Be Amazed At The Gains Are For Donning Triathlon Wetsuits



by Shelly Maxim


An increasingly popular sporting challenge between pro and amateur athletes is the Triathlon. The event presents diversity creating the ultimate test for the competitor. To be a master of all trades is a hard task, but performance can be boosted by having specialized equipment like triathlon wetsuits.

Three different sports are run one after the other in a triathlon making it an exciting event. The disciplines are normally swimming, cycling, and running although Iron man competitions introduce alternative sports like kayaking. The contestants goal is to surpass in all three sports, specialist equipment can help to increase performance which is therefore a beneficial aid.

An important piece of equipment is a wetsuit specially designed for this type of competition which can notably help the swimmer increase the speed. There are other benefits apart from increasing swimming speed, which can help the competitor to achieve the ultimate aim. When the water is cold a wetsuit helps to safeguard against heat loss, which in turn retains energy levels for the following cycling and running heats. A further benefit is the suit gives extra buoyancy making a better contour through the water and increases the swimmers confidence with additional floatation.

The contestant will only benefit if a specialist suit specifically designed for this sport is worn. A universal or SCUBA diving suit will end up being a disadvantage to the swimmer. It is all down to the fit and creating an sleek contour which therefore increases the speed with the least amount of resistance.

Choose a suit with a various material thicknesses; the core body area should have increased thickness to protect the body from heat loss, where as the joint areas should have more flexible thinner layers for increased movement. Any movement restriction will weaken the performance. Nevertheless it must also be tight, as water may enter through any gaps, which will result in increased drag and more weight, ultimately slowing the swimmer.

The only way and best way to get the correct suit is to try a variety on. Find a provider which has a range of suits in sizes, styles, and budgets. Check the flexibility and maximum stretch from the groin to the upper body. The competitor should not feel squeezed, as this means the suit is not long enough which will result in a curved rather than sleek contour.

As a final point make sure the suit can be easily removed. It is no use to gain vital seconds on the swim section, if the same seconds are lost when trying to remove the suit. Very tight neoprene seals around the neck, wrists, and ankles are beneficial in the water, but can prove to be an obstacle after the swim. Some suits come with zip systems and quick release fasteners, which can easily resolve this.




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