Basic Care For Your Triathlon Suit

So you bought your first triathlon suit but do you know how to care for it?After all, your suit has special duties that include keeping your body warm and protect your skin from abrasives.

The first thing to learn is how to put your suit on properly. You already know that the suits are designed to fit snug against your body but that snug fit is also what makes them a struggle to put on. Your finger nails are the first place to start so make sure they are trimmed or covered so they do not snag or puncture your new suit. The next step is to put on your suit starting at the feet first and then working it up until it reaches the hips. Once you have accomplished this, you can adjust the suit so that it fits right on the front and back of your body.

Then you insert your arms in the sleeves one at a time, bunching the suit up to your shoulder before moving on. Next ensure that the internal flap lies flat against your back. Then ensure that the collar flap is laying flat. Make some final adjustments to the suit so it fits just right around the torso, chest and arms. Make sure the triathlon wetsuit is stretched in all the right places for maximum movement.

When you have finished your water activities with your suit, you will need to learn how to care for it after wards so that it will last you many years to come. The first aftercare step is to wash it immediately after use. Elements such as salt and chlorine can actually defect your suit. Hang your suit up with a padded hanger to prevent any creases from being created. Creases are bad news for your suit because it means they could lose the ability to prevent keeping cold water out. Another element to take into consideration is the sun since heat and sunlight both can deteriorate the suit.

By following these simple steps and taking care of your triathlon wetsuit you will keep it in pristine condition. In return your wetsuit will continue keeping you warm and help you compete in many triathlons to come.

Sean’s website, Tri Suit has more articles for your reading pleasure on such matters as how to choose the right tri wetsuits.

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Selecting Wetsuits For Optimum Sport Performance

Not all wetsuits are designed to withstand the same type of movement. Some are built for heavy use of the knees and shoulders while others are more restrictive in the joint areas. The panels that a wetsuit is made from are stitched and glued together, creating more flexibility. Panels that come together in high motion areas can cause additional chafing, which can be very uncomfortable.

When water becomes trapped between your skin and the suit, you may feel a slight chill at first, although it’s not the same shock of jumping in unprotected. In a moment, the water that is trapped warms up as an extra layer of insulation, creating additional warmth.

There are numerous different sports that require wetsuits when the water (or the air) becomes too chilly for swimming but you still have enough warmth to keep you in the game. Surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, jet skiing, water skiing and wake boarding, and of course, swimming are just a few of the main sports that will find you picking through your options early and late in the season.

Some northern climates will require a shorty even in the middle of summer. Some southern regions will require only a short or a “John” or “Jane” in the middle of winter. Each suit comes with its own weight to help you determine which suit will keep you the most comfortable the longest.

The different styles offer you different ways to protect your body from the cold. A full suit covers you from wrist to ankle and may even come with a well fitted hood. For additional protection you can certainly add gloves and boots in order to keep all of the exposed skin covered and warmer for your sessions. Wear what is comfortable and appropriate for you and the water temperature.

A shorty is a suit that offers core protection. It has shorts, usually to just above the knee, and short or three quarter sleeves. Using three quarter sleeves gives you the option to pull the sleeves down over the elbow or push them up a bit for more arm movement. Sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding require a lot of arm movement and most people find a three quarter sleeve below the elbow to be constricting.

The long legged but sleeveless options are referred to as “Johns” or “Janes.” These suits are good for many different sports, but most people find them to be a great spring or fall suit. Their sleeveless design allows you to choose between going free and using a secondary wetsuit “shirt” to start your day. You can remove the secondary covering as the day warms up.

Wetsuits come in different weights, with each weight providing more protection. A skinsuit, which isn’t really a wetsuit, is the lightest form you can buy. It’s not meant for heavy duty protection. The weight of a wetsuit is measured in millimeters. Thus, a 3 to 5 mm suit may be good for early fall protection in temperate climates but isn’t likely to provide ample protection for winter conditions. Buying the right suit is imperative. Cold water and cold air can cause hypothermia, which can lead to death in a short period of time. Playing in the water in cold temperatures with an ill fitted or ill protective suit can end up being dangerous.

