How many mm is a triathlon wetsuit?
The maximum legal thickness for competitions is 5mm, but different areas of the wetsuit may have varying thicknesses: Thicker neoprene (4-5mm) in the torso and lower body enhances buoyancy. Thinner neoprene (1-2mm) in the shoulders and arms improves flexibility and stroke efficiency. A 7mm is generally recommended for water temps between 50 and 70 F, but individual cold tolerance varies so dramatically that some will be fine at 50 and below even in a 5mm, while others will want a drysuit at 70. For me, in the local temperatures, a 5mm is not enough but a 7mm generally is.Colder temperatures or middle-long distances Moderate climes of 10 – 19°C necessitate a wetsuit of at least 3mm/2mm thickness. If you want a suit that can cope with both moderate and colder water, or suffer from the cold more easily, then look for a suit with a 4mm or 5mm neoprene thickness.If you’re primarily in warmer waters, a 3mm suit should be sufficient, if you’re primarily in waters where temperatures hover around the mid-teens, a 4mm suit should be more than enough. But if you plan to tackle cold waters or winter waves, a 5mm wetsuit will keep you toasty and ready for anything.Your body heats that water, and the neoprene helps retain the warmth. The thicker the neoprene, the warmer you will be, so thicker wetsuits are better suited for colder water.There are four key attributes to consider when selecting the right wetsuit: Warmth, Flexibility, Durability, and Fit. Balancing these four attributes makes the perfect wetsuit.
What is the difference between a triathlon wetsuit and a regular wetsuit?
One of the most critical differences between triathlon race wetsuits and open water wetsuits lies in the flexibility of the shoulders. Triathletes need a wetsuit that allows them to move their arms freely and efficiently without restricting their stroke. With good care before, during and after your swim, a triathlon wetsuit should last for a good few years without any notable drop in performance. However, they can also be delicate and wear easily if adequate care isn’t taken.Wetsuits are designed to help keep a swimmer warm. For age groupers, USA Triathlon requires wetsuits when the water temperature in an event is below 60. Fahrenheit. At most races, age-group athletes are permitted to wear wetsuits, up to 5 millimeters thick, in water up to 83 degrees.These garments called triathlon suits or ‘swim skins’ are thinner than wetsuits and are made of water-repellent fabrics. Triathlon suits are less popular than wetsuits as they guarantee glide but do not offer thermal protection and are used by the most demanding athletes for ‘fast’ races.You can opt to wear your usual swimsuit, jammers or Speedos. Or you can wear a tri suit. Come race day, the most efficient option is to wear a tri suit under your wetsuit. This means you won’t have to waste any time changing kit between the swim and the bike.
Should you size up or down in triathlon wetsuits?
Try one size under. If the arms bind and the chest feels compressed, go one size up. Good triathlon wetsuit fit also relates to arm circumference. The neoprene should be nice and snug around the arms. There are four key attributes to consider when selecting the right wetsuit: Warmth, Flexibility, Durability, and Fit.Whatever you use your wetsuit for, the most important thing to get right is the fit. Your wetsuit should feel snug and tight all over. If there’s excess material in places like the neck and cuffs, it will let water in and negate all its insulating properties. Don’t be too taken aback by the tightness of a wetsuit.Make sure to check the fit of the chest area when trying on a wetsuit to ensure you can breathe easily and move freely. The Waist -The wetsuit should fit snugly around your waist, again with no gaps or excess material.So, do you put on a wetsuit wet or dry? Totally up to you. But we hope that by the time you’ve finished reading this post, you’ll know that in order to save yourself time and grief, it’s simply easier to get into a wetsuit when you’re wet and to get into a dry wetsuit when you’re dry.Cool Water (12-16°C): For moderately cold water, a wetsuit with a thickness of around 3-4mm is suitable. This balance offers sufficient warmth while still allowing for good flexibility. Warm Water (16-20°C): In warmer conditions, a thinner wetsuit (2-3mm) is ideal.
How to pick a triathlon wetsuit?
The best wetsuits for triathlon enhance your experience in the open water by helping you float at the surface and keeping you warm in cold temperatures; it should allow full stroke mobility through the shoulders and avoid excessive tightness in the chest for ease of breathing; it should feel like a secure second skin . Whether it’s water from the swim or perspiration built up on the bike and run, a triathlon suit is breathable, and will help keep you dry and comfortable throughout the race (regardless of its distance or duration).The best wetsuits for triathlon enhance your experience in the open water by helping you float at the surface and keeping you warm in cold temperatures; it should allow full stroke mobility through the shoulders and avoid excessive tightness in the chest for ease of breathing; it should feel like a secure second skin .In short distance racing such as sprint triathlons, we’d recommend running in your tri suit. Or even your cycling gear if you don’t want to get a triathlon suit quite yet. Because the run is relatively short, you won’t experience too much discomfort even if you’re running in cycling shorts.High-end 3/2 wetsuits feature premium neoprene, advanced seam sealing, and thermal liners designed for lightweight warmth and max flexibility. They’re also more durable and comfortable over long sessions. Are high-end wetsuits worth the price? If you surf often or demand high performance, yes.Choose a tri suit made from lightweight material which dries quickly after the swim so you can stay comfortable. Suits described as ‘quick-wicking’ as well as lightweight are also a great choice. The material will be designed to draw moisture away from your body for evaporation, so you’re less likely to overheat.
Do Olympic triathletes wear wetsuits?
Sprint and Olympic Triathlons: Wetsuits are usually optional unless temperatures are extreme. Ironman and Other Full-Distance Races: Wetsuits are often allowed but may have stricter guidelines due to longer swim portions. Pool-Based Triathlons: Wetsuits are rarely used, as the water is warm and controlled. Wetsuits should be close fitting to your body without any bagginess, while still being able to move your arms and legs comfortably. However, it shouldn’t be too easy to get on and off, if it is easily done without much effort, it may be too big.It should fit like a second skin, tightly wrapped around your body. After all, a wetsuit only works when the fit is right. On the other hand, you don’t want it to be too restrictive or tight, and want to avoid excess material in areas like your armpits, lower back and behind your knees.So in theory not wearing anything that can interfere with that layer will make your wetsuit work more efficiently. Also wearing anything under an already tight-fitting wetsuit will reduce flexibility, so if you want the maximum range of movement in your wetsuit, it’s probably best to wear nothing under it.Wetsuits are meant to be pretty tight. Tight is good, as it means there are no pockets where water can pool and make you cold. The caveat here is that you should still be able to move your arms. If it feels a little restrictive right now, that’s okay.Your choice depends on several factors: Water Temperature: In water above 15°C (59°F), a wetsuit is usually sufficient. For colder conditions, a drysuit is recommended. Duration of Activity: For prolonged exposure, such as ice diving or cold-water kayaking, a drysuit offers better thermal protection.