A triathlon is a multisport race in which athletes complete swimming, cycling and running races consecutively. The distances involved vary according to the type of triathlon, but all triathlons test an athlete's endurance. Typically, the swimming section of a triathlon is performed in open water -- the sea or a lake, for example. In open water, athletes might choose to use a triathlon wetsuit instead of a regular swimming suit. Certain races place restrictions on whether triathletes may use wetsuits. These regulations are related to the temperature of the water.
Pro: Warmth
When open water is cold, a wetsuit will keep you relatively warm. According to a study reported in the July 2008 issue of the "Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports," being warmer during your open-water swim is advantageous. Being warmer during the swim allows you to propel yourself with a smaller degree of perceived physical effort and to conserve energy for the other sections of the triathlon. In very cold water, a wetsuit can prevent you from getting chilled or numb during an extensive swim.
Con: Transitions
In a triathlon, your overall race time includes the time it takes you to transition from one sport to the next. The time it takes you to get ready for cycling after swimming and to prepare for running after cycling is part of your overall race time. To complete the race in the shortest time, triathletes aim to minimize the time taken in transitions. Wearing a wetsuit for the swimming section of the triathlon will likely increase the time it takes you to transition from the swim to the cycling, as you will have to spend some time removing your wetsuit.
Pro: Efficiency
According to the July 2008 study reported by the "Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports," wearing a wetsuit increases your swimming efficiency during a triathlon. Although this study found that the swimming stroke length was the same whether an athlete was wearing a swimming suit or a wetsuit, those athletes wearing wetsuits were found to have a higher stroke rate. The wetsuit was found to reduce an athlete's overall energy consumption during a triathlon swim, resulting in a greater overall efficiency in swimming.
Con: Cost
Participating in a triathlon does not need to be very expensive, but the cost increases with the more specialized equipment you require for the race. In addition to race registration fees, for any triathlon you will need to buy or borrow something to wear while swimming, a bicycle and suitable running shoes. Purchasing a triathlon wetsuit is another expense to add to the total cost. As of January 2011, triathlon wetsuit prices started at a little over $100, but some cost closer to $1,000.
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