Enhance your Performance with a Properly Fitted Wetsuit

27 Nov 2017 Jackie Balboni 0 Comments

As the popularity of triathlon competitions continues to rise across South West Wales, many more participants are recognising the benefits of having a properly fitted wetsuit to enhance their swimming performance. If you've been hiring wetsuits or if you've purchased one on-line, there's a good chance it won't fit you properly; it's either too small (and therefore uncomfortable) or too large which means it won't keep you warm.

Fitted Wetsuit

Having a fitted wetsuit that is perfect for your shape and size will take you to the next level in your triathlon swim performance as well as ensuring you are snug and comfortable. A triathlon or swim shop, like Sharks Swim Shop in Swansea, will take your full measurements, ask you questions about your specific activities and goals, and gain an understanding of your future plans.

The wetsuit fitter will then offer you a range of suits available in the shop for you try on to see which style you prefer and from there will advise on the bet solution for your specific needs.

Now those of us who are experienced in putting on and taking off wetsuits, know it’s not as easy as it looks. This experience can be especially difficult in a small changing room. So be prepared, when you go for your wetsuit fitting to experience some discomfort as you try on different options. Also, you need to understand that there is no such thing as a comfortable wetsuit whilst you are out of the water!!! If it does feel comfortable when you try one on for the first time, it probably means it’s loose and so will let in water.

Measurements

The two most important measurements to be taken when you are having a wetsuit fitted are your waist and chest size. This is because, for a wetsuit to be effective in terms of warmth and comfort, you need to fill it out properly, keeping the thinnest layer of water possible trapped between the suit and the body. The wetsuit insulates your body and your natural temperatures will heat it. If you get too much water between the suit and the body, your system can’t heat the water fast enough, making you feel cold very quickly.

The next most important measurement is your height. Unfortunately, standard wetsuit manufacturers are unable to take into account all possible height variations for different styles. This isn’t too much of a problem if you’re a standard size in line with your chest and waist measurements. However, if you are tall or short then, purchasing a wetsuit without having a fitting first means you may have to compromise. This does not apply when you are having a bespoke wetsuit, made to measure just for you. It will be a perfect fit in terms of body shape and your height, which means you can avoid rolling up sleeves and legs if you’re on the short side or covering up bare areas with gloves and boots if you’re tall.

A wetsuit fitter will also ask you your weight, or even better weigh you in their shop. The reason that weight is important is because muscle is denser than fat and as such two people can be identically sized in inches and height but one can outweigh the other by as much as 25-30 pounds based solely on fitness levels.

Alterations and Repairs

If you have already spent a small fortune on a wetsuit only to find it does not fit you properly, don’t despair; you don’t have to invest in a brand new one. Specialist shops that offer a wetsuit fitting service will often also offer a wetsuit alteration service so you can achieve that "custom" fit feel without going to the expense of having a bespoke suit made for you. What’s more, these shops tend to offer a wetsuit repair service too, eliminating the need to purchase a new one every time there’s a new rip or tear.

On a final note, the colder the water you are planning to swim in, the more important it is to have a wetsuit that fits properly. The same applies to hoots, boots and gloves; it’s no go having an perfectly fitted suit only end up with freezing cold heads, hands and feet.

Sharks Swim & Tri-Shop

The team at Sharks Swim and Tri-Shop in Swansea, not only offer a full wet suit fitting, alteration and repair service, but they also stock all of the necessary accessories to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible in the water, so you can concentrate on your swimming.

To find out more, visit the Sharks shop at 47 Gower Road, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9BH or call us today on the number below to book your wetsuit fitting appointment: