Question:
I'm doing my first triathlon next
month. I think I'm going to need
a wetsuits for the race. I have
a scuba wetsuits, will it work or
should I buy a special one for the
race? How much should I expect to
pay? What are the difference between
the two types of suits?
Answer:
I would strongly suggest against
using a scuba wetsuit for a triathlon.
While a scuba wetsuit will keep
you warm, you will have difficulty
swimming with the weight of the
suit, the chaffing, etc. -- scuba
wetsuits are not designed for swimming
in. Chances are, you'll wish you
never wore it.
Wetsuits
made for swimming allow the water
to flow off the suit, allow more
freedom of motion, are easy to take
off, etc. -- thus allowing you to
swim. If ou can afford it, I'd recommend
getting one. As for price, that
can vary.
If it's a
shorter swim (under 1/2 mile) use
the scubs suit. Use Body Glide or
similar anti- chafing cream under
your arms and around your neck.
You won't get too beat up. A decent
tri wetsuit is about $200, so be
sure you like the sport before making
big investments. They make it much
easier to swim, but hey it's your
first so try to enjoy it without
a huge investment.
