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Way back in July 2003, I attended a wetsuit clinic at Sports Basement. They covered several topics including why you should wear a wetsuit for swimming and how to choose one. I have finally typed up my notes which are primarily taken from a handout they distributed. I've reformatted it slightly and elaborated on some of the points with my own commentary.

Triathlon Wetsuit 101

Why Buy a Wetsuit?

• Keeps you warm: small amount of water enters the suit & creates an insulating layer of warmth.
• Makes you fast
  • Buoyancy = body higher out of water = better water displacement = reduced surface friction = enhanced speed!
  • Weight & drag of legs eliminated.
  • Hydrodynamic material & design (slippery like a seal).

Construction & Materials

• Neoprene rubber (naturally buoyant)
  • Infused with air bubbles (like microscopic honeycombo with tiny air pockets).
  • Manufacturer is largely Yamamoto from Japan.
  • Varied thickness of multi-directional rubber.
  • Generally 5mm front torso to knee, 3mm back/lower leg, 3mm arms.
    • 5mm is maximum thickness by International Triathlon Union regulation.
  • Blind stiched and taped (in high stress areas) for least amount of chafing.

Surf Wetsuits vs. Triathlon Wetsuits

• Fit
  • Surf suits are made for warmth, wind chill protection & paddling motion. Looser fit.
  • Triathlon suits made for warmth, buoyancy & full stroke motion. Tighter fit.
• Material
  • Surf suit is tough. Laminated with nylon fabric on both sides of the material. Holds up to abrasion. Chafes.
  • Swim wetsuit is relatively delicate. One side is left raw rubber and coated with a low friction coating called "composite skin". It's like a non-stock coating for pans. Makes it slippery, stretchy & fast.

Full vs. Sleeveless (Long John) vs. Two-Piece

For some/most races, wearing a wetsuit is optional. I've seen some where for safety reasons, you're not allowed to wear one if the water temperature is above 75F (in case your body overheats).

• Full
  • Cold to moderate temperatures (50-78F)
    • Perfect for San Francisco Bay waters (average temperature is 55F).
  • Faster
    • More rubber = more buyoancy & more hydrodynamic.
    • Less water entry. 2-3 minutes faster over 1,500 meters (Olympic distance triathlon swim).
• Sleeveless
  • Warmer temperatures (66 to mid-80F).
  • Not as buyoant & arguably more flexible.
    • Some say it eliminates chafing around the armpit area, but this usually isn't a problem with newer, properly fit wetsuits.
• Two-piece
  • The benefit of a two-piece suit is that it doesn't have a zipper up the back, so it's lighter. However, lack of a zipper can also be a drawback as it can be trickier to put on and remove. Most two-piece suits have a v-shaped torso designed so are more suitable for men than women.

Proper Fit

• Firm but comfortable = second skin
  • Contours the body (including underarm). Friction will cause rash.
    • Very little or no air pockets.
    • Should create a suction when pulled away from belly.
  • Good seal at neck
  • Little extra fabric under armpit.
• Size chart - each manufacturer has their own unique system.
  • Good starting point but not always "perfect".
  • Aim within the height & weight.
• Too small? Vertically (crotch to torso) will feel very uncomfortable.
  • Pulling down of the shoulders.
  • Pulling up of the crotch.
• Too big?
  • Folds or wrinkles of rubber in midsection, rear or crotch.
  • Lots of air pockets = lots of water = heavy!
    • Reduces buoyancy & drag. Should not balloon out more than 0.25" from skin.
    • Get the smallest size that fits.
    • Know where the suit starts, e.g., some come down to your calf, some down to the ankle.
• Try on an entry level suit (e.g., Xterra, Orca) and then a high end suit (e.g., Ironman Predator) to see how they compare. I've also seen people wear T1, DeSoto, Quintana Roo, etc.

Trying It On

• Take your time. Pull on small section by small section.
• NO FINGERNAILS or sharp jewelry.
  • Trim nails.
  • Only use the pads/sides of fingers or palms to pull up outside rubber.
  • The inside of the suit is resilient & tough. When possible hold onto that instead of the smooth outer surface.
• Skin should be dry.
• Keep socks on or use plastic bags.
• One leg at a time like pulling on trousers.
  • Pull opening well over anklebone.
  • Crotch should be pulled up as high as humanly possible (like panty hose).
    • If there is an air pocket continue to inch suit up until it's gone. Don't worry where the ankles of the suit finish.
    • Legs pulled up as high as possible is the first & most important key to a proper fit.
• One arm at a time.
  • Pull opening well over wrist bone.
  • Work extra fabric up over the shoulder & into the armpit.
• Stand up straight, squeeze shoulder blades together, hold base of zipper & pull it up (do not force zipper).
  • Highly recommended to have someone help you.
  • Make certain inner thin panel running length of back is flat.
• Fasten collar as tightly as comfortable.
  • A loose collar will cause chafing and water entry.

Taking it Off

• Sooner the better. Sweaty skin makes the suit sticky.
• Pull off like a banana peel inside out, one arm at a time.
• Do NOT grab the collar but rather the shoulder or upper back panel.
• Remove torso & lower body inside out like a pair of trousers.

Accessories

• Goggles: I like the ones designed by Seal Mask because they provide 180 degree visibility. The adult ones were too large for me so I bought the goggle variety for women/young adults. Consider a pair with tinting for swimming in bright sunlight.
• Anti-fog solution: self explanatory. You can also use saliva but then your goggles will smell.
• Swim cap: choose a bright colored one for swimming in open water so people can easily see you.
• "Hot heads"/squid lids: these are neoprene caps for retaining heat. Wearing a hot head increases your core body temperature by 5F. Wearing two swimming caps will not provide the same amount of warmth as a hot head.
• Neoprene booties & gloves
  • They may or may not be allowed for a particular race. Check the rules. Even if they are allowed, you may not wear ones with webbing.
  • I have been told by two independent sources that wearing the neoprene booties makes you slower. One woman said it felt like dragging a couple of bricks around.
• Swim socks: I've seen some people wear these and I'm looking for a pair to try them out.

Care Instructions

• Fingernail tears can be a common occurrence from normal wear & tear. It can be easily repaired with wetsuit glue.
• Rinse with cool fresh water every use.
• Dry inside out away from the sun.
• Do not dry on hanger but rather folded over towel rack or shower door.
• When dry, store lightly folded and flat or on a thick coat hanger. Don't put heavy things on top of it.
• No petroleum based lubricants. Use Bodyglide to protect from chafing and to ease your suit on & off. [Note: I've also heard of people using KY Jelly or Pam cooking spray but I'm not sure how effective or safe that is].
• Not recommended for use in chlorinated pools.
• Use only for non-contact water sports.

Warranty

• Varies from suit to suit. Most have a 1-year warranty with proof of purchase.
• Workmanship is covered at manufacturer's discretion.
  • Fingernail tears NOT covered but are easily repaired.
• Save a copy of your receipt as proof of purchase.