Wetsuits for surfing, diving and triathlons have some important differences and a few similarities. The most important common goal is that of keeping the swimmer sufficiently warm while in the water.
Most wetsuits are manufactured from foamed neoprene material, sometimes with another fabric bonded to the surface. The characteristics of the materials in the suit, and its thickness, will affect a number of aspects of the athlete’s performance.
Whether surfing, diving or competing in a triathlon, some of those characteristics may be either crucial or insignificant to an athlete. Let’s take a look at how these three athletes might evaluate a wetsuit.
Surfer
Buoyancy – not important. He has a surfboard, which he tries to stay on top of, rather than beneath.
Warmth – important. He doesn’t generate a lot of body heat, waiting for the next wave, so he’ll need the insulation.
Flexibility and comfort – not critical. Comfort is nice, but neither that nor flexibility will have much effect on his performance.
Hydrodynamic resistance – no benefit. He’s not competing against a clock and is rarely (hopefully) submerged.
Ease of removal – moderately important. At least to the extent that he wants to avoid damaging his suit.
Diver
Buoyancy – moderately important. He has a buoyancy compensator to adjust for varying buoyancy at different depths.
Warmth – Important. Prolonged submerged periods, especially in the cooler deep waters, make this a necessity.
Flexibility and comfort – Moderately important. Most of a diver’s movements involve propelling himself with his legs, rather than his arms.
Hydrodynamic resistance – not important. With speed not being an issue, water resistance is of little importance to a diver.
Ease of removal – moderately important. Like the surfer, the diver is primarily concerned with not damaging his suit while doffing it.
Triathlete
Buoyancy – Extremely important. The buoyancy afforded by the athlete’s wetsuit can help him trim a minute or better from his swim leg.
Warmth – Extremely important. Although triathletes generate a lot of excess body heat, keeping their core temperature up is critical in cooler water.
Flexibility and comfort – Extremely important. Without adequate freedom of movement, the athlete will have a slower swim time and will be more fatigued for his bike leg.
Hydrodynamic resistance – Extremely important. The specialized surfaces of triathlon wetsuits can shave a minute or more off a competitor’s time.
Ease of removal – Extremely important. Getting out of the suit quickly, without damaging it, can not only result in a favorable T1 time, but can also gain the athlete a favorable starting position in the bike leg.
General Similarities
Surfing, diving and triathlon wetsuits all have their differences, but they also share some similarities:
A minor tear or surface damage can be made on the spot, using neoprene glue, although major repairs need to be done by a professional.
A proper fit is crucial, in order to both limit how much cold water can enter the suit and to maximize the user’s freedom of movement.
The cost of wetsuits has decreased dramatically in the last several years, but nevertheless, suit owners take care to not damage them, as finding a perfect fit is no easy task.
With the technological advances in materials and manufacturing techniques over the last several years, wetsuits have become a critical tool for optimizing performance in the water. Regardless of which of these three sports you select, your wetsuit’s suitability will be crucial to your success and enjoyment of your sport.
New advances will be coming along, allowing athletes to reach new heights in their performance. Staying abreast of developments in the industry can sometimes lead to record-breaking times or major performance achievements, and those that ride the cutting edge are often the holders of those records.
Author Resource:
Wetsuit Outlet is the best pace on earth to buy wetsuits. We carry wetsuits and swim skins designed for triathletes, competitive racers and anyone that wants the best wetsuit you can wear.
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