Tri Wetsuits for Dummies and Smarties by Karen Sing

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Tri Wetsuits for Dummies and Smarties by Karen Sing

Posted by Michael Collins on Sep 17 2008 at 05:00PM PDT

Fit and Function Tri wetsuits are made specifically for SURFACE open water swimming. They are traditionally constructed of very buoyant and flexible smooth skin neoprene, and are designed to fit snugly.

You will swim 5-15 seconds faster/100 meters in a properly fitting wetsuit. The suit gives you buoyancy and compression, and gives you perfect body positioning in the water, and keeps you warm.
Though you may have worn diving, surf, or recreation sport wetsuits before, tri wetsuits need to be much tighter for two reasons: 1.) They do stretch out a bit when wet, depending on the lining material, and 2.) In case any water gets in, it will not pool in the suit and make it heavier to swim in.
The Smooth Skin rubber on the outside is not as durable or as sturdy as neoprene which has fabric on the outside, so you must be careful not to pull too hard on a small area of the suit, or pinch, yank, or scrape the outside smooth surface.
The seams are glued, then Blindstitched on the inside with a curved needle machine for a flexible water-tight seam. Though these seams are very strong, it is necessary to be careful with those as well.

On and Off, In and Out Use steady and firm force, no pinching, overstretching, or pulling on the seams. It will be much easier to put a suit on in a cool, dry place and if you are not sweaty. REMEMBER: Suits go on better dry and come off better wet. · Talcum or baby powder on the calves and forearms helps with this. · Wear lycra fitness or tri shorts (everyone) and exercise bra or tri tank (women.) · PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS OVER THE FEET AND CALVES ALLOW THE SUIT TO SLIDE UP EASILY! Take them off before you swim. · Take your time and relax. If possible, call the shop ahead of time and reserve 20 minutes with a knowledgeable salesperson. If you’re at an outdoor expo, definitely do not be in a hurry. 1. Smooth rubber on the outside, fabric on the inside, zipper in the back. NEVER DIG YOUR NAILS IN TO GRIP THE SUIT. (Remember the plastic bags on the feet?)2. Pull the suit over feet and ankles to just below your calves. Work legs up gradually over knees, thighs, and hips, front and back. Get some help to pull the suit up in the back, and work the wrinkles up from behind knees, hamstrings, and under the bum. 3. PULL THE CROTCH UP AS FAR AS IT WILL GO to insure a proper fit in torso, neck, shoulders, and sleeves, but do not tug on inner thighs. Instead, work it up from the calves and knees. Bags off feet?4. Put a plastic bag on one hand, slide suit on and pull up 3” above wrist bone. Take bag off and adjust sleeve up into armpit and over shoulder, making sure it is aligned correctly. Repeat with other arm.5. Adjust suit front and back, pull up to eliminate big folds in crotch, stomach, low back, and elbows. MAKE SURE IT’S PULLED UP ALL THE WAY IN THE BACK so that it doesn’t pull against the front of your throat. Always work gradually from bottom to top. 6. Pull inner zipper flap flat against back, zip up suit, and make sure flap doesn’t stick in zipper. GET HELP WITH THIS! It’s nearly impossible to do yourself.7. Stretch outer zip flap across and fasten, make sure the Velcro doesn’t rub your neck on the side or back. Ask someone to help, whether you’re in a shop, at the race, or at the beach or pool. Bags off your feet and hands?8. Position zipper pull cord for easy transition, and recheck sleeves, neck, torso, and legs. Use lube of choice (no Vaseline, cooking spray, or petroleum based lubricants please.)9. IS THE SIZING RIGHT FOR YOU? Suit will be snug, should not feel restrictive in chest, shoulders, or arms. It’ll feel just right in the swimming position in the water. If it’s baggy or pajama-comfy, it’s too big. 10. Have a great swim! To take off, unzip and roll down and off one sleeve at a time. 11. Roll suit down inside out over torso, like you are peeling a banana. 12. On legs, continue to peel down inside out, DO NOT PUSH down and bunch it up over calves. 13. Step out one leg at a time. If necessary, you can use your hands to slide suit over feet and heels. 14. ALL OF THESE THINGS TAKE PRACTICE! So put on and take off your suit at least once before your race.