereby reducing drag and improving speed.
But these advantages are lost when a wetsuit has the wrong neoprene and the wrong type of seams which can leak and add to the drag effect and even chafe the wearer.
It is vital that the wetsuit chosen for swimming is a proper fit and sealed to retain the layer of warm water trapped between the body and the wetsuit.
A wetsuit may look OK for swimming but it may not have the special seals that prevent water getting in through the neck, sleeves and legs. This will not only slow you down you will also lose body heat too. Arm and leg mobility is important too as you would quickly get tired trying to swim with inflexible sleeves and legs.
Not all wetsuits are suitable for effortless swimming (Either Recreational or Triathlon) where the the swimmer needs not only comfort and speed but ease of transition to their bike when time could be lost getting out of a wetsuit. It should not be a struggle, that’s why triathletes prefer a long back zipper to help the suit over their hips and ankle zippers to make getting in out of a full wetsuit so much easier. Some designs also have long zippers on the thighs for the same reason.
Another feature of wetsuits designed for swimming is that they have a Slick outer surface which is smoother than human skin whch also reduces drag. Another innovation is Fin Skin Neoprene panels on the lower shins which has grooves which direct the flow of water to give added thrust.
As with other water sports the range of types and styles available for swimming and triathlon in different temperatures and and conditions make it difficult for a beginner to decide whether to buy a Full suit or a Long John suit. If you are an all year round swimmer then you will need at least both types of wetsuit if you want to extend your swimming season throughout the the year.
Triathlon suits are different from any other type of wetsuit- The four major features are:
Triathlon wetsuits have super bouyant neoprene panels.
Triathlon wetsuits have a slickskin exterior for frictionless gliding through the water
Triathlon wetsuits are made from high grade stretch neoprene so they fit like a glove
Triathlon wetsuits enable freedom of movement
One feature not discussed here so far is the inner linings of wetsuits (sometimes called the jersey) which has an impact on the stretchiness and flexibility of a wetsuit. The terms used to describe this are:
2 Way Stretch:
Made from a Super stretch material that is twice as stretchy as a standard wetsuit
4 Way Stretch:
Made from a Super stretch material that is 4 times as stretchy as a standard wetsuit
6 Way Stretch:
Made from a Super stretch material that is 6 times as stretchy as a standard wetsuit
Full Suits are for water temperatures below 60 degrees F
There is more rubber in a full suit which adds to the bouyancy and drag is reduced as full suits let in less water in at the seals.
Long John wetsuits are sleeveless for water temperatures above 60 degrees F
The sleeveless design affords flexibilility and increased mobility. They are also easier to remove!
Don’t Forget Your Head!
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As most of your body heat is lost through your head it makes sense to protect it too!
Taking care of your wetsuit
If using the wetsuit in salt water or after contact with chlorine, always rinse the wetsuit with fresh water and drip dry on a wide coat hanger Never leave your wetsuit to dry in the sun, as the sun will age the suit material prematurely. After using your wetsuit don’t leave it inside out, as this will cause the material to stick to itself and cause permanent wrinkles.
For a comprehensive range of Men’s and Women’s Triathlon Wetsuits go to The Wetsuit Wearhouse
Warning
Swimming / Triathlon wetsuits cannot be used for any other sporting activities except swimming. The coated neoprene is delicate and will easily puncture if diving or surfing.
