How do I choose a wetsuit for a triathlon?

How Should A Wetsuit Fit?

1. Snug but not tight.
2. No folds or excess material.
3. Full range-of-motion through shoulders.
4. Neckline should be comfortable and not suffocating.
5. Arm and leg holes should be snug so water cannot get through.

Do I need a special wetsuit for triathlon?

In America, USAT guidelines state that you may wear a wetsuit if the water temperature is 78 (25.5°C) degrees or below. You may wear a wetsuit if the temperature is 79 (26°C) degrees to 84 (28.9°C) degrees but you won’t be eligible for awards. Anything 85 (29.5°C) degrees or over, no wetsuits are allowed.

What is wetsuit legal for triathlon?

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 78.1 – 83.9 degrees, competitors may wear wetsuits but will not be eligible for awards.

How tight should a tri wetsuit be?

Subject: RE: How tight should a wetsuit be? The triathlon wetsuit should feel firm when you put it on, yet should be comofrtable and not restricting movement or breathing. There should be no air pockets, and it should create suction when pulled away from a body.

How do you know if a wetsuit is too big?

A simple test is to check whether a wetsuit is too big, is to see if you can reach around and zip it up easily yourself. If you can, then the chances are it is too large for your frame. Another method is to tug gently on the lower back, if there is no give then the fit is correct.

What does 3 2mm wetsuit mean?

The specification is made with two numbers. 3/2 mm means, for example, that the neoprene has a thickness of 3 mm on the torso and 2 mm on the legs and arms. Most wetsuits have a difference of 1-2 mm, because the warmth effect is more important on the body and the flexibility on the arms and legs.

What is the difference between a triathlon wetsuit and a normal wetsuit?

Wetsuits used for water sports are usually covered by abrasion-resistant Lycra and are not particularly designed for swimming positions. Triathlon wetsuits are designed for flexible swimming positions, making you comfortable especially when your arms are above your head and are pointed forward.

Do you change clothes in a triathlon?

Clothing for a Triathlon You can opt to change into clothes specific to each leg of the race —or not. Some triathletes choose to do the whole race in a swimsuit for quicker transitions. Other swimmers simply pull on a pair of shorts before jumping on their bike.

When should you wear a wetsuit in a triathlon?

1. Is race day water temperature cold enough to make it a “Wetsuit Legal” race? Triathletes are allowed to wear a triathlon wetsuit when water temperatures are too cold for a standard swim.

What water temp is too cold to swim?

77-82F(25-28C) Swimming pool temperature range for Olympic competition. 70F(21C) Water feels quite cold to most people. Treat any water temperature below 70F (21C) with caution. 40F(4.4C) or lower Water is painfully cold.

Can you swim in a tri suit?

For open water swims, the use of a triathlon wetsuit is usually mandatory. Under the wetsuit you would wear the tri suit or tri top & shorts. You may also need a neoprene skull cap, a pair of swim gloves and pair of booties in really cold conditions.

Can you overheat in a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are all designed for different conditions and temperatures of water. If you wear a wetsuit too thick for the water you’re swimming in, you’ll run the risk of overheating.