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Wetsuit Selection and Care

Introduction: Your Buoyancy and Warmth Aid

For most open water triathlons, particularly in cooler waters, a wetsuit is a crucial piece of gear. It provides significant buoyancy, helping you maintain a better body position with less effort, and offers thermal insulation against the cold. Choosing the right wetsuit and caring for it properly ensures comfort, performance, and longevity. This guide covers key aspects of wetsuit selection and maintenance.

Why Use a Triathlon Wetsuit?

  • Buoyancy: Neoprene traps air, lifting your legs and hips higher in the water. This reduces drag and allows you to focus more energy on propulsion rather than just staying afloat, saving energy for the bike and run.
  • Warmth: Traps a thin layer of water between the suit and your body, which your body heat warms up, providing insulation against cold water temperatures.
  • Speed: The combination of improved body position (buoyancy) and reduced drag (smooth outer skin, known as SCS coating on many suits) generally makes swimmers faster compared to swimming without a wetsuit (non-elite swimmers often see significant time gains).
  • Triathlon-Specific Design: Compared to surfing or diving wetsuits, triathlon wetsuits are designed for maximum flexibility, especially in the shoulders and arms, to allow for an unrestricted swim stroke. They also feature quick-release zippers and ankle panels for faster removal in T1.

Types of Triathlon Wetsuits

  • Full Sleeve: Offers maximum warmth and buoyancy covering the entire arms and legs. Generally considered the fastest type due to increased surface area and buoyancy. Preferred by most in typical race conditions.
  • Sleeveless (Long John): Covers the legs and torso but leaves the arms bare. Offers slightly less buoyancy and warmth but provides maximum shoulder freedom, preferred by some swimmers who feel restricted by full sleeves or for warmer water conditions where full sleeves might cause overheating.
  • Shorty (Rare in Triathlon): Covers torso and upper arms/legs. Offers minimal buoyancy/warmth and is generally not used for racing.

Selecting the Right Wetsuit: Fit is King!

Proper fit is the MOST important factor. A poorly fitting wetsuit can hinder performance and comfort significantly.

  • Snug but Not Constricting: The suit should feel tight like a second skin when dry, but not restrict breathing or circulation. There should be no large gaps or folds where water can pool, especially around the neck, armpits, crotch, and back zipper.
  • Shoulder Mobility: You should be able to perform a full range of motion with your arms overhead without excessive restriction. Mimic your swim stroke out of the water.
  • Neck Seal: Should be snug to minimize water entry but not uncomfortably tight or chafing.
  • Length: Sleeves (if full) should end at the wrist bone. Legs should end above the ankle bone to facilitate quick removal.
  • Try Before Buying (Highly Recommended): If possible, try on different brands and sizes. Sizing charts are helpful but individual body shapes vary. Some shops offer demo days or rentals.
  • Putting it On: Wetsuits can be tricky to put on, especially when dry. Take your time, work the material up gradually in small sections, starting at the ankles. Use plastic bags or socks on feet/hands to help slide them through. Avoid using fingernails, which can tear the delicate neoprene.

Material, Thickness, and Features

  • Neoprene Quality: Higher-end suits often use more flexible and buoyant types of neoprene (like Yamamoto #39 or #40) in key areas like shoulders and arms.
  • Thickness Variation: Triathlon wetsuits typically use varying thicknesses – thicker panels (up to 5mm, the legal limit) in the chest and legs for buoyancy and warmth, thinner panels (1.5-3mm) in the shoulders and arms for flexibility.
  • Surface Coating (SCS): Many suits have a slick outer coating (Super Composite Skin) to reduce drag in the water. This coating is delicate and prone to fingernail tears.
  • Zipper: Most triathlon wetsuits have a reverse zipper (zips top-down) with a long lanyard for easy unzipping in T1.
  • Ankle/Wrist Cuffs: Designed for quick release during removal.

Wetsuit Care and Maintenance

Proper care extends the life of your wetsuit significantly.

  • Rinse Thoroughly: ALWAYS rinse your wetsuit inside and out with fresh, cold water immediately after every use (especially after salt water or chlorine).
  • Hand Wash Only: Never put your wetsuit in a washing machine or dryer. If needed, use a specialized wetsuit shampoo, rinse thoroughly.
  • Dry Properly: Hang to dry inside-out first, then right-side-out. Use a wide hanger (wetsuit specific hanger is best) to avoid creasing or stretching the shoulders. Keep out of direct sunlight, as UV rays degrade neoprene. Ensure it's completely dry before storing.
  • Storage: Store flat or loosely folded in a cool, dry place, or hung on a proper wide hanger. Avoid compressing it under heavy objects.
  • Avoid Heat: Keep away from heat sources (radiators, hot cars).
  • Fingernail Tears: Be careful putting on/taking off. Small tears can often be repaired with wetsuit cement/glue (Neoprene Queen, AquaSeal).
  • Lubricant/Anti-Chafe: Use only water-based or wetsuit-specific lubricants. Petroleum-based products (like Vaseline) damage neoprene.

Race Rules (Temperature)

Governing bodies (like USA Triathlon, World Triathlon) have rules regarding wetsuit use based on water temperature. Generally:

  • Wetsuit Mandatory: Below a certain temperature (e.g., ~60°F / 15.5°C).
  • Wetsuit Legal (Optional): Within a specific range (e.g., up to ~78°F / 25.5°C for age groupers in USAT long course).
  • Wetsuit Prohibited: Above a certain temperature (as they provide a significant speed advantage and overheating risk increases).

Always check the specific rules for your race! Temperature thresholds can vary slightly by governing body and race distance.

Conclusion

A well-chosen and properly cared-for triathlon wetsuit is a valuable asset, providing warmth, buoyancy, and speed in open water swims. Prioritize fit above all else when selecting your suit. Understand the different types and features available based on your needs and budget. By following proper care instructions – rinsing, drying, and storing correctly – you can ensure your wetsuit performs well and lasts for many seasons.