Mastering Your First Triathlon Wetsuit: A Guide for Beginners

Preparing to Suit Up

1. Start with Dry Skin
Dry skin makes sliding into your wetsuit much easier and helps avoid unnecessary tugging or friction. If you're near water or sweating, towel off thoroughly before getting started.

2. Begin with Your Feet
Forget the plastic bag hacks! Sumarpo wetsuits are crafted with innovative materials that eliminate the need for extra tricks. Their advanced fabrics and elastic V-shaped neoprene cuts are designed for smooth and effortless entry.

3. Handle with Care
Your wetsuit is tough but not immune to damage. Avoid using your nails, which can leave scratches or tears. Instead, use the pads of your fingers to gently pull the material into place.

The Step-by-Step Process to Put on Your Wetsuit

1. Fit the Crotch and Armpits First
Start by ensuring the wetsuit is snug around your crotch and armpits. These areas should fit close to the body without gaps. Slide the sleeves on slowly, and once in place, raise your arms to check for an upward pull under your armpits.

2. Master the Zipper
To zip up the back, lean slightly forward to align the zipper properly. Start zipping while bent and adjust as needed for a snug fit. A well-aligned zipper prevents discomfort and keeps the suit secure throughout the race.

3. Perfect the Collar Fit

• Front Collar: Position it just below your Adam’s apple to avoid irritation.
• Back Collar: There should be enough space to comfortably fit 1-2 fingers inside, ensuring it’s snug but not restrictive.

4. Get the Chest Fit Right
Your chest area should feel gently compressed, with no restriction on your breathing. If needed, lightly adjust the front neoprene panel for a better fit.

5. Adjust the Shoulders
A slight sensation of tightness in the shoulders is normal—it signals the suit is doing its job. However, if it feels overly restrictive or limits your range of motion, the wetsuit might be too small.

6. Check for Waist Space
Some space at the back of the waist is normal. Aim for a fist-sized gap between your body and the suit when you pull the material outward. If it’s too tight, the wetsuit may be the wrong size.

7. Assess Thigh Tightness
When lifting your legs, there should be no noticeable resistance or stretching force. A proper fit allows freedom of movement, crucial for an effective swim.

8. Position the Trouser Legs
Ensure the legs of the wetsuit end 2-3 fingers above the ankle joint. This positioning prevents water from entering and optimizes comfort.

9. Fine-Tune the Wrists
Your wetsuit sleeves should either cover the wrist joint or stop just above or below it. Avoid sleeves that are excessively short, as this can disrupt water flow.

Final Adjustments and Key Features

• GSP (Groove-Shaped Paddle) System: If your wetsuit includes this feature, make sure the paddles align directly with your forearms to enhance stroke efficiency.
• Zipper Cord Placement: After zipping up, secure the zipper cord to the collar to keep it out of the way and ready for quick removal during transitions.

Practice Makes Perfect

Wearing your triathlon wetsuit correctly is essential for a comfortable and successful race. Take the time to practice these steps before race day to ensure a stress-free experience. A little preparation goes a long way in boosting your confidence and performance.

Get ready to dive into your triathlon journey—happy racing!