Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about getting back into shape! If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding workout, consider trying a triathlon. Triathlons are a great way to stay fit and can be approached at any level of competition – from beginner to professional.
One important piece of equipment required for participating in triathlons is a good wetsuit. But with so many different types and brands of wetsuits on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll compare triathlon wetsuit vs. surfing wetsuit to help you make the best decision for your needs.
What is A Triathlon Wetsuit
A triathlon wetsuit is a specialized piece of equipment that is designed to help swimmers move through the water with greater efficiency. Triathlon wetsuits are made from neoprene, which is a material that provides buoyancy and insulation.
While triathlon wetsuits are not required in all competitions, they are often allowed and can give swimmers an advantage. Wetsuits help swimmers to stay warm in cold water, and they also provide extra buoyancy, which can help swimmers to move through the water more easily.
What is A Surfing Wetsuit
A surfing wetsuit is a garment worn by surfers to protect themselves from the cold water and sun while they are riding the waves. Wetsuits are made of neoprene, which is a type of synthetic rubber that is resistant to both cold and heat. Surfers wear wetsuits because they not only keep them warm in cold water but also prevent harmful UV rays from reaching their skin. Wetsuits come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it is important for surfers to find one that fits them well. There are also different types of wetsuits for different types of surfing, so it is important to choose the right wetsuit for the conditions you will be surfing in. In general, thicker wetsuits are better for colder water, while thinner wetsuits are better for warmer water.
Triathlon Wetsuit Vs. Surfing Wetsuit: The Differences
Triathlon wetsuits and surfing wetsuits may look similar, but they are actually quite different. Here are the key differences between them:
- Triathlon wetsuits are designed to provide buoyancy and help swimmers swim faster while surfing wetsuits simply keep surfers warm.
- Triathlon wetsuits are usually made from thinner neoprene than surfing wetsuits, which makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Surfing wetsuits often have additional features such as zippers or Velcro closures, which help keep water out and warmth in.
- Triathlon wetsuits typically have longer sleeves and legs than surfing wetsuits, which helps prevent chafing during long swims.
- Triathlon wetsuits are usually brightly colored, which makes them easier for fellow competitors and lifeguards to spot in the water.
- Surfing wetsuits often have a hood, which helps keep surfers warm in cold water conditions.
- Triathlon wetsuits are designed to be worn over a swimsuit while surfing wetsuits can be worn as a standalone garment.
- Triathlon wetsuits are typically more expensive than surfing wetsuits due to their specialized design and materials.
- Surfing wetsuits(ASIN: B0757HXH2Q) are usually made from thicker neoprene than triathlon wetsuits, which makes them more durable and long-lasting.
- Triathlon wetsuits(ASIN: B07LB8NTRP) are typically less bulky than surfing wetsuits, which makes them easier to pack and transport.
Now that you know the comparison between triathlon wetsuit vs. surfing wetsuit, let us take a look at some of the factors you need to consider while buying a wetsuit.
Factors to Consider While Buying A Wetsuit
There are a few key factors to consider while purchasing any type of wetsuit, whether it be for triathlon or surfing. Wetsuits are not a one size fits all type of product, and taking the time to find the right fit can make all the difference in comfort and performance. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind while shopping for a wetsuit:
– Thickness: The thickness of the neoprene material used in wetsuits is measured in millimeters (mm). The thicker the neoprene, the more insulation it will provide. In general, triathlon wetsuits are going to be thinner than surfing wetsuits as they need to strike a balance between buoyancy and flexibility. Surfing wetsuits, on the other hand, tend to be thicker as warmth is prioritized over flexibility.
– Buoyancy: Wetsuits are designed to provide some level of buoyancy in the water. This is beneficial for both triathletes and surfers as it helps to keep the body floating and prevents fatigue. The amount of buoyancy a wetsuit provides will depend on the thickness of the neoprene and the type of neoprene used.
– Neoprene types: There are two main types of neoprene used in wetsuits, regular neoprene, and Yamamoto neoprene. Regular neoprene is cheaper but not as stretchy or durable as Yamamoto neoprene. Yamamoto neoprene is more expensive but provides a better fit and is more comfortable to wear.
– Seams: The seams of a wetsuit are important to consider as they can affect both the comfort and the performance of the wetsuit. Overlock stitches are strong but can be bulky and uncomfortable. Flatlock stitches are more comfortable but not as strong. Glued and blindstitched seams are the strongest but can leak if not done properly.
– Warranty: Most wetsuits will come with some kind of warranty, whether it be a limited warranty or a lifetime warranty. It’s important to read the fine print on any warranty as there may be certain conditions that void the warranty.
– Price: Wetsuits can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. In general, the thicker and more durable the wetsuit, the more expensive it will be. It’s important to find a balance between price and quality when purchasing a wetsuit.
Our Final Thoughts
The main difference between triathlon wetsuit vs. surfing wetsuit is that triathlon wetsuits are designed to make you more buoyant in the water while surfing wetsuits are designed to keep you warmer. Triathlon wetsuits have a neoprene layer on the front of the suit, which helps to trap air and create buoyancy while surfing wetsuits have a thicker neoprene layer all over the suit for insulation. The seams on a triathlon wetsuit are usually glued and taped, so they are less likely to leak, whereas the seams on a surfing wetsuit are often stitched because it is less important for them to be waterproof.
