Open water swimming is a discipline that is becoming more and more fashionable. In this sense, triathletes can already boast a long experience, especially when it comes to choosing the tools that help you enjoy the experience. The most important, without a doubt, is the triathlon wetsuit . Born to protect against the cold, it is also useful for you to swim with lifeguard certification better. Let's see how.

What you need to know about triathlon wetsuits

The main function of the wetsuit is to protect you against low water temperatures. Without it, very often, it would be difficult to get out of the first leg of your triathlon without suffering hypothermia. For this reason, the federations have imposed temperature ranges for which the use of triathlon wetsuits is mandatory, authorized, or even prohibited. Those ranges also vary based on distances . The maximum temperature, above which the neoprene cannot be used, is to avoid hyperthermia or overheating, since the body generates heat while swimming.



A second skin

Neoprene works by retaining a small amount of water (because it's impossible to make it waterproof) which is heated by your body heat. This layer is a real barrier against the cold . Therefore, it is very important that the suit fits your body well, as if it were a second skin. If it is too loose, each movement of the arms, head, legs lets more cold water enter through the folds, and the suit will lose part of its protective capacity.

The first is the repetition of a previous paragraph: 

The wrap . We already know that a good fit is essential so that cold water does not enter. But you also have to know that if you tighten too much, it will not allow you to move freely and you will feel compressed.

The second is the cut of the suit: 

With long , short, or sleeveless sleeves. It is clear that you need maximum freedom of movement at the man level to execute an effective crawl. This could be an argument in favor of the sleeveless suit, but keep in mind that this will leave you less protected, and also that you will float less at shoulder level. Without counting on losing the option of the special surface that some brands add on the forearms for a better "grip" of the water.

The third main parameter is related to the thickness distribution. 

All modern neoprene suits are made up of different parts with thicknesses that vary depending on the area of ​​the body they cover: you will find the thickest in the parts that move the least, and the thinnest at the shoulders, to guarantee the maximum mobility. It also influences your position in the water. You have to find the ideal balance for you between flexibility, buoyancy and protection against the cold.

Maybe less crucial, but not unimportant

We cannot lose sight of other aspects that, despite being less crucial, can cause discomfort or affect performance if we forget about them:

The zipper : Basically, there are two schools. Many people prefer a top-down closure, others - in the opposite direction. It is basically a matter of taste, but as tying it is not always easy, especially if there is no one to help you, it is better to do a test in the store.

The neck : since you have to tilt your head to the side with each breath, the skin on your neck will rub against the suit. Any seam, hard point or poorly protected zipper can cause chafing or very annoying injuries.

Easy to take it off : at the time of the competition, every second counts, and you can lose a lot of time if you take time to get out of your second skin. It is also recommended to try this operation in the store.

Ready to get into your second skin?

Finding a triathlon wetsuit that fits like a second skin will help you enjoy open water swimming with lifeguarding certification. If you take our advice into account, you will surely be right.

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