A triathlon-specific wetsuit is designed to be buoyant to help reduce energy, create less drag in the water to help increase your speed, and is designed to be removed more quickly during transition when compared to a surfing or diving wetsuit, says triathletestuff.com. There are dozens of brands of wetsuits and various styles from which to choose, and it can be daunting to choose one that is suitable for you.
Step 1
One of the first things to think about when choosing a wetsuit for triathlon is location. Where will you be doing the majority of your training and competing, warmer water or colder water? Will you be more comfortable in a full-length, long-sleeved wetsuit or sleeveless wetsuit? There are lots of triathlon-specific wetsuits to choose from, and having an idea of what kind you want can save you time.
Step 2
Determining your budget can also narrow your choices to the wetsuits most suited to your needs. Are you just starting out in triathlon and looking for a basic tri wetsuit that will do the job or are you more experienced and willing to spend more money for a wetsuit specially designed for speed and more range of motion?
Step 3
Assessing the thickness of the wetsuit is also a consideration. If you are competing in a triathlon that is sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union, wetsuits thicker than 5 mm are not allowed because of performance benefits. USA Triathlon passed a similar sanction, and as 2013, wetsuits thicker than 5 mm will not be allowed in USAT-sanctioned races. Depending on which races you participate in, a thicker wetsuit might not be a wise investment.
Step 4
Trying on the wetsuit and evaluating the fit is the most important part of choosing a triathlon wetsuit. Bikesportmichigan.com states that for a wetsuit to do its job properly, it needs to be snug so water will not pool in the wetsuit. Wearing your socks to help you get into the wetsuit more easily, pull the suit up your legs, making sure the crotch of the wetsuit is snug to your anatomical crotch. If it is too low, the top of the wetsuit will not fit correctly, says bikesportmichigan.com. That can impede your range of motion in the arms. Pull up the top of the wetsuit and put your arms through the sleeves or arm holes, depending on the kind of wetsuit. Pull up the sleeves so there is no space between your armpit and the wetsuit when you raise your arms. A good fit will be snug but not limit your range of motion.
Tips and Warnings
- Triplesportsonline.com recommends using a natural lubricant like BodyGlide to help make getting into your wetsuit less difficult. Applying it to your feet, wrists and ankles can help the neoprene glide over the skin more easily.
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