Should I get a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit for triathlon?
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. What are the disadvantages of a wetsuit? The main disadvantage of wetsuits is that they can still be quite cold in colder water temperatures, as they allow water to enter and then warm up against the body. They also require more frequent replacement than drysuits, as the neoprene material can degrade over time.A Bike-Service-Team will be present at the Expo, in the transition zone and on the bike course. What are the wetsuit restrictions? 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.Shorty wetsuits are suitable for warmer waters where overheating might be a concern, as they provide sufficient core insulation while allowing for better ventilation of the limbs. In contrast, full wetsuits are designed for colder waters, offering comprehensive insulation to maintain body warmth.For some people, when the water dips below 80 degrees, it’s time to suit up in a full wetsuit. Other swimmers never wear a wetsuit, even when the water is near freezing.However, wetsuits are often allowed when water temperatures are below 78°F (25. C).
What temperature is a 3mm wetsuit good for?
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. A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice.Thermal Layers In colder waters, thermal layers can enhance warmth and comfort. Thermal Rash Guards: Designed for insulation, these are made from materials like neoprene or fleece-lined fabric. Neoprene Shorts or Tops: Add extra warmth without too much bulk. These pair well with wetsuits in extremely cold conditions.A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice.Cold-water 7mm – 1/4-inch two-piece wet suit with hood and boots, add 10% of your body weight, plus 1. Neoprene drysuits, add 10% of your body weight, plus 3 – 5 kg/7 – 10 lb. Shell-style dry suits, add 10% of your body weight, plus 1.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.
Should I buy a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit?
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. Available in a choice of two neoprene thicknesses, the 3mm is perfect for warmer tropical waters and the 5mm is best suited for more temperate climates.A 3mm or 2mm shorty for summer, a 3mm fullsuit with watertight seams for dawn patrols and general later spring and early Autumn surfing. A 4mm suit for early spring and late Autumn before the winter really kicks in. A 5mm wetsuit for winter in most locations is fine, especially when couple with boots gloves and a hood.A wetsuit that is too small is harder to put on and won’t be as comfortable during your activity in the water. In fact, it might even limit you in your movements. A wetsuit that is too big, on the other hand, might result in accumulations of excess neoprene that can fill up with cold water.
Is it better to put on a wetsuit, wet or dry?
Just like above, we’d highly recommend that if you want to wet a wetsuit before putting it on, then make sure you’re wet too. If you’re wet and the suit is dry, that could lead to tears or damage to the suit because you’re trying to finagle your way in something that’s just not working. If you buy a wetsuit in the wrong size, it isn’t going to stretch to fit you better. Sure, after many years of wear, the wetsuit might stretch out a bit, but you want to buy a wetsuit in the right size to begin with. It is also important to maintain good care of your wetsuit.Please follow some of these simple guidelines to ensure that your wetsuit stays in the optimum condition: Rinse well in fresh water after every use. Minimise time left in direct sunlight and aim to dry in the shade. Dry inside out first and then dry outside.Needless to say, we are talking about peeing in wetsuits in the water. If you have to do it, do it at the beginning of the dive. The water will have time to rinse off the urine. Just before getting out of the water, open your wetsuit and let the water run inside.Step 2: Should you size up or down in a wetsuit? In this case, we’d recommend selecting the next largest size. While we don’t want excess material, mobility is important when surfing and we don’t want the size of your wetsuit to limit your motion.
Is it better for a wetsuit to be tight or loose?
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. 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.For many women, the simplest and most common choice is to wear nothing under their wetsuit. This option ensures: Maximum flexibility: No extra fabric to bunch up or restrict movement. Streamlined fit: Allows the wetsuit to conform closely to the body as it was designed for better insulation.Obviously, it is also possible to have a wetsuit that’s too tight. If it constricts your breathing, if moving your arms up and down feels like you’re lifting deadweights, if you need to call the fire brigade to get it on or off, there is a chance your wetsuit is too small for you.You will definitely get wet and it would be all soggy. You should be fine with the jacket and shorts and a quick dry shirt under the wet suit.