Triathlon wetsuit care
How do you take good care of your triathlon wetsuit? We outline the steps you need to take to make your wetsuit last longer.
Why should you take care of your triathlon wetsuit?
A wetsuit is a crucial piece of kit for any triathlete who swims in open water. They can also be a costly investment so you’ll want it to last for as long as possible. It is therefore very important to take care of your triathlon wetsuit. You don’t want to have to buy a new wetsuit because you accidentally tore a hole in your old suit.
If you take good care of your triathlon wetsuit it should last you for many years. Another reason to look after your wetsuit is that as a high-tech piece of kit it will lose its performance benefits over time. We explain the steps you need to take to keep your triathlon wetsuit performing at the highest level.
How to make your wetsuit last longer
Clean regularly
It is important to clean your wetsuit after every time you use it. Sand and saltwater can severely affect the lifespan of your wetsuit. You won’t need to use any chemicals, simply rinse it with fresh water inside and out. An easy way to do this is by taking it into the shower with you. Lastly, never put your wetsuit in a washing machine as they can damage every part of the suit.
Dry fully
Your wetsuit can develop mold if it is still damp when you put it away. To avoid this, hang it inside out after rinsing until it is fully dry. Then, flip it the right way around and allow the outside to dry. Try to keep it out of direct sunlight and don’t use a tumble dryer as excessive heat can damage the suit.
Store properly
It may be tempting to just shove your wetsuit into a drawer, but you can damage it if stored incorrectly. You can hang it, but make sure you use a wide wetsuit-specific hanger as regular coat hangers can stretch the neoprene. Alternatively, you can carefully fold it without creating hard creases. Then, place it in a bag whilst not being used to protect it from getting damaged.
Avoid petroleum-based products
Wetsuit burn on the neck is a common problem for triathletes and many turn to Vaseline to help reduce friction. However, petroleum-based lubricants can cause serious damage to the seams and neoprene. For this reason, you should use a product like Body Glide to protect yourself and take care of your triathlon wetsuit.
Put on carefully
The easiest time to damage a wetsuit is when you are putting it on or taking it off. Try and avoid putting it on in a rush as you can rip the suit with your fingernails if you’re not careful. Remove your watch and any jewelry before pulling it on as they can also rip the neoprene. Additionally, don’t lend your wetsuit to anyone else as they can stretch it if they are a different size to you.
How to put on a wetsuit correctly
- Start with putting your feet in one at a time. You can wear socks or a plastic bag to help the wetsuit slide on more easily.
- Next, pull the wetsuit slowly up your legs and over your hips until there are no wrinkles.
- Then, put your arms in one at a time, making sure to pull the suit all the way to your shoulder before starting on the other arm. Take extra care here, as the neoprene on the arms is thinner and more likely to rip.
- Pull up any excess material and make sure you can move comfortably.
- Finally, carefully zip up the suit or ask a friend to help you, as it can be easy to break the zipper if you use too much force.
- If you take care when putting on your triathlon wetsuit it will last far longer.
Triathlon Wetsuit 101
What is a triathlon wetsuit?
A triathlon wetsuit is different from normal wetsuits in that it is built for speed and comfort. Firstly, it is flexible around the shoulders so it won’t restrict your swim stroke. It also comes with a smooth coating on the outside that reduces the resistance between you and the water. Furthermore, a triathlon wetsuit is thin around the arms and legs to make it quick and easy to remove in transition.
Different types of triathlon wetsuit
Fullsuit
The most common type of wetsuit is a full suit, meaning it covers your entire body apart from your face, hands, and feet. Almost all triathletes use a full suit as it maximizes the benefits you get from the wetsuit.
Sleeveless
Sleeveless wetsuits are full length in the legs but cut off at the shoulders. These do not provide as much warmth, but allow a greater range of motion for your stroke and are easier to remove. You may prefer a sleeveless wetsuit if you swim in slightly warmer waters.
Benefits of a wetsuit
Warmth
The main benefit of a wetsuit is that it keeps you warm. This is because of the main material neoprene, which is full of small air pockets that make it both warm and buoyant. In a triathlon race, the water temperature could be as low as 50°F (10°C), so a wetsuit will allow you to swim safely for longer.
Speed
Wetsuits also allow you to swim faster as they make you more buoyant. This keeps you in a horizontal position, which is more efficient than if your legs drop. This can be especially helpful for beginner swimmers who struggle to keep their legs high enough. Furthermore, triathlon wetsuits are coated in Super Composite Skin, a material that reduces drag from the water making you more hydrodynamic.
What makes a good triathlon wetsuit?
Fit
Good fit is the most important thing to look for in a triathlon wetsuit. A well-fitting wetsuit should feel tight but not too restricting. This will keep you warm and allow you to move your arms freely. Remember that the neoprene will stretch when it is wet so it should feel snug while dry.
If the suit is too tight then it can make it difficult to breathe or cause chafing around the neck. Similarly, if the wetsuit is too big then it can billow out and slow you down in the water.
It can be tricky to find the right size wetsuit, as everyone has a different body type. Most wetsuit manufacturers offer a wide range of sizes that are categorized by weight as well as height. Make sure you are happy with the fit and return it if it doesn’t feel right. Many retailers offer returns even for suits that have been used in the water to help you get the right fit.
We recommend buying from a triathlon wetsuit specialist if you can. A triathlon-specific wetsuit will offer a far better fit for swimming than a wetsuit designed for snorkeling or surfing. For example, Roka use an “arms-up” construction for their wetsuits, meaning they are designed with the arms above your head rather than at your side. This reduces the shoulder fatigue you may feel during your swim stroke.
If you’re looking to buy a new wetsuit, we have compiled a list of the best triathlon wetsuits at various price points. To find the right wetsuit for you check out our buyer’s guide here.
Material
A good triathlon wetsuit will be made out of high-quality materials. The best neoprene is more flexible and provides better heat retention than lower quality neoprene. High-end triathlon wetsuits use neoprene from a Japanese company called Yamamoto. They make a variety of types of neoprene with different levels of strength, buoyancy, and flexibility. The best triathlon wetsuit will use more buoyant neoprene on the chest and legs and more flexible neoprene on the arms.
Triathlon wetsuit rules
There are various rules that you should be aware of if you have entered a triathlon featuring an open water swim. Firstly, the temperature of the water may restrict wetsuit use. For example, if the water temperature is below 61°F (16°C) then wetsuits are mandatory. Similarly, if the temperature exceeds 84°F (29°C) then wetsuits are not allowed. For a full description of all the rules regarding triathlon wetsuits click here.
Ready for Open-water swimming?
Now that you know how to take care of your triathlon wetsuit you can be confident in taking it for a swim. However, open-water swimming can be daunting for some triathletes. A swim buoy is a great tool for giving you confidence in the water and making your swim safer. They are brightly colored inflatables that you pull along behind you to make yourself more visible. Check out our buyer’s guide for a breakdown of the best swim buoys for triathletes and some tips for open-water swimming.
You will also need some triathlon-specific goggles to help improve your vision in the water. Many of them use large polarized lenses that make it far easier to see when bright light is reflecting off the water. For a guide to the best triathlon goggles on the market click here.
Email: contact@smarttriathlete.com