Clement owns the wetsuits information website where you can learn everything you need to know about wetsuits. Just check this complete wetsuit guide for instance.

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wetsuits Selecting Wetsuits For Optimum Sport Performance

Important Parts Of Wetsuits To Use

When in the water you will need the right protection. A good thing to do is to check out many different factors involving wetsuits. These are important in that wetsuits can work with all sorts of water activities.

Neoprene is used in the construction of various wetsuits. When neoprene is used it is easy for the user to be able to stay flexible. A full neoprene wetsuit will be one that allows for flexibility in all areas. A thirty percent one will only handle the shoulders, arms and back. When finding a suit you should look into the neoprene content.

Another part of neoprene involves its ability to handle water. The ability of the neoprene to repel water is always important. This material should work to help with getting water to keep from sticking into the suit. This is used to help with keeping the body warm in the water.

The next part of a wetsuit to watch for is the thickness of the wetsuit. Thickness is easily listed on a typical wetsuit for specifying how many millimeters thick it is. The first thickness number relates to thickness in the torso and the second number is for the limbs. An example to use is to consider how a 4/3mm suit works. With this suit the torso and limb areas have respective thickness levels of four and three millimeters.

Another important factor with a wetsuit deals with the water temperature that the wetsuit is used in. When in the water it helps to be sure that the wetsuit being used can handle certain temperatures. A good thing to do is to look into the thickness of the wetsuit with regards to temperature. Thicker wetsuits are best for cold water conditions. One example is that in water that is at sixty degrees Fahrenheit a 3/2mm suit can work.

The seams that a wetsuit uses can make a difference as well. There are numerous options to check out along these seams. The flatlock stitched seam is a popular choice for wetsuits used in warm weather. It feels flat and is very comfortable. Water can move into the suit at some times though.

Sealed seams are used for wetsuits in cold temperatures. Before these seams are stitched they are glued together. Sometimes the seams will be taped together inside the suit. As a result water will not be stuck inside of the suit.

Zippers can make an impact on the build of a wetsuit. The length of the zipper will be important to watch for. Shorter zippers will help to make the suit more flexible. They can make it harder for a person to put on a suit though. The barrier used around the zipper should be considered too because it will need to keep water out.

Wetsuits are great for water activities but you should watch for some factors. The neoprene that is used is important. The seams that are used and the thickness of the suit should be watched for too.

Clement writes for the wetsuit information site where you can find out everything you need to know about buying wetsuits. Just check this guide to wetsuits for instance.

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wetsuits Important Parts Of Wetsuits To Use

Wetsuit Repair – How To Fix Your Wetsuit

Before going into how to fix your wetsuit, we need to establish whether or not it is repairable.

If your wetsuit has become stiff, pale and cracked I’m afraid it’s time to throw it away and treat yourself to a new one. If you have a rip, a split seam of a hole in your wetsuit then read on and I’ll teach you what you need to know about wetsuit repair. The good news is that it’s fairly quick and easy – here’s how to do it…

Before trying to repair your wetsuit, make sure you have cleaned off any dirt and salt water deposits. Once you have done that, rub the area you plan to fix with alcohol. This removes any grease that might prevent your neoprene glue from sticking.

Splits in the seams and large tears

If your wetsuit has a large split or has come apart at a seam, then you’re going to need to sew it before you apply any cement, or it will just come apart again.

A nylon thread is the best choice, though you can use a strong dental floss. You don’t have to use any kind of special stitching, just hold the two edges together and sew it as best you can (try to keep your stitches close together for strength).

Once your sewing is sorted you need to apply your neoprene cement to make it watertight. Do one side and allow it to dry before doing the other. Repeat for each side. Be careful not to stick the insides of your wetsuit together.

Small holes and tears

If your wetsuit just has a small tear of a hole, you can simply use neoprene cement to weld it back together, or glue a patch on. Patches can be found in all good wetsuit repair kits.

