Can you swim in a triathlon suit?
Tri suits, designed for triathlons, are made to perform in three different activities: swimming, cycling, and running. If you’re wondering whether tri suits are appropriate for swimming, the answer is yes. In fact, tri suits are specifically designed for swimming, especially in open water, and offer several advantages. It’s important to note that if you’re racing a triathlon with a non-wetsuit swim, you’re not allowed to wear anything that aids buoyancy – such as neoprene buoyancy shorts. And you’re not allowed to have anything on below the elbows or below the knees.A swimskin is meant to be worn over your tri suit for the swim portion of a race that isn’t wetsuit-legal. They are very specific high-performance garments not meant to be worn alone like traditional swimwear. We recommend wearing a tri kit or swimsuit underneath.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 .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.A: It’s generally recommended not to wear underwear under a tri suit. The design of a tri suit is meant to be worn alone to minimize chafing and enhance comfort during the race.
How tight is a triathlon wetsuit?
The wetsuit should feel tight but not constricting. It should fit like a second skin, allowing minimal water to enter. A small amount of water inside the suit is normal, as your body warms it up and it helps maintain warmth. You should be able to move and breathe comfortably without the suit pinching or pulling. You’ll feel cold, weighed down, and sad. If your suit fits properly, that single thin layer of water becomes securely trapped, and because it’s trapped it will heat up. You’ll feel warm, lightweight, and happy when swimming. So a wetsuit should be a tight fit.Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is up to (and including) 24. Celsius (76. Fahrenheit) or colder. Wetsuits cannot measure more than 5 mm thick. Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 24. Celsius (76. Fahrenheit).Higher-end wetsuits tend to be thinner, as they are designed with more elite athletes in mind. An entry level suit will often provide greater warmth and buoyancy but reduced flexibility. Maximum wetsuit thickness for competitive triathlons is 5mm to help reduce the risk of overheating.Colder temperatures or middle-long distances Moderate climes of 10 – 19°C (50-66°F) 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 surf much during winter or early mornings you can get the warmer 4/3mm thickness for just a bit more than the 3/2. Wetsuits are typically made with thicker (3 or 4mm) panels at the legs and trunk, and thinner panels around the arms where more flexibility is needed.
Are wetsuits allowed in triathlons?
USAT Wetsuit Rules USAT rules state that competitors may wear wetsuits if the water temperature is 78 degrees or lower. USAT rules also state that if the water temperature is between 78. Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is up to (and including) 76. Fahrenheit (24. Celsius) or colder. Wetsuits cannot measure more than 5 mm thick. Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 76. Fahrenheit (24. Celsius).A wetsuit is the most important piece of kit for open water events, after your bike. Triathletes require wetsuits that are highly flexible and provide a comfortable fit, unlike standard surfing, diving, or water skiing wetsuits, which may not offer enough flexibility for long-distance swimming.Can I wear a tri suit for just swimming? Yes, you can wear a tri suit for swimming, especially in open water, but it’s most beneficial if you plan to transition to cycling or running as well.In case you hadn’t heard, triathletes pee anywhere and everywhere in triathlon: in their wetsuit (before the swim, during it, and when jogging to T1), while riding their bike, in transition (usually sitting but sometimes standing), and when running.One of the main reasons to wear a wetsuit for open water swimming and triathlon is for additional warmth in the water. The clue might be in the name – but a wetsuit isn’t designed to keep you dry. It’s actually designed to keep you warmer by trapping a thin layer of water between the neoprene and your skin.
What is the best thickness for a triathlon wetsuit?
Colder temperatures or middle-long distances Moderate climes of 10 – 19°C (50-66°F) 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. So along with general hygiene, wearing something under the suit will make your session on the water more enjoyable. So if you’re renting a wetsuit, use whatever you have available for you on the day, whether that’s swimming shorts, bikini, rash vest or even normal underwear.Yes, it is. Many people choose to wear nothing under their wetsuit. Wetsuits are designed to fit snugly against your body, and the fewer layers underneath, the better the insulating effect. For some, this is the most comfortable option, especially during short sessions or in warm conditions.Men can wear swim shorts, briefs or jammers under a wetsuit. We wouldn’t recommend boardshorts as your wetsuit is meant to be really tight and boardshorts are usually not. They tend to bunch up and could cause chafing and generally lead to discomfort.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.If you frequently race in cooler waters or prioritize speed and buoyancy, a full-sleeve wetsuit may be the better choice. However, if shoulder flexibility, breathability, and comfort are more important to you, then a sleeveless wetsuit could be the way to go.
What do triathletes wear when swimming?
For this phase, a wetsuit, cap and goggles will make your swim a lot more enjoyable and efficient. If you are a minimalist or if the water temperature is above 84°F (the governing body, USA Triathlon or USAT, doesn’t allow wetsuits over 84°F), your only necessity is a swimsuit. A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for UK summer months (June–September) when water temperatures range between 14–18°C, offering warmth and flexibility for surfing and swimming.It’s not just the sleekness of the neoprene that can be different in swimming and surfing wetsuits. Many swimming wetsuits are also built with slightly thicker, buoyant neoprenes around the core and legs that provide extra lift in the water.Reading the temperature guide Generally, you’ll find yourself using wetsuits that fall in the middle of the spectrum. For instance, a 3mm shortie or steamer is perfect for water temperatures between 18° and 24°C (65° – 75°F) and serves as an ideal high summer suit for the UK and other parts of Europe.Can you swim in a 5mm wetsuit? Yes, you can swim in a 5mm neoprene thickness, but it depends on the activity and conditions: Pros: A 5mm wetsuit provides excellent insulation, making it ideal for cold water swimming.