A wetsuit will provide you with warmth and buoyancy, which in turn will help you conserve energy and bring your swim time down, advises John Mora in “Triathlon 101.” Sarah Lieneke-Nickle of Beginner Triathlete recommends using a triathlon-specific suit in lieu of a diving or surfing suit because the neoprene in the other types often is less flexible and doesn’t accommodate the motion of swimming, especially in your shoulder area. This piece of triathlon equipment can be expensive, however, and is a bulky item to travel with. Properly packing your wetsuit will help preserve your investment. The best way to bring a wetsuit along is unfolded in a garment bag, but if this isn’t possible, you can use some easy steps to save packing space.
Step 1
Ensure that your wetsuit is dry before you pack it. Hang it to dry on a padded hanger, not a wire one, advises USA Triathlon. Once dry, put a light coating of bar soap on your zipper. This will make it work smoothly and will wash off easily and quickly, advises the Bike Sport website.
Step 2
Turn your wetsuit inside-out. This will help to avoid chipping the neoprene skin on your suit.
Step 3
Lay your wetsuit on a towel. Fold cross the arms of your suit diagonally over the chest.
Step 4
Fold the ankles of your wetsuit to its neck. Finally, fold the midsection to the neck, advises USA Triathlon. Do not fold it lengthwise, meaning from one side to the other. This will cause creases to form in your wetsuit, according to the All Wetsuits website.
Step 5
Roll your suit loosely and gently in the towel. Do not crumple your suit, which also can form creases. Creases can cause your suit to lose effectiveness and insulation, according to Scuba Diving Smiles.
Step 6
Place your suit in its own gear bag or into a plastic bin, if possible. If not, pack it so it does not come into contact with any sharp edges.
Tips and Warnings
- Never leave a folded wetsuit in direct sunlight or a hot car. This can cause the rubber in your suit to fuse, according to USA Triathlon.
Things You'll Need
- Towel
- Bar of soap
- Gear bag or plastic bin
- Padded hanger
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