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(by Alice Camoni)
Through this guide we will show you what are the main information you need to know when you want to choose a wetsuit for swimming, we will give you simple tips to wear it in the best way and we will tell you how to take care of it.
the wetsuits used for open water and for the swimming fraction in triathlon are different from those used for diving or windsurfing, in that they are much more adherent, elastic and characterized by a smooth fabric that allows a better water flow. therefore the characteristics of the swimming suit are different from those of wetsuits used in other water sports.
When to use the swimming suit?
the federal regulation defines the water temperatures at which the use of the suit is mandatory, optional or prohibited.
as regards triathlon, when the water exceeds 20 degrees the use of the wetsuit is prohibited, when the temperature is between 14 and 20 degrees it is optional, while when it is between 13 and 14 degrees it is mandatory . (remember that if the water temperature is below 13 degrees, the race is canceled).
in open water swimming competitions, however, when the water exceeds 20 degrees the use of the wetsuit is prohibited, when the temperature is between 18 and 20 degrees it is optional, while when it is between 16 and 18 degrees is mandatory.
What is the wetsuit for?
the triathlon and open water wetsuit is for:
- isolate from cold water; neoprene, the material that constitutes the wetsuits, traps a thin layer of water, which, in contact with the athlete's skin, warms up and insulates the body from cold water;
- allow for greater speed and better floatation.
How is a wetsuit made? What are the main materials?
There are two different models of swimming wetsuits: some have long sleeves, to allow maximum buoyancy, while others are sleeveless and offer maximum range of movement but lower buoyancy.
The thickness of the swimming wetsuits is between 1.5 mm and 5 mm; the fabrics with a lower thickness give the suit a high elasticity, but a low thermal insulation, while the fabrics with a higher thickness allow a greater flotation.
The most expensive wetsuits used by high level athletes are made up of differentiated thicknesses on the different areas of the body; the fabric is, in fact, thicker on the torso and legs, in order to guarantee the athlete a high flotation and thermal insulation, while it is thinner along the shoulders and arms, in order to ensure maximum freedom of movement.
Some wetsuits are also made with air pockets integrated into the neoprene, which give the athlete even greater flotation; however, this alternative is not recommended for those who are thin or have little muscle mass, as excessive buoyancy would make the athlete's attitude in the water and his kick less effective.
As far as materials are concerned, it is possible to find other patented formulas compared to the classic neoprene, such as:
- dolphin speed, neoprene with silicone coating;
- smoothly skin, medium density elastic neoprene;
- super float, highly dense and floating neoprene;
- full duraprene, highly dense and flexible neoprene;
- jy aqua stretch, wetsuit with internal lining to improve the fit;
- hp super coated, highly hydrodynamic elastic suit.
What must a wetsuit guarantee?
- thermal insulation; usually the more the neoprene is often the more the wetsuit is able to isolate the body from the cold water of the outside. remember, moreover, that the less the suit is tight and the more water will enter inside it, resulting in a cooling effect;
- buoyancy; buoyancy is given by the thickness of the neoprene. however, wetsuits with a high thickness of neoprene could hinder the athlete's movements, and it is therefore important to find the right balance between flexibility and buoyancy;
- flexibility; the wetsuits must be able to allow all the movements of the shoulders and legs and must be sufficiently elastic so that part of the energy of the stroke is not used to overcome the resistance of the wetsuit. (remember that the dry suit is less elastic than when it is wet);
- reduction of water resistance; some wetsuits are covered with materials that render or more slippery and smooth, so as to minimize the friction of the water;
- weight; during a race, the lighter the suit, the better; also in this case it is essential to wear a suit that is the right size, to avoid transporting water accumulated in the points where the suit does not dress properly.
How to understand if the suit is right for you? How should she dress?
- the two fundamental characteristics to consider when you want to buy a wetsuit for swimming in open water or for triathlon are the size and the fit; the wetsuit must, in fact, become like a second skin and if these two characteristics are not met it will be unusable in the race;
- the suit must adapt perfectly to the body, without being excessively tight and compressing;
- creases must not be created and there must be no excess material;
- the ends (wrists and ankles) must be as tight as possible, so as to prevent water from entering, while at the level of the neck the suit must not be excessively tight, so as not to give the athlete a feeling of suffocation
- on the chest the wetsuit must not compress too much, as, during the race, one must be able to breathe without constriction.
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How to wear a wetsuit
Wearing a wetsuit takes a lot of time and patience. Before wearing a wetsuit remember to:
- make sure you have short nails; long nails could in fact destroy neoprene;
- dry yourself well; wearing a wetsuit when you are wet involves, in fact, twice the time and effort;
- to apply a layer of anti-abrasion lubricant on the body, which will make it much easier to put on and take off the suit.
To wear a wetsuit:
- put your feet in the exit holes; then pull the suit by taking small portions of fabric from time to time, to avoid breaking the neoprene;
- when you have pulled the wetsuit up to the knee, continue to bring it up to the chest;
- when the wetsuit is at the chest, put your arms one at a time, trying to always take up little fabric;
- close the zip keeping the strap attached to the zipper and make sure you have locked the velcro closure;
- try to move and turn your arms to make sure you have maximum freedom of movement and iron the folds that have formed in the places where the neoprene has not adhered to the skin.
Trick: before putting on the suit, slide the zipper for about an inch: it will be easier to pull the zip up when you have put on the suit!
How to take care of the suit
- after each use, rinse the suit with cold water, without using products;
- to dry it, do not use heat sources, but hang it for a day so that it can dry in the air and, the next day; turn it upside down and repeat the drying the other way.
The best way to keep a wetsuit is to hang it in a wardrobe or hang it on a flat surface; alternatively it is also possible to fold it, even if you would risk deforming some areas if you keep it folded for long periods of time.
Best wetsuit
The brands that produce swimming wetsuits are many and all more or less valid. tyr and aqua sphere wetsuits have been present on the Italian market practically always, but zone3 wetsuits are also excellent, a relatively new British brand. however regardless of the brand, the important thing is that:
- the suit does not block the athlete in the movements. the wetsuit must not be medieval armor and the athlete must feel comfortable when wearing it. for this purpose multidensity wetsuits are excellent which have a different thickness depending on the area of the body;
- for FIN or FINA open water competitions, pay attention to regulation on how and when use the wetsuit. inquire about the possible homologation of the same and in order not to make a mistake better buy already approved wetsuits if you intend to compete;
- pay attention to the quality of the hinges, and to the finishes of the neck and armpit areas (for sleeveless wetsuits). a perfect wetsuit but with a zipper that breaks after some use or jams while you put it on is a nice nuisance. the neck area, as well as the armpits can be subject to abrasions.