Swimming in a wetsuit – your best choice for comfort and performance
Why swim in a wetsuit? Swimming in open water places high demands on your equipment and body. A wetsuit can make the difference between a strenuous and an optimized swimming experience. This page gives you an in-depth look at the benefits, selection criteria and care tips for wetsuits, as well as helpful information on the FlipSoc donning aid.
Why a wetsuit? – More than just protection from the cold
A wetsuit is not only designed for cold waters. Here are the main reasons why it is so popular with swimmers, triathletes and water sports enthusiasts:
- Thermal protection: The wetsuit forms an insulating layer between the body and the water, which stores body heat and protects against cooling. This is essential for long-distance swimmers or for training sessions in cooler waters.
- Buoyancy and stability: The material provides buoyancy, lifts the body in the water and thus improves the swimming position. This ensures less resistance and helps you swim more efficiently. Triathletes particularly benefit from this property, as they achieve better performance with less effort.
- Protection against skin irritation and jellyfish stings: A wetsuit protects the skin from mechanical influences, such as friction caused by swimming movements, and from jellyfish stings and contact with sharp surfaces, such as stones or coral.
Structure and function of wetsuits
Wetsuits are made of synthetic rubber that traps microscopic gas bubbles, providing both buoyancy and insulation. Here are the key features you should look out for:
- Material thickness: Decisive for the temperature at which the suit is used. For warm water, suits with a thickness of 1-2 mm are sufficient, while cold water requires suits with 5-6 mm. Suits are often thicker in the middle than at the extremities in order to retain heat and at the same time ensure freedom of movement.
- Seam technologies: Blind stitch seams, which make the suit more waterproof, are essential in cold water. Glued and stitched seams offer additional stability.
Types of wetsuits and their advantages
- Shorties and long johns: Ideal for warmer waters and short swimming sessions. They offer freedom of movement and are easy to put on.
- Fullsuits: These are essential for cold waters. They offer the best protection and buoyancy.
- Zip types: Backzip suits are easier to put on, while chestzip models offer better protection against water ingress and more freedom of movement. Zip-free versions are the most advanced option and the most waterproof, but more difficult to put on.
Advantages of the FlipSoc when putting on wetsuits
Putting on a tight-fitting wetsuit can be tedious. This is where the FlipSoc proves to be an indispensable aid:
- Gentle on the suit: With the FlipSoc, the material is pulled evenly over the legs and arms, which prevents abrasion and extends the life of the suit.
- Time-saving and ergonomic: Saves time and reduces physical strain as no excessive tugging is required.
How to use the FlipSoc:
- Place the FlipSoc on your foot or hand.
- Glide gently into the suit while using the FlipSoc to guide the material.
- Adjust the fit of the suit and repeat the process with the other limbs.
Care tips for your wetsuit
With the right care, a wetsuit can last for many years:
- Rinse the suit with clean water after each use to remove salt and dirt.
- Avoid direct sunlight when drying, as UV rays can damage the material.
- Clean the suit occasionally with a special neoprene soap to remove unpleasant odors and maintain the material quality.
Training tips for swimming in a wetsuit
- Regular training in a wetsuit: Swim regularly in your wetsuit to get used to the additional buoyancy and the change in water position. This will help you to be optimally prepared for the competition.
- Technique exercises: Use training phases without a suit to strengthen your basic technique and alternate to adapt to both scenarios.
Conclusion – The wetsuit as a key element of your swimming equipment
A high-quality wetsuit is an investment in comfort, safety and performance. Combined with the right donning aid such as the FlipSoc, it makes water sports more relaxed and efficient. Spend less time putting on your wetsuit and more time enjoying swimming, surfing or diving