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
One goal of a wetsuit is to increase warmth, buoyancy and full stroke motion.
- 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.
- 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.
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
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
- 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.
- 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.