Swimming in an ocean or a river is significantly different from swimming in a pool. Factors such as weather, currents, water temperature and swells all impact your swimming performance, which are for the most part not a concern in pools. Wetsuits commonly are used by athletes, in particular triathletes, who must contend with these types of elements. The wetsuit offers the swimmer protection and can help improve his performance.
Wetsuits
Wetsuits are used by triathletes, surfers, scuba divers, swimmers and others who swim in ocean or river waters. The wetsuit serves to protect your body from the various elements that exist in natural bodies of water. Typically made from neoprene or other similar synthetic materials, a wetsuit fits tightly to your body and covers from neck to thigh, neck to knees or neck to feet. Some wetsuits also feature head protection. Most wetsuits are one-piece garments that zip up on the back.
Benefits
A wetsuit is worn for several reasons. First, it helps keep your body warm by insulating your body heat. Ocean and river water temperatures often are well below average pool water temperatures, which can cause hypothermia. Second, a properly fitted wetsuit can potentially reduce your competitive swim times by 20 percent, according to TriFuel.com. The wetsuit's material makes your body more buoyant, thereby reducing the amount of drag created when swimming. Last, a wetsuit helps protect your skin from scratches and cuts that can be caused by branches, rocks and other potentially dangerous objects commonly found in natural bodies of water.
Wetsuit Guidelines
If you have never swam in a wetsuit, there are some basic guidelines to familiarize yourself with. Put on a wetsuit carefully and take care not to pull on the suit too harshly, as the sensitive material can easily tear. Step into a wetsuit and gather the full garment around your legs, then slowly work the material up along your body. Don't try to put on a wetsuit when you are wet. Water or perspiration make it difficult to slip the suit on and would require a lot of pulling. To reduce any chaffing caused by a wetsuit, apply a non-petroleum-based ointment to body parts that are prone to irritation. The ointment also can help you get the suit off after your swim. Rinse the wetsuit off after use, especially if you swam in salt water, then hang up the wetsuit and let it dry on its own.
Buying Tips
Consider how much you are willing to spend on a wetsuit before giving in to marketing gimmicks that drive up the prices. Take into consideration how much use you think you'll get out of a wetsuit and whether you are using it for recreational or competitive purposes. Then consider the type of wetsuit style you want. You can choose from full-body wetsuits and partial wetsuits, either of which might be long- or short-sleeved. The stretch-grading of a wetsuit, as well as its buoyancy and thickness, all greatly impact the purchase price. The more flexible, buoyant and thick a wetsuit, the higher its price. Ultimately, you should decide on which wetsuit to get based on comfort and overall fit.
Member Comments