What wetsuit should I buy for a triathlon?

Choose from thin suits that have a thickness of 2mm (or less!) or fuller suits with a thickness of 8mm. Depending on what you need your wetsuit for you should consider if you need a “shortie” or semi-dry wetsuit.

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.

Can you do a triathlon in a normal wetsuit?

You could wear a water-sports wetsuit for a triathlon, although you will find it significantly harder both during the swim and also getting it off in transition. A water-sports suit is likely to be enough of a hindrance that you won’t need to worry about being in the mix for the medals.

Is it easier to swim in a wetsuit?

In cold water, a wetsuit makes it easier to swim by keeping you warm. While a thinner wetsuit will be less buoyant than a thicker wetsuit, either will help you float while expending less energy.

Are Sleeveless wetsuits slower?

They can be faster than a sleeved suit in just the water, and they can be even faster if you factor in how they can play a pivotal role in you race as a whole. I wouldn’t sweat sleeveless over a sleeved suit. I swim the same pace in both suit types.

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.

Should I wear anything under a wetsuit?

Wearing nothing under your wetsuit is totally acceptable, and a matter of personal preference. However, consider these factors: Chafing: Wetsuits can chafe. Give it a try, and wear a swimsuit if it’s uncomfortable.

Can you swim a triathlon in a surf wetsuit?

The answer is Yes! You can use a triathlon wetsuit for surfing. Be careful when you come in contact with your surfboard or fins, because the outer layer of a Triathlon wetsuit is fragile.

Should I wear a wetsuit for my first triathlon?

In a triathlon you want to wear what is called a triathlon suit or a triathlon kit (a top/bottom combo) designed to be worn in the swim, the bike, and finally the run. In other words, you do not take it off! With the exception of the wetsuit (if needed), you need not put on any other piece of clothing.

Can you drown in a wetsuit?

Yes. Surfers, scuba divers, kayakers, etc. have all drowned while wearing wetsuits. It’d be very difficult to sink while wearing a wetsuit, so the potential to drown is much lower. Just beware that the wetsuit may make you feel constricted which can lead to panic.

What should I wear if I don’t have a wetsuit?

A rash guard is also a good option for those who don’t have the funds for a wetsuit top and are surfing in warmer water. These will keep you both protected from the sun and from a rash from your surfboard, although they will not do much to keep you warm.

What can I wear instead of a wetsuit?

Even on a baking hot day, if you’ve been wild swimming for some time without a wetsuit, you’ll need warm clothes when you get out. Take a hat, gloves, loose-fitting trousers and tops that are easy to pull on, warm socks, shoes (avoid laces if you can), a fleece and a coat or dryrobe.