One of the key areas of the triathlon wetsuit and a selection thereof is largely dictated by personal choice, due to the fact that some people consider the triathlon wetsuit to be more inhibiting upon the performance than actually helping them achieve their goals in the sport. However others find that the suit provides additional buoyancy, as well as a smoother transition within the water stage, and in addition to this some claim that the protection afforded by the suit in chilly conditions prevents the shock element when getting used to the water temperature. It remains, as stated, purely personal choice when competing on amateur level, and can however affect the professional triathlete as in some instances the use of a triathlon wetsuit is prohibited in certain competitions.
These wetsuits are mainly comprised of the same materials used for their counterparts, being that of diving and surfing wetsuit, and is a rubberlike material known as neoprene. In short the neoprene serves as an insulation layer between the wearer and the water and prevents significant loss of body heat during the swimming phase of the triathlon. The three main types of the triathlon wetsuit include the two-piece suit, the full suit and the sleeveless suit. And once again personal choice will dictate as to the preferred type in this instance.
The sleeveless suit is arguably one of the most popular due to the fact that the wearer feels less constricted and can swim more freely, whilst the torso and the legs are kept warmer then without the use of such an item. However if one participates in other watersports, such as that of diving then the full suit is more functional for the individual, as it can be used across the range of activities mention. This may however cause the wearer to lose a few seconds when taking the suit off, after the swimming leg of the triathlon, unless they have sufficient energy and strength to conduct the running leg in this suit.
In using a triathlon wetsuit, whilst considering using it in other areas or pastimes, remember that you cannot elect for too thick a wetsuit, as this will seriously hamper your performance in the triathlon due to the additional weight that your body will be exposed to because of the water contained within the neoprene layer. So it may be fully effective in the ocean when scuba-diving, but will actually slow you down when competing. Therefore, financial resources allowing, separate suits should be considered for each of the activities.
If you are really lost in selecting a suitable triathlon wetsuit for yourself, see if you can use a friends suit for one or two competing events, and see how you feel and function with the suit on. Inevitably you will find that it takes awhile to get used to it and adjust to the suit, and will also give you an idea as to which triathlon wetsuit would be the best for you.
Author Resource:-
Chris writes for Baybywetsuits.com, for the widest range of triathlon wetsuits visit http://www.babywetsuits.com/
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