A wetsuit is a close fitting Neoprene (Man-made rubber) suit, the idea is that the water enters the suit via the openings, Zip, neck etc, not through the neoprene itself. The water settles between the skin and the neoprene and the body warmth heats up that water, thus keeping the wearer warm. This will only be effective if the suit is of an excellent fit and is well made.

For triathlons the wetsuit should be purchased from a manufacturer who is involved with the sport and has an understanding of the special requirements of the athlete. When trying on a suit for the first time you may find it a bit of a struggle, especially if you are hot and perspiring. Once you have succeeded in getting the suit done up, relax for a while to let the suit ‘creep’. Circulating the arms slowly can encourage this. After the wetsuit has settled it should feel very firm, perhaps slightly constricting. A test to ensure it is not too tight is to open the back zip, if the two sides come apart by more than 4cms especially around the chest area, it is too tight. Choose the next size up, or choose a made to measure. If a wetsuit feels loose or you are able to pinch the neoprene between fingers and thumb, it is probably too big, which will encourage water flushing and drag when swimming. The most important feature to watch out for is that you are able to turn the arms in a full circle without constriction. To remove the suit undo the zip using the pull cord and peel off inside out all the way down. In a dry setting this may seem a little difficult but after a race when the suit is wet this will be much easier as the water on the suit acts as a lubricant. Do not be afraid to give the suit a little rough treatment i.e. standing on it to speed up the process of removing it from the legs.

Ideally a triathlon wetsuit will be made from a combination of neoprene thicknesses not exceeding 5mm under present rules. The thicker the suit the more warmth and buoyancy is attained, however, some people may find the thickest neoprene may make them too buoyant. Advice can be sought from an expert, who, by asking questions of your swimming abilities, should be able to help you choose the right suit for you. It is not always advisable to go to a general retailer, as they are not as experienced as a manufacturer. You may even find you have ended up purchasing a windsurfing wetsuit, which is entirely unsuitable. Top of the range wetsuit manufacturers have spent a lot of time researching different materials and designs to give the triathlete the best possible product. All seams should be double glued and reinforced with stitching or thermal tape on the inside, or a combination of the two. This method prevents water flushing through the suit, as the seams should be watertight. Smoothskin or mesh, (black rubber on the outer side of the suit) should not be stitched on the outside seams, as this will cause the neoprene to split when stretched. The neoprene should feel soft and stretchy to the touch and be of a good make. Because a suit may be the most expensive does not always mean it is the best, so do take advice.

As mentioned above a top quality wetsuit will cost in the region of £200 - £300, but if you are only going to do a few open water swims a year, you may find you do not want to spend this sort of money and it may be wise to choose a cheaper model. Take care you are not being ‘ripped off’ by a cheap imitation triathlon wetsuit but instead buy from a reputable manufacturer that has designed a ‘recreational’ wetsuit designed for the occasional user. Terrapin design and make a suit specifically for the ‘beginner’ priced at £140.00. Another way to try a suit is to hire one first, Terrapin hire wetsuits per triathlon at a cost of £35 plus postage and security deposit.

Any rubber outer on a wetsuit is susceptible to damage by sharp objects such as finger nails, so care should be taken when putting on the suit and how it is stored. Wash the suit in fresh water after use and hang inside out on a padded hanger allowing plenty of air to circulate around it. Never roll a suit and keep it stored in this way for long as it can permanently damage the neoprene. Occasionally you may experience burning around the neck after swimming and a colleague might advise you to use grease. This is not always good advice as not only can the grease pick up grit in the lining making it rather like sandpaper but it can also cause the seams to open. In addition if a repair or alteration is needed the grease makes it impossible to reglue. Should you experience a problem it is best to contact the manufacturer for advice and possible rectification or alteration of the suit. If a lubricant is necessary, baby oil is probably the best as it can be washed out using a mild detergent. Minor repairs are fairly easy to undertake yourself, a small tube of neoprene glue is a good investment for small nicks. With care a good quality wetsuit should last you a few seasons if you follow the above advice.

Terrapin have twenty years experience designing and manufacturing wetsuits and are only too pleased to give advice, without obligation, directly to athletes. They operate a full repair and alteration service for any make of wetsuit.

Copyright Terrapin 1994. Reproduction in any form is forbidden without prior written consent.