What is the best wetsuit thickness for a triathlon?
Triathlon race regulations if you swim in particularly cold temperatures, then you’ll likely prefer a thickness of over 5mm neoprene to keep you toasty. There are however specific rules when it comes to race conditions, with world triathlon stipulating a maximum wetsuit thickness of 5mm for competitions. Different water temperatures require different neoprene thicknesses to ensure optimal warmth and comfort. Thicker neoprene provides better thermal insulation, making it suitable for colder conditions. wetsuit thicknesses typically range from 2mm for summer suits to 7mm for extreme winter conditions.Customers find the wetsuit comfortable and well-fitting, with accurate sizing, and appreciate its effectiveness in cold water and winter conditions. The suit receives positive feedback for its appearance, value for money, and functionality, with one customer noting it works well for beach swimming.Definitely don’t hang the wetsuit by the neck|shoulders. It will stretch out the wetsuit really fast. You can gently squeeze any excess water out of the wetsuit to shorten drying time. Grit, Sand and Salt will build up in your suit over time even after a freshwater rinse.If the wetsuit is too loose, water will flush in and out, reducing its ability to retain warmth. A snug fit ensures that the water stays in place, keeping you warm even in colder temperatures.One effective method to soften a wetsuit is to soak it in a tub filled with lukewarm water for about 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the neoprene to absorb moisture and become more supple. After soaking, gently massage the wetsuit to help distribute the moisture evenly throughout the material.
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 . USAT, ITU and WTC (IRONMAN) have rules restricting the thickness of the wetsuit to no more than 5mm. Most brands will put the thickest rubber on the front torso and legs to give the heaviest areas of your body the most buoyancy. Thinner rubber (1.While wetsuits are fantastic for staying warm in the water, they aren’t designed for all-day wear. Since wetsuits fit snugly to your body, wearing one for extended periods can lead to skin irritation, particularly around areas of friction.Expensive wetsuits are often made from higher-quality neoprene, which offers better flexibility, warmth, and durability. High-end neoprene like Yamamoto, known for its superior warmth and stretch, is commonly found in pricier models.Wetsuit Thickness & Temperature Guide If your wetsuit is too thin for the water or weather temperature you will be cold, shivering and not at peak performance. On the other hand if your wetsuit is too thick for the occasion, you may find yourself over heating and carrying unnecessary resistance.The thicker the fabric in millimetres, the more buoyant, but also the less flexible. Maximum thickness allowed for triathlon is 5mm, so most manufacturers will use this in the body, where buoyancy is most important.
What do triathletes wear under their wetsuit?
Though for comfort – and modesty if you’ve got to get out of your wetsuit in full view of other swimmers – it’s advisable to wear something underneath! You can opt to wear your usual swimsuit, jammers or Speedos. Or you can wear a tri suit. 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 .Of course you can wear a surf wetsuit for triathlon. There are no rules against it—unless it happens to be thicker than 5 mm—and quite literally thousands of triathletes have done it in the relatively short history of the sport.Some triathletes soak their new wetsuit in the bathtub; others just slap it on and swim. Either way, expect a little fit forgiveness and stretching after that first dunking, and do not wear your new wetsuit for the first time on race morning.Triathlon suits also come with built-in padding that provides comfortable support for the seating area. In colder temperatures it is quite common to wear an undershirt under the triathlon suit. Many athletes also wear sports bras for stability, such as the Ritual Performance Sports Bra .
What is the most expensive wetsuit in the world?
Fashion giant Dior in collaboration with Vissla released the world’s most expensive surfing wetsuit in May. The creation is said to capture the “bewitching beauty of the aquatic world through an underwater snapshot. The snazzy ensemble can be purchased for a cool $3,300 USD. This will give you several thickness options. The prices of decent fullsuits start at $100 for warm water surfing and over $300 for cold water surfing. But if you have extra money, spend it on suits that range from $200 to $350.If you’re just starting out, you may want to consider a less expensive wetsuit to see if you even like the sport before investing a lot of money. Expensive wetsuits are worth it if you’re looking for a wetsuit that will last a long time and provide you with all the features you need.When first wearing a wetsuit, you might wonder, “How tight should a wetsuit be? It’s normal for it to feel stiff and restrictive at first. Over time and with repeated use, the wetsuit will gradually stretch and mold to your body shape.If you land between two sizes, or you’re at the top of the size range and are unsure which would be best suited to you then we would always advise sizing up, wetsuits are already designed for a tighter fit without restricting your range of movement therefore its best to accommodate for this by sizing up.
How long should a triathlon wetsuit last?
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. When you wear a tri suit in your first triathlon, you’ll wear it for the duration of a race. The only thing that changes are the accessories. After the swim, as you transition to the bike (also known as “T1”), you’ll take off your goggles, swim cap, and wetsuit (if you chose to wear one).Cold water swimming For this, look for a suit and cold water swim gear with thermal lining and a neoprene thickness of at least 4-5mm. Just bear in mind that anything above 5mm is not permissible for triathlon racing.The suits are designed to hold a small amount of water and then keep it there. Your body warms that layer of water and it forms a barrier between you and the cold. Flexibility – Triathlon wetsuits are made with different thickness and styles of rubber to maximize flexibility.A swimskin can be a great investment if you’re racing in warm water at a race where a wetsuit isn’t allowed. If you’re planning to race at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, for example, or any other event where wetsuits aren’t allowed, it’s a smart purchase.
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. So how tight should it feel? Your wetsuit should feel close-fitting but not uncomfortable or overly-restrictive and you should be able to move in it. Wetsuits do feel slightly looser once you get in the water and water is allowed into them, too.If the suit is sitting ‘proud’ of your back, then it is likely too short in the body and you will find it uncomfortable to swim in. So how tight should it feel? Your wetsuit should feel close-fitting but not uncomfortable or overly-restrictive and you should be able to move in it.Check your legs and crotch to ensure the suit is snug and well adjusted; you do not want any gap between your crotch and the wetsuit. Finally check your arms and make small adjustments to move the neoprene up into the shoulders which will relieve any possible tightness or tension.A wetsuit should feel snug and slightly restrictive, but it should not hinder your movement significantly. It’s normal to feel some resistance, especially when dry, but once in the water, it should feel more comfortable.