Posts Tagged ‘wet suits’

How To Make Your Triathlon Suit Last A Lifetime

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

Now that you have purchased your first triathlon wetsuit it is important to consider proper care and use. After all, you will depend on your suit to keep you warm and protect your skin from harsh water environments.

First it is important to know the proper way to put on a triathlon wetsuit. 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. After you have done that you will begin by putting your feet in first and working your way up bit by bit until you have reached the hips. Once you have reached this point make some adjustments so that the front and back fit right.

Then you insert your arms in the sleeves one at a time, you will want to see to it that the suit is bunching up around your shoulders. Next ensure that the internal flap lies flat against your back. Locate the collar flap and see to it that it lays flat too. You may need to make some final adjustments to ensure the suit fits right around your torso, arms and upper chest. Make sure the triathlon wetsuit is stretched in all the right places for maximum movement.

Now that you are done with using your suit for the day, take note of these extra steps to make certain your suit will last you for many years. Washing your suit right after use is one of the most critical steps in after care. The reason why you wash after use is to get rid of the salt and chlorine that can build up on your suit and eventually weaken the material. You should hang it to dry with a padded hanger to ensure no creases are created. We want to avoid making creases because creases will enable water to leak into our suit. You should also keep it away from heat and sunlight which can also slowly eat away at the material.

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