By combining the three sports of swimming, cycling and running, the triathlon requires specific equipment to enhance your overall race performance. During the swim, you wear a swim cap, goggles and a wetsuit. A wetsuit vest is designed with foamed neoprene to provide buoyancy, abrasion resistance and insulation in cold waters. Wearing the wetsuit vest for a triathlon includes more than just wearing it for the swimming phase. It includes putting it on properly and then efficiently taking it off as you transition to the cycling phase.
Step 1
Apply a skin lubricant to your upper body, including your neck, armpits, chest and arms. The skin lubricant reduces friction from the wetsuit vest to prevent blisters, chafing and irritation.
Step 2
Start the zipper on the wetsuit vest by hooking both ends of the zipper together.
Step 3
Slide your head and arms through the appropriate holes in the wetsuit vest. The zipper should be on your back.
Step 4
Zip the wetsuit vest. The vest should have a compression fit next to your skin.
Step 5
Pull the strap attached to the zipper as you finish the swim to start unzipping the wetsuit vest. You can also start taking off your goggles and swim cap.
Step 6
Slide your arms and head off the vest and place your goggles and swim cap in the vest.
Step 7
Rinse the wetsuit vest after the triathlon. Allow it to dry completely before storing or wearing.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice with the wetsuit vest and your transition from the swim to the bike before you participate in the triathlon. Consult the triathlon rules for any specific information regarding wetsuits. Wetsuit vests are optimal for triathlons where the swimming takes place in water over 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Things You'll Need
- Skin lubricant
- Wetsuit vest
- Goggles
- Swim cap
- Running water
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