Is a sleeveless wetsuit faster?

Most swimmers who wear a sleeveless wetsuit report a slightly faster T1, to the tune of 5-15 seconds. Not having to get your arms out of a wetsuit makes the process of stripping your wetsuit down to your waist a breeze, and preserves your energy for pulling those legs out of the legholes.

Can I wear a sleeveless wetsuit in a triathlon?

The major brands will supply you with a race-legal wetsuit, so there is not much to concern yourself on that front. The main choice will be between sleeveless or full body cuts. In the UK the vast majority of swimmers will go for full body cut. This has several advantages, being warmer and offering additional buoyancy.

Are sleeveless wetsuits better?

The number one reason for picking up a sleeveless suit is swimming in warmer climates and races. When air and water temperatures over longer distances rise, some athletes can overheat in a full suit. A sleeveless suit offers most of the buoyancy and speed of a full suit without the additional warmth.

How much faster is a triathlon wetsuit?

Generally the going rate is about 10 seconds or so faster per 100 in a wetsuit.

Can I cut the arms off my wetsuit?

By cutting off the sleeves you need to get them not only sealed (so they don’t fray) but fitted correctly, otherwise you will not allow the wetsuit to do its job and trap water to form a thermal layer. Just my advise, but if your wearing it to stay warm, don’t cut the sleeves, spend the money and do it right.

What is a Long John wetsuit?

A long john wetsuit gives you a great combination of protection and flexibility. Best suited for use in water temperatures between 62-68 degrees, a long john suit has full legs and a sleeveless top. A men’s long john wetsuit is great for activities like swimming, kayaking, triathlon, and water aerobics.

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.

Do triathlon wetsuits make you swim faster?

Wetsuits were invented to keep you warm – but they have another positive side effect: they make you faster, too. Tests with and without wetsuits have shown a time saving of five to ten seconds per hundred meters, with wetsuit. Simply put, a full-sleeve suit will help any swimmer go faster.

How thick should a wetsuit be for swimming?

The rules state a wetsuit is made of material providing thermal insulation, shall completely cover torso, back, shoulders and knees. They shall not extend past neck, wrists and ankles. They should be between 3mm and 5mm thickness but can be lower in some parts of the suit to allow free movement.