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Are you looking to stay warm during your open water swim, or swim faster but don't know the first thing about wetsuits? Look no further! We have put together a quick guide that will help learn more about wetsuits and which one is right for you.

Advantages of a Wetsuit

Warmth
  • The neoprene rubber of a wetsuit allows a little bit of water to come in contact with the skin and creates a very warm insulated layer.
​​Increases speed
  • Increase your 1500m time by 2 to 3 minutes!
  • The material, a very buoyant neoprene rubber infused with air bubbles, adds buoyancy, decreases hydrodynamic resistance with a very slippery material, and helps displace more water. 
  • One side is raw rubber and coated with a low friction coating called "composite skin". It's like a non-stock coating for pans. Makes it slippery, stretchy & fast.
Fit
One goal of a wetsuit is to increase warmth, buoyancy and full stroke motion. 
  • Fits like a “second skin” by contouring the body. 
    • There should be little or no air pockets
    • As a test, pull your wetsuit where your belly is, there should be some suction.
    • Good seal at the neck.
  • Too small? 
    • Vertically (crotch to torso) will feel very uncomfortable.
    • Pulling down of the shoulders.
    • Pulling up of the crotch.
  • Too big?
    • Folds or wrinkles of rubber in midsection, rear or crotch.
    • Lots of air pockets. 
    • Get the smallest size that fits.​

Full vs. Sleeveless Wetsuit

Wearing a wetsuit is optional for most races. But you would be crazy not to take advantage of the warmth and speed! Once the water reaches a certain temperature, usually 75F, wearing a wetsuit becomes dangerous because you may become too warm and overheat. 

There are two main types of wetsuits; full sleeved or sleeveless. Below are their advantages and disadvantages
Full
  • Cold to moderate temperatures (50-78F)
  • Faster
  • More buoyancy and more hydrodynamic.
  • Less water entry. 2-3 minutes faster over 1,500 meters 
Sleeveless
  • Warmer temperatures (66 to mid-80F).
  • Not as buoyant & arguably more flexible.​

Accessories​

Trislide
  • A spray on application that helps making a wetsuit easier to get on and off for a better transition.
Bodyglide
  • Some chafing can occur even in a properly fit wetsuit, especially in the back of the neck. Using Bodyglide will reduce or eliminate chafing. ​​

Wetsuit Care Instructions​

  • Fingernail tears can be a common occurrence from normal wear & tear. It can be easily repaired with wetsuit glue.
  • Rinse with cool fresh water every use.
  • Dry inside out away from the sun.
  • Do not dry on hanger but rather folded over towel rack or shower door.
  • When dry, store lightly folded and flat or on a thick coat hanger. Don't put heavy things on top of it.
  • No petroleum based lubricants. Use Bodyglide to protect from chafing and to ease your suit on & off. 
  • Not recommended for use in chlorinated pools.
  • Use only for non-contact water sports.

Wetsuits 101

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