NEOPRENE SWIMMING SUIT

The first challenge of the season for triathletes and open water swimmers and during lifeguard training is to find the right outdoor swimming suit! This neoprene outfit allows you to swim in natural environments (seas, lakes …), protecting you from the cold. Regarding swimming in open water, its texture promotes buoyancy and glide, which makes it possible to accelerate swimming speed. It is a neoprene garment for outdoor swimming which is also called a triathlon suit. Whether during a triathlon or simply during an open water swimming trip (training or competition), the neoprene suit quickly becomes essential depending on the temperature of the water in which you are operating.

However, how do you navigate the many models offered on the market? Discover in this buying guide, some of our advice to help you choose your swimming suit.

A SWIMMING SUIT FOR TRIATHLON (FFTRI REGULATION)

For swimming, the essential investment is, of course, the purchase of a neoprene swimming suit suitable for the triathlon, which you will need for the majority of your races. In fact, according to the FFTri regulations, the swimming suit is compulsory if the water does not reach 16 °, but it is prohibited from 24 ° for distances XS to M and L to XXL. Between 2? You are free to swim in a triathlon suit or not. Indeed, between 16 and 24 degrees, the wearing of the swimming suit is optional. In addition to the latter, the swimming equipment in a triathlon, also consists of a tri suit, a swimming cap

The triathlon wetsuit is a specific outfit that in no way hinders your swimming movements (stretch part on the arms). Also note that the triathlon wetsuit will protect you from the cold and thus save your energy to fight against thermal loss, and slightly modify the sensations when swimming: it is said that the triathlon wetsuit benefits swimmers since it improves buoyancy. It is certainly not for nothing that most triathletes prefer to swim in a triathlon wetsuit, even if it means losing a few seconds while undressing.

There are combinations specially designed for triathlon. Triathlon wetsuits are adapted to the specificities of the discipline: the thickness of neoprene designed for optimal flotation, quality of neoprene to offer the best possible glide, shoulder yoke designed to offer as little discomfort as possible in swimming, opening systems practical for quick undressing in transition … and you get a high-tech triathlon wetsuit. No wonder, then, that triathlon wetsuits aren’t necessarily cheap, but they can really make a difference.

OUR ADVICE FOR BUYING A NEOPRENE SWIMMING SUIT

In order to choose your triathlon wetsuit, there are several criteria to take into account. First of all, before thinking about choosing your swimming suit, it is important to determine a budget! Indeed, there are several price ranges and types of neoprene wetsuits adapted to different profiles of swimmers.

If this is the first time you have purchased a triathlon suit, it is recommended that you go to the store to put on and try on the suit if possible before purchasing it. However, by relying on our size guide or by contacting us, you will already have a good idea of the size that will be best suited to your body type.

Before you go to the store or buy online, think about the following 3 points that will guide your final choice: Budget, level as a swimmer, and swimming distance. Do not necessarily rely on the recommendations of a triathlete friend on the choice of outfit, unless your body types are almost identical. Certain swimming suits will suit a particular body type better! Even if your budget is large and you are just starting out, don’t necessarily go for the more expensive model. Indeed, mid-range wetsuits are specially designed for beginner triathletes and open water swimmers. (stronger neoprene so less risk of tearing …).

Our recommendations when trying on the garment

Here is a non-exhaustive list of tips for enjoying an adapted swimming suit:

Water entry and circulation should be kept to a minimum. For this, the triathlon suit must be adjusted as well as possible without causing compression points on the neck, arms, armpits, and knees. Thus, the suit should stick to the skin all over your body.

When trying on, prefer a neoprene swimming suit without air pockets, because these will soak up water and therefore cancel the thermal protection effect.

The cutouts at the armpits and crotch, as well as the back closure, facilitate ease on a triathlon wetsuit. Do not hesitate when trying on to do crawl or breaststroke movements to see the elasticity of the triathlon suit.

If you want to have a little more lift thanks to the buoyancy of the triathlon wetsuit, and you dread the cold, we advise you to opt for a full triathlon wetsuit that is thicker in sensitive areas and more pleasant in areas of shoulder friction. , knees…)

In addition, also remember to protect yourself from the cold in the head. For this, neoprene swimming hoods are particularly suitable.

By Anurag Rathod

Anurag Rathod is an Editor of Appclonescript.com, who is passionate for app-based startup solutions and on-demand business ideas. He believes in spreading tech trends. He is an avid reader and loves thinking out of the box to promote new technologies.