By: Allen Gilchrest

The triathlon racing season is quickly approaching! Here are several tips to picking the right triathlon wetsuit for you! I will quickly touch on why you should buy a triathlon wetsuit, but what I really want to discuss is how to choose the right wetsuit for you!

Can I wear a surfing wetsuit?

I strongly recommend a “triathlon specific wetsuit”. It is not uncommon to see an athlete wearing a “surfing” wetsuit in a triathlon. However, wearing a wetsuit not designed for open water swimming is like doing the bike leg of the race with a mountain bike, or the run leg with basketball sneakers. You may get through the race, but it will not be as fast or warm and will not save as much energy as a triathlon wetsuit.

What are the brands of wetsuits?

Ironman, Orca, Xterra, DeSoto, Zoot, Aquaman, Quintana Roo, ProMotion, are the major brands. Once you decide how much you want to spend (wetsuits range from $100-$500) go to a shop (or several shops) that sell various brands and that will allow you to try on their wetsuits. If you cannot try them on (you order it on the internet) be sure to be very accurate with your body measurements and the recommended sizes from the manufacturer. If you can’t get to a triathlon shop call or email the company and take the time to ask about the sizing parameters of any brand that interests you.

Do I have to wear a wetsuit?

The answer is, it depends on the race you choose. For example, Escape From Fort Delaware Olympic Distance triathlon requires a wetsuit because of the strong current. Also, the water temp. may be below 70 degree, even closer to 60 or below. In these cases, race directors will strongly recommend wearing a wetsuit in order to prevent hypothermia. USA Triathlon rules say if the water temp. is above 78 degrees you won’t be eligible to win prizes; above 84 degrees you won’t be allowed to wear one. If you don’t want to spend money on a wetsuit simply look for a late season triathlon when the water will be warmer or look for a triathlon with a pool swim.

What are the types of wetsuits?

Sleeveless short (No sleeves and the legs end above the knee). This type of wetsuit is intended for warmer races that hover around 78 degrees. If you live in a region where the water never really gets bellow 70, this is a good choice.

Sleeveless long (No sleeves and the legs go down to the ankles) This is also a good option if you live in a region where the water does not drop much below 70 degrees. The extra length in the legs will make you more buoyant.

Full (Sleeves down to the wrists and the legs go down to the ankles) If you live in a region or plan to do a race that has water temperature below 70 degrees or closer to 60 degrees or below, you will want to wear a full wetsuit. If you do a triathlon with cold water and you are wearing a sleeveless wetsuit, you stand a good chance of being cold with your arms exposed in the water for 20 minutes or more.

How do I choose the right wetsuit for me?

These are the tips for purchasing the right wetsuit for you! First head to the triathlon shop wearing your swim suit under your clothes. Just like trying on a good dress (for women) or a good suit (for men), you are going to have to try several. This is a big purchase and is worth the time! You may have to try as many as 8-10 wetsuits before you find that one that fits just right for you!

How tight your wetsuit is will be a personal preference. The general rule is, the faster the swimmer you are the tighter you want the wetsuit. But keep in mind, you need to be able to breath! You don’t want to restrict your lungs and make it hard to breath, so trying on several wetsuits will help you find the right balance. If you have breathing problems such as asthma, I recommend making sure the chest area is not as tight. For most of us, a wetsuit tight enough that water does not enter the wetsuit is the right fit.

As you are trying your wetsuit on, after you have brought it up to your waist, make sure it is “snug” between your legs (no space). Next, put the wetsuit fully on. Make sure there is no space between the wetsuit and your neck, so no water can get in. Make sure there is no space between the wetsuit and your arm openings, so no water can get in. If there is space in any of these areas, the wetsuit is too big. Go down one size and start the process over again.

After getting the wetsuit fully on, make sure it is not too “snug” between your legs.

Next raise your arms into a streamline position and make sure the suit is not too short or restricts your stroke. Practice a few freestyle strokes in a mirror. If the suit is too snug or feels restricting when you take a few strokes, the suit may be too small. Go up one size and start the process over again. The right fit is a wetsuit that does not let water in, but is not restricting on your stroke or your breathing.

My goal with this article was to suggest really taking your time picking out the right wetsuit! Ask your coaches questions, ask other athletes questions, ask the store salespeople questions. Make sure you feel as comfortable as you can in the wetsuit!

Follow these tips and suggestions and you have a much better chance of making the perfect fit for you! Happy Training! -Coach Allen Gilchrest