How to Wear a Wetsuit in a Triathlon

Wetsuits keep triathletes warm by allowing a small amount of water to enter the suit to create an insulating layer. Aside from providing warmth, a wetsuit also makes you swim faster by adding buoyancy. Wetsuits are constructed with neoprene rubber, which is naturally buoyant. Putting on a wetsuit is a process that should be done carefully to ensure proper fit.

Things You'll Need

  • Socks
  • Wetsuit
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Put on any undergarments you plan to wear inside the wetsuit such as a wetsuit top, thermal rashguard, neoprene shorts, sports bra or bikini top.

    • 2

      Put on socks to help slide your feet through the wetsuit's legs easier and quicker. This also prevents your toe nails from catching on the nylon lining of your suit.

    • 3

      Slip on one leg at a time just like pulling on trousers. Grab your wetsuit from the inside of the lining and push your foot through while pointing your toes.

    • 4

      Pull on the outside of your wetsuit to get the legs up high enough. Be careful with your nails when pulling on the suit's outer surface; it is vulnerable to fingernail damage. Smooth out any wrinkles all over, especially behind your knee and the back of your legs.

    • 5

      Continue to pull the suit up your legs to your crotch. Tug the suit to get it high enough to fit the crotch area snugly.

    • 6

      Tug the butt of the suit from behind you to work the suit up your entire upper body. The torso should be high enough to pull over your shoulders.

    • 7

      Push your hands through the sleeves and pull up while extending your arms. Avoid any wrinkles.

    • 8

      Make sure that the underarms fit snugly against your armpits. Leave no space between your armpit and the suit.

    • 9

      Ensure that the arm and shoulder of the suit is flexible enough to provide you with a full range of motion.

    • 10

      Pull the suit's neck up and make sure it fits snugly against your skin to seal water out.

    • 11

      Stand upright, pull your shoulder blades together and hold the base of the zipper then pull it all the way up.

    • 12

      Take your socks off before getting in the water