READER QUESTIONS
Q I’m a newbie – is an expensive wetsuit worth buying?
A Like anything, there is no point spending a fortune until you know a sport is right for you – so if you are new to triathlon it may not be worth shelling out hundreds of pounds. This is mind, you can always hire a wetsuit for your first season if not ready to invest.
That said, if you’re a keen swimmer and want to make the most of the technology available in the market, then there is nothing to stop you buying a more technical (and therefore usually more expensive) suit. It doesn’t always make sense to buy twice if, for example, you know you want a suit with very thin flexible arms and a lot of buoyancy. Just remember the golden rule – the best wetsuit for any swimmer is the one that fits them the best – so more money doesn’t always mean a better wetsuit for you! Q What are the differences between men’s and women’s?
A The obvious differences are the cut of the wetsuit (whether they are shaped to allow for curves) as well as the sizing profiles available. Most wetsuit sizing is done based on height and weight, which is usually reflected in the genders.
You will also find that with some brands buoyancy profiles differ, as women tend to need less buoyancy (and therefore thinner neoprene) through the lower body due to the distribution of body fat. Generally, you will also find that certain brands suit your individual shape better too. Q How long should my triathlon wetsuit last?
A This will differ a lot based on how well you look after it! Key things that can help:
1. Care when putting it on and removing it. Take time to put a wetsuit on and wear cotton gloves/foot coverings to avoid snagging it with a nail.
2. Rinse your wetsuit after each swim and leave it to dry inside out. Do not leave it in direct sunlight, which can degrade the neoprene.
3. Never leave saltwater on your suit or around the zip, as it can corrode the materials and jam the zip. Always rinse thoroughly.
4. Use a specialist wetsuit cleaner periodically to remove nasty niffs and bacteria – we like Coco Loco Wetsuit Cleaner.
5. Store your wetsuit carefully at the end of each season. Inside out and rolled up, plus in a cool environment.