Mastering Wetsuit Training: Tips for Triathletes and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mastering wetsuit training is an essential aspect of triathlon preparation, particularly for open water swims. Wetsuits provide buoyancy, insulation, and hydrodynamics advantages, enhancing your swim performance. However, it’s important to approach wetsuit training with knowledge and care to maximize its benefits while avoiding potential pitfalls. In this article, we will discuss effective strategies for training with a wetsuit and highlight common mistakes that triathletes should avoid.

Selecting the proper wetsuit is crucial for comfort and performance. Ensure the wetsuit fits snugly but allows for freedom of movement. Consider factors such as thickness, flexibility, and buoyancy to match the suit with your swimming ability and the water temperature of your race. Consult with experts at your local triathlon store or seek recommendations from experienced triathletes.

When incorporating a wetsuit into your training, allow time for adaptation. Start with shorter swims and gradually increase the duration as you become more accustomed to the wetsuit’s feel and buoyancy. This helps familiarize yourself with the added resistance and ensures a smooth transition on race day.

While training with a wetsuit, focus on maintaining good swimming technique. The buoyancy provided by the wetsuit can mask flaws in your stroke mechanics. Avoid relying solely on the wetsuit’s buoyancy to compensate for poor form. Instead, continue to refine your stroke, body position, and breathing technique to swim efficiently and maximize your speed.

Practice putting on and taking off your wetsuit efficiently. Familiarize yourself with the entry and exit techniques to minimize transition time during races. Practice this skill repeatedly to ensure a smooth and quick transition from swim to bike.

Whenever possible, include open water sessions in your training regimen. Swimming in natural bodies of water allows you to experience the unique challenges of open water swimming, such as currents, waves, and navigation. It also provides an opportunity to practice sighting, which is essential for maintaining the correct course during a race.

While wetsuits provide insulation, they can also cause overheating, especially in warmer water conditions. Monitor your body temperature during training sessions and be mindful of signs of overheating, such as excessive sweating, dizziness, or discomfort. If necessary, consider opting for sleeveless or thinner wetsuits in warmer water temperatures to maintain a comfortable body temperature.

It’s important not to become overly reliant on the wetsuit’s buoyancy and speed advantages. Use wetsuit training as a tool to enhance your swimming abilities but continue to practice without a wetsuit as well. This ensures that you maintain your skillset and adaptability for races where wetsuits may not be allowed or necessary.

Transitioning smoothly from the swim to the bike leg requires practice. Incorporate transition training sessions into your routine to practice removing the wetsuit efficiently, donning cycling gear, and mounting your bike quickly. Neglecting transition practice can lead to unnecessary time delays and reduced race performance.

Mastering wetsuit training can significantly benefit triathletes, improving their swim performance and enhancing overall race results. By choosing the right wetsuit, gradually adapting to its feel, maintaining proper swimming technique, and practicing open water swims, triathletes can harness the advantages of wetsuit training. However, it’s important to avoid common mistakes such as overheating, dependency on the wetsuit, and neglecting to practice removing the wetsuit. Keep these in mind and you will have an enjoyable swimming experience.