Bingo! You’re all done. All that remains is to put your wetsuit on and give it a try. Make sure you wait until your neoprene cement is dry though, you don’t want to get stuck in it!

Wait! Before you throw out your torn wetsuit. Read Ali Mason’s step by step guide on how to repair a wetsuit. You can visit Ali’s website for more information about mens wetsuits. You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.

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Things To Consider When Purchasing A New Wetsuit

Whether you’re searching for mens wetsuits, ladies wetsuits or children’s wetsuits, a good place to start is with some good, old fashioned buying advice before you part with your heard earned cash.

Neoprene is the primary choice of material for wetsuits, because of it’s superb insulating properties. Wetsuit panels are often different thicknesses; thicker around the torso, and thinner on the limbs. The thickness of the material is measured in millimeters and described in numbers; a 3/2 wetsuit will be 3mm on the torso and 2mm on the limbs. The panels are welded or stitched together.

Because Neoprene is expensive, many manufacturers substitute with other materials on some of the panels. Occasionally other materials are used to add extra insulation too; a good example would be a merino wool lining

Choosing the right suit for the right conditions:

Shorties are ideal for warm water, above 75F / 24C. They’re mostly constructed from thinner material; 3/2 or even 2/1. They are ideal for diving in warm water, or for active sports like surfing where freedom of movement is desirable.

For spring conditions (65F – 75F / 18C – 24C) a three quarters suit “Spring suit” is ideal. These wetsuits have three quarter length sleeves and legs. They’re usually available in 3/2 or 2/1 thickness.

Winter / cold water conditions (less that 60F / 15.5C) will require you to choose a Full wetsuit “steamer”. Full wetsuits have full length sleeves and legs and are available in thicknesses between 3/2 and 7mm. Winter suits are often available with attached hoods which pull over your head and zip at the front, for additional warmth.

Extra warmth can be achieved by layering. A rash vest is a good choice for adding extra warmth to your torso, this thin, tight vest helps to trap more heat next to your body. If you’re still cold, you may want to consider adding a neoprene hood and boots.

Choosing the right wetsuit for your sport:

Sports often have their own set of distinct requirements from a wetsuit.

Sports like Kiteboarding, Windsurfing, Wakeboarding, Water Skiing and Surfing require a wetsuit which allows a good range movement. Super stretchy neoprene and thinner panels will afford you more enjoyment from your wetsuit (unless it’s really cold). Choose welded seams over stitched seams, as they help prevent heat loss from losing water through the seams, that your body has already warmed up.

SCUBA Diving – For diving, it’s imperative you choose the correct thickness / style for the water temperature you plan to dive in. Many diving suits have additional padding on the back where your bottle goes, to protect your back.

Triathlon – Triathlon wetsuits are extremely specialized. They require maximum buoyancy and slick surfaces to speed your passage through the water. They’re also cut differently to improve your range of movement.

There are other influencing factors that may affect your choice for each of these sports, that are beyond the scope of this article. We’ll cover those in more detail in another post.

To surmise:

a) Choose a thickness of suit appropriate t the water temperature it’ll be used in. If it’s going to be the warmest temperatures a shorty will suffice. If you need a wider temperature range, you may consider a spring suit. A 3/2 full length suit will be OK for all but the extremes of hot and cold, and if you’re planning to be in really cold water you’ll need a thicker full length suit (5/3 or thicker).

b) Budget – More budget usually equals better materials and flexiblity, but they do tend to wear out more quickly. If you’re strapped for cash, bear this in mind. You may want to choose a cheaper, more durable suit if you plan to use it really often. If you’re thinking you won’t wear it that often and/or you can afford to replace every year, you can go for the more comfortable , costlier wetsuit.

c) Choose a wetsuit suitable for your sport.

All the best in choosing your new wetsuit.

Did you find this article useful? You’ll find everything you ever needed to know about mens wetsuits at mens-wetsuits.com

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wetsuits Things To Consider When Purchasing A New Wetsuit