Wetsuit Triathlon Tip

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Triathlon Swim Tip

Anyone who has ever put on a wetsuit knows it can be quite a struggle, especially if it fits properly, (skin tight). The good thing is that the time you spend putting it on doesn't have any effect on your time at the end of the race. The flip side to this, is getting this beautifully sculpted piece of technology off during the race! Now this can get really funny sometimes.

I've seen people spraying "Pam" or other cooking oils on their wetsuits. I cannot believe that they still do this. For one, it's another can of stuff, that you have to pack for the race, and we all seem to pack way too much as it is. Two, it voids your wetsuit warranty. So the trick for me was to find something that you'll already be bringing with you to the race, that you can use safely on your wetsuit. And oh yeah, it has to help with the removal, and not cause any negative side affects to your equipment.

I've found that a stick of chaff eaze works great. I put some on the outside of my wetsuit on the sleeves and legs. About six inches up is enough, and you don't need a lot. Add to this with abit on your feet, (also helps with cycling and running blister prevention), and your legs will slide out smoothly. Only put it on the back side of your hands or you'll end up with slippery fingers, and that's not a good thing when jumping on your bike out of transition.

Another thing, any chance you get to practice taking off your wetsuit, make the most of it. So next time you do some open water swimming with your wetsuit, get ready for T1. Try and get your wetsuit off as quickly and smoothly as possible. The more you practice this, the better you'll be come race day. Also, visualize what you are going to do, before you do it. So as you're getting to the end of the swim, start thinking about how well you've been doing in practice at getting your wetsuit off. Hopefully these tips will help you with removal of your wetsuit, in a fraction of the time it took to get the thing on. Because, don't forget, the clock is ticking......

Happy swimming and good luck,

Shawn Reeder

		Triathlon Swim Tip Anyone who has ever put on a wetsuit knows it can be quite a struggle, especially if it fits properly, (skin tight). The good thing is that the time you spend putting it on doesn't have any effect on your time at the end of the race. The flip side to this, is getting this beautifully sculpted piece of technology off during the race! Now this can get really funny sometimes. I've seen people spraying "Pam" or other cooking oils on their wetsuits. I cannot believe that they still do this. For one, it's another can of stuff, that you have to pack for the race, and we all seem to pack way too much as it is. Two, it voids your wetsuit warranty. So the trick for me was to find something that you'll already be bringing with you to the race, that you can use safely on your wetsuit. And oh yeah, it has to help with the removal, and not cause any negative side affects to your equipment. I've found that a stick of chaff eaze works great. I put some on the outside of my wetsuit on the sleeves and legs. About six inches up is enough, and you don't need a lot. Add to this with abit on your feet, (also helps with cycling and running blister prevention), and your legs will slide out smoothly. Only put it on the back side of your hands or you'll end up with slippery fingers, and that's not a good thing when jumping on your bike out of transition. Another thing, any chance you get to practice taking off your wetsuit, make the most of it. So next time you do some open water swimming with your wetsuit, get ready for T1. Try and get your wetsuit off as quickly and smoothly as possible. The more you practice this, the better you'll be come race day. Also, visualize what you are going to do, before you do it. So as you're getting to the end of the swim, start thinking about how well you've been doing in practice at getting your wetsuit off. Hopefully these tips will help you with removal of your wetsuit, in a fraction of the time it took to get the thing on. Because, don't forget, the clock is ticking...... Happy swimming and good luck, Shawn Reeder