Triathlon Wetsuits

Triathlon Wetsuit Shopping Guide

Triathlon Wetsuit Accessories

After selecting a triathlon wetsuit, the triathlete still needs to consider the following wetsuit accessories:

Neoprene or Thermal Swim Caps

One of the most useful triathlon wetsuit accessories for a triathlete swimming in cold waters is a neoprene or thermal swim cap.  Swimming in extremely cold waters can make it very difficult for a triathlete to place his or her head in the water resulting in a swim that may be very slow (not to mention neck, shoulder, and back muscles will ache in hours and days to come).  A simple thermal or neoprene swim cap will prove to be invaluable.  Studies have shown that a considerable percentage of the body's heat is lost through the head, so the use of a thermal or neoprene cap will be very instrumental in protecting against hypothermia and enabling you to swim with your normal form.

Neoprene Swim Sleeves

Although new to the triathlon scene, neoprene sleeves provide the triathlete with versatility when it comes to selecting a wetsuit for training or race day.  For cold water races, when just a sleeveless wetsuit (or longjohn) will just not provide enough warmth, neoprene swim sleeves can provide that extra needed layer for the arms.  An added benefit of the neoprene swim sleeves is the extra flexibility that results due to the fact that the sleeves cut off at around the top of the bicep.  Some triathletes simply feel too restricted in a fullsleeve wetsuit, so the neoprene swim sleeves provide the best of both worlds, warmth and flexibility without the restriction in the shoulders.

Neoprene Swim Socks

Neoprene swim socks are great for the triathlete who will be swimming in extremely cold waters.  These socks will fit snug enough to prevent water entry into the socks while swimming.  Additionally, for those triathletes who have sensitive feet and can hardly walk on a rocky shore without falling over in pain while entering the water, neoprene swim socks will minimize or eliminate this pain.

In short, when it comes to wetsuit swimming, the triathlete is not home free with no other worries after selecting the right wetsuit.  In a warm or not so cold water swim, a wetsuit will typically suffice.  If the waters turn arctic, it would definitely be a wise idea to consider a neoprene or thermal swim cap, neoprene swim socks, and neoprene swim sleeves (if wearing a sleeveless wetsuit). 

____________________________________________________________________

Sleeveless and Fullsleeve Wetsuits

Selecting a sleeveless triathlon wetsuit (also know as a longjohn) or a full-sleeve triathlon wetsuit will depend on a couple of factors.

Arguments for opting for a sleeveless wetsuit would be:

• The swimmer feels more flexibility in the shoulder area. Many swimmers feel restricted in full-sleeve wetsuits in the shoulder area. Sleeveless wetsuits will alleviate this feeling of restriction.
• Training and racing swims are in warm waters. Sleeveless wetsuits can minimize any feelings of overheating.
• For swimmers with short arms in proportion to their legs, the sleeves on a full-sleeve wetsuit may be too long resulting in excess space in the arms of the wetsuit. Consequently, the possibility of water pooling into the arms is more likely. If water does pool into the arms, any ballooning of water inside the arms can make it difficult to have a smooth stroke. For swimmers fitting this description, a sleeveless triathlon wetsuit can remedy this problem.
• Sleeveless wetsuits will be easier to take off when transitioning from the swim to bike.

Arguments for opting for a full-sleeve triathlon wetsuit would be:

• For swimmers who do not have feelings of restriction in the shoulder area, most top brand wetsuits are very technologically advanced and do a great job of making the neoprene thinner in the shoulder/underarm/latissimus dorsi area to aid with flexibility.
• Training and racing swims are in colder waters. Full-sleeve wetsuits will keep the body warmer in cold waters.
• Having full sleeves will result in less drag and a more hydrodynamic feel

In summary, a sleeveless wetsuit makes sense for the triathlete who is racing and training in warmer waters and who needs more flexibility in the shoulder area due to feelings of restriction when using a full-sleeve wetsuit. Also, a sleeveless wetsuit may be the answer for the swimmer who has shorter arms and can not find a full-sleeve wetsuit with short sleeves. On the contrary, a full-sleeve wetsuit is ideal for the triathlete who races and trains in predominantly colder waters and has no issues with flexibility. The final decision on whether to opt for a sleeveless or full-sleeve wetsuit is vital to the triathlete who continually strives for improvement. Making the right choice is critical and will improve the triathlete's chance of starting off the triathlon on a positive note.