How a more buoyant wetsuit can help you swim faster

Most triathletes think a wetsuit is there to keep them warm and they’re definitely right! The main reason for adding a wetsuit to your kit bag is to stop you getting chilly. But there are many other benefits, for example a more buoyant wetsuit can help you swim faster…

We’re going to be talking all things neoprene in this piece. More specifically, the thicknesses and types of neoprene and how they affect your swimming.

Plus, in the video which accompanies this piece an Ironman triathlete, Justin, gets some advice from triathlon coach Alan Ward on how the right wetsuit can help him swim more efficiently.

What thickness of neoprene do I need?

Look at any wetsuit and you’ll see it features different thicknesses of neoprene panels.

Put simply, the thicker the neoprene the warmer it will be and the more flotation it will give you. This might leave you wondering why all wetsuits are not as thick as possible!

There’s a trade-off though… Thicker neoprene is warmer but less flexible. Plus, buoyancy is helpful yes… But only if you need it and aren’t naturally floaty. Too much and you’ll feel like you are swimming ‘downhill’ and could risk pinching your back.

Most triathlon wetsuits will feature various thicknesses, with thicker panels on the torso, hips and thighs. These are traditionally the parts of the body that are heavier and can be more prone to sinking – especially if you have denser muscles and less body fat.

Triathlon rules state a maximum thickness of 5mm in any wetsuit, so more buoyant wetsuits such as Zoggs’ new Predator range will feature 4mm and 5mm panels in the lower body.

Many suits will also include ‘Aerodome’ neoprene, which has small air pockets in it and a dimpled appearance to create more lift. On the top-end Zoggs Predator suits, this features on the front of the body and the shins.

You don’t need such thick neoprene in the upper body though and especially not around the shoulders, so here you will find thinner rubber – usually in anything from 2mm down to even less than 1mm!

Benefits of more buoyancy

Finding out which type of wetsuit you need can be as simple as asking a coach or club-mate to look at your swimming and see how ‘high’ your lower body sits in the water.

You may also have a good idea from training. Do you find it hard to get into a horizontal position for front crawl? If your legs feel like they are ‘sinking’ and you are faster when you train with a pull buoy, it may be that you will benefit from a more buoyant wetsuit.

As coach Alan Ward explores with swimmer Justin in the video, there are several benefits to being in a more streamlined position.

First, you’ll be more hydrodynamic and slip through the water more easily. Having the lift through the lower body also means you don’t have to kick as hard – allowing you to save your legs for the bike and run, as well as not torching through energy kicking!

In conclusion

Choosing a wetsuit with thicker, more buoyant panels in the lower body can help you swim faster and save energy in the swim part of your triathlon.

Be mindful of choosing a wetsuit which suits your body type and swim ability though, as if you are naturally a positively buoyant swimmer, you will not need the thicker neoprene.

• Still looking for a wetsuit? Find ideas for every budget in our buying guide.