Can I use my surfing or shortie wetsuit?
You can use any type of wetsuit but triathletes use triathlon specific wetsuits, which are totally different from the average wetsuit. Most wetsuits are designed to be flexible around the arms and shoulders and do not fit like a second skin so will scoop up an awful lot of water. This will slow you down. A triathlon wetsuit is designed for swimming. The flexibility around the arms is incredible and will not impede your swimming. A triathlon wetsuit also fits extremely closely! Novice’s initial reaction when putting their wetsuit on is that it is too tight on the chest. Any tightness will immediately disappear as soon as you enter the water. If the wetsuit is comfortable on the land then the chances are that it is too big for you and will scoop up water when you start to swim. Practising in a wetsuit in the weeks prior to the race is very important and will allay any fears you may have. Hiring a wetsuit in advance of the event will allow you time to practise in it.
