Why does a wetsuit make you swim faster?
A wetsuit should make everyone faster in the water, whether you’re new to swimming or Michael Phelps, says John Wood. Here he explains why
Wearing a triathlon wetsuit makes you a faster swimmer because it provides additional buoyancy in the water, lifting up the body into a more streamlined position. But, it’s not quite so cut and dry as that. To really optimise your swim performance, read on to find out exactly how you can use your swimming wetsuit to your advantage.
Perhaps you’ve only just got into open water swimming and you’re wondering what the fuss is about when it comes to wetsuits, and to choosing the right swimming wetsuit for you. The truth is, it’s a bit of a minefield out there, with so many triathlon wetsuits available, you could be wondering what are the benefits.
First and foremost, using a wetsuit for swimming really lifts the body up in the water into a more hydrodynamic position. Sinky legs, be gone! A swim wetsuit gives you buoyancy, which means that you require less force to keep the body up and push you along.
Are you faster swimming with a wetsuit?
Ok, so wetsuits keep you afloat. We all know that. But do they make you faster? When used properly, triathlon wetsuits absolutely make you a faster swimmer. There is a big caveat to that though, you must make sure that your wetsuit fits properly and has the right buoyancy combination (thickness) for the distance and water conditions that you’re swimming in. You could have the best suit on the market, but if it’s too small/wrong shape it will restrict your movement; if it’s too large it will fill with water and drag.
If you tick all these boxes, then a wetsuit will save you precious energy when swimming. Not only when it comes to staying afloat, but also keeping you core body temperature stable (UK-based triathletes will know what we mean) in colder waters and make sure that mentally, you’re still enjoying your swim.
Granted, stronger swimmers will benefit less from a wetsuit than weaker swimmers, as their body position is already better. For weaker, newer swimmers, or less confident athletes, your hips will be level with your head and shoulders rather than below. This should mean that your legs are also at the same level – you might even feel your heels breaking the surface as you kick.
Swimming with a pull buoy in the pool can help mimic the effect of your wetsuit in that it adds that extra buoyancy to keep your body level. That said, we want to be able to benefit from the wetsuit rather than rely on it. Make sure that you practise swimming without a wetsuit too; if it’s hot on race day you might end up with a non-wetsuit swim, which could come as an unwelcome shock to the body!
What are the benefits of wetsuits in triathlon?
In a triathlon race, even a budget wetsuit will keep you floating and help you plow through the waves, or lake, in the most efficient way possible. It’s key during the swim to preserve your energy for the later stages in a triathlon, so don’t go out too fast and let your wetsuit do its job when it comes to keeping you safe, warm, and streamlined.
That being said, if your race is in warmer water – in temperatures where wetsuits are not mandatory – then have a serious think as to whether you want to invest those precious extra seconds in whipping your wetsuit off in transition. Though they are essential for racing in colder climes, you may want to consider a sleeveless wetsuit or going skins for racing, especially over shorter distances where time savings are crucial.
220 Triathlon Team
Journalists, reviewers, coaches and athletes 
