How to choose your first wetsuit for triathlon

Choosing your first wetsuit for a triathlon race and training can be a minefield. For many triathletes, this is the first time they’ve bought a wetsuit. So what should you look for? Here, we cover all you need to know.

Can you use a surf wetsuit for triathlon?

First, a common question. Can you wear a surf-style wetsuit for a triathlon? Well, the short answer is yes. As long as it conforms to race regulations (for example being under 5mm thick) and keeps you warm enough for the water you will be swimming in, there is no reason why not.

However there are pitfalls here. Surf wetsuits are designed for warmth not speed, so don’t have the shiny hydrophobic coating a swim wetsuit will have.

A surf wetsuit will also be difficult to swim in, as they are not designed to give you the flexibility you need though the shoulders and arms. Neither are they buoyant in the right places to create a streamlined horizontal body position.

Finally, a surf wetsuit may be hard to remove. So if you want marginal gains in triathlon transitions, then it’s not ideal!

Benefits of a triathlon wetsuit

So, on to a dedicated triathlon wetsuit. These are designed with a few key elements in mind. Firstly they will be made from coated neoprene, which allows you to slip through the water more quickly.

A triathlon wetsuit will have front crawl technique as its main consideration, so will have a buoyancy profile designed to get you into a horizontal position.

It will also have thinner, more flexible, neoprene around the chest, shoulders and arms to allow you to get that reach in your stroke.

It doesn’t end there, though. Triathlon wetsuits will also include some features which will make them easier to quickly remove.

These can include (depending on price point and spec) different types of zips which are easier to pull up or down; more flexible wrist and ankle cuffs to allow quick removal and a smooth lining.

Which wetsuit should you choose?

When it comes to choosing a suit, there are a few factors to consider. Here we’ve listed a few that will help you on your mission!

Regularity of use

Will you be using your new wetsuit a lot, or are you still new to triathlon and unsure how much you will be swimming in open water? This may affect how much you want to spend on your suit, which brings us on to…

Budget

Triathlon wetsuits can be bought from around £200 to £800 depending on the brand and spec you choose. For a good mid-range wetsuit made from quality neoprene with some good flexibility and added features, we would plan to spend around £300. Look out for bargains though, especially in the off-season!

Your swim style

Think about what kind of swimmer you are. If you are not sure, ask a coach to have a quick look at your swimming! This will help you choose a suit right for you.

For example if you have a very good body position naturally, you won’t want a suit with lots of buoyancy (thicker neoprene in the body and legs). However if your legs tend to sink, then thicker neoprene will lift you up and allow you to save energy.

Extra features

Looking for marginal gains? Then think about speed of wetsuit removal. Things like reverse or quick-release zips often add cost though, so think about whether you really need them.

Wrists and ankles that are easy to remove are a bigger benefit, plus look for a suit that can be trimmed at these points to get a perfect fit!

Trying a wetsuit on

If you can try a wetsuit on before you buy, it will be much easier to get the perfect size. As triathlon coach Alan Ward explains in this video, there will usually be a couple of sizes that fit. One which is a little snug and one which is a little loose.

Ideally, a wetsuit should feel a little snug on land, but then once you get it wet it becomes a little more pliable and the water which creeps inside the suit will make it feel better.

Take your time putting a wetsuit on and use gloves/foot coverings to avoid snagging the suit with a fingernail (the biggest cause of wetsuit damage).

Put the legs in first and smooth out any bunching as you pull the suit up your legs, then to your hips. The suit should fit closely into your crotch, you don’t want it bagging round your knees!

Next pull the suit up the body, before putting your arms in. Again, the suit should fit well in your armpits and give you enough fabric across the shoulders to create reach.

Often triathletes will think a suit is too small, when in fact they haven’t taken the time to put it on properly.

Watch: How to choose your first triathlon wetsuit

Watch the video here for more advice on choosing your first wetsuit and see two tri newbies, Jenny and Emily, try out a suit from the new Zoggs range for the first time.