When I’m discussing triathlons with people new to the sport, and even non-triathletes, the subject of wetsuits always comes up. They typically want to know how it makes you faster, when you can wear them, and how much they cost. So let me try to break this down in a Q&A format.How will I benefit from wearing a wetsuit?
Wearing a wetsuit designed for swimming will make you faster with less effort. The biggest thing that slows swimmers down is drag, and even more specifically, the drag caused by sinking hips. When tired, your hips and legs are not on the surface of the water. Since wetsuits make you more buoyant, you stay on top of the water and create less drag.
Secondly, wetsuits keep you warm. Not all triathlons are in the summer. Water temps can be in the 60s in early spring and late fall triathlons. If you plan on racing these event, you'll want a wetsuit.
When can I wear a wetsuit?
This is easy. USAT has established a set criteria for wetsuit usage. Wetsuits are legal in USAT sanctioned races if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower. If the water temperature is between 79-83 degrees, you may wear a wetsuit, however, you will not be eligible to win an award.
If the water temperature is 84 degrees or higher, wetsuits are prohibited because you run the risk of overheating. Race officials take official water temperature readings on race morning and make the announcement -- expect to hear a few boos or cheers, depending on the reading.
What kind of wetsuit should I buy and how much do they cost?
There are lots of choices: Blue Seventy, Ironman, Orca, 2XU, Xterra, Zoot, DeSoto, Quintana Roo, to name a few. Each manufacturer has its own sizing chart, so you'll want to try it on before purchasing. Wetsuits are supposed to fit super snug, like another layer of your skin, and there is a fine line between too tight and just right. If you've never tried on a tri wetsuit, I highly recommend you do so before purchasing. Prices range from approximately $150-$550.
Should I get a full suit or a sleeveless?
A wetsuit with sleeves is usually referred to as a full suit. Full suits will keep you warmer and are said to be faster because of the extra buoyancy. They also let less water in at the seals, which reduces weight and drag. The sleeveless wetsuit, usually referred to as a sleeveless or long john, will feel more comfortable in the water than a full suit because you have greater range in shoulder motion. In my opinion, a full suit isn't necessary in Charleston. The average water temps are just too high. With a sleeveless suit, your underarms are exposed to the water and that will help ensure your core temp doesn't get too high.
Do you have any other random tips or advice?
Yes, don’t wear a wetsuit in a pool. The chemicals can cause the seems to come unglued. If your short on funds, Inside Out Sports sells used wetsuits. Lastly, practice getting in and out of your wetsuit. You don't want to negate a great swim time because you couldn't get out of your wetsuit in T1.
This is easy. USAT has established a set criteria for wetsuit usage. Wetsuits are legal in USAT sanctioned races if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower. If the water temperature is between 79-83 degrees, you may wear a wetsuit, however, you will not be eligible to win an award.
If the water temperature is 84 degrees or higher, wetsuits are prohibited because you run the risk of overheating. Race officials take official water temperature readings on race morning and make the announcement -- expect to hear a few boos or cheers, depending on the reading.
What kind of wetsuit should I buy and how much do they cost?
There are lots of choices: Blue Seventy, Ironman, Orca, 2XU, Xterra, Zoot, DeSoto, Quintana Roo, to name a few. Each manufacturer has its own sizing chart, so you'll want to try it on before purchasing. Wetsuits are supposed to fit super snug, like another layer of your skin, and there is a fine line between too tight and just right. If you've never tried on a tri wetsuit, I highly recommend you do so before purchasing. Prices range from approximately $150-$550.
Should I get a full suit or a sleeveless?
A wetsuit with sleeves is usually referred to as a full suit. Full suits will keep you warmer and are said to be faster because of the extra buoyancy. They also let less water in at the seals, which reduces weight and drag. The sleeveless wetsuit, usually referred to as a sleeveless or long john, will feel more comfortable in the water than a full suit because you have greater range in shoulder motion. In my opinion, a full suit isn't necessary in Charleston. The average water temps are just too high. With a sleeveless suit, your underarms are exposed to the water and that will help ensure your core temp doesn't get too high.
Do you have any other random tips or advice?
Yes, don’t wear a wetsuit in a pool. The chemicals can cause the seems to come unglued. If your short on funds, Inside Out Sports sells used wetsuits. Lastly, practice getting in and out of your wetsuit. You don't want to negate a great swim time because you couldn't get out of your wetsuit in T1.
3 comments:
Maybe this goes without saying, but since there are some new tri folks reading (like me), I'll go ahead and say it. Although I agree that you shouldn't wear a wetsuit in the pool, it's still critical to train in one, at least a few times before a race. Even though I'm very comfortable in a wetsuit from scuba diving, I was surprised at the difference the suit made in my breathing, swimming range of motion, etc. Combine that with the "normal" stress of a standing start with 80 - 100 other people, and it makes for an interesting swim, to say the least.
interesting post and love the photos!!
keep tri-ing :)
This seems to be great site for Outdoor Leisure Products Wetsuit Accessories Full Length Wetsuit, Shorty Wetsuits, Scuba Diving wetsuits with super fast delivery.i had been relying on http://www.togga.co.uk/ earlier and they too offered good stuff.
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