BUYER’S GUIDE ENTRY-LEVEL WETSUITS

Whether you’re a newcomer to tri and open-water swimming or a hardened racer with a drawer full of ill-fitting event T-shirts, the wetsuit is one of the most important - and exciting - multisport purchases you’ll make. A smart suit will have you powering through the water, an ill-fitting option sinking faster than the value of that cryptocurrency you bought in 2020. And with a sore neck to boot.

Yes, you can try swimming in that old surfing wetsuit, but a tri-specific suit should offer a wealth of benefits, including enhanced upper-body flexibility, speed in the water, considered buoyancy levels and race-friendly details such as quick removal cuffs.

When it comes to purchasing your tri wetsuit, our mantra is ‘try before you buy’, as the sizes can vary massively between brands. If you can, find a tri retailer or tri expo to try the suits, especially if this is your first triathlon wetsuit purchase. If not, ensure any online seller has a decent returns policy and study the size guide and user sizing comments.

Also think about your own swim ability when choosing. Some features - slender