By Jordan Bryden

The swim leg of a triathlon can make or break your race. While training and technique are paramount, your wetsuit plays a crucial role in performance and comfort. It's more than just a layer of neoprene; it's your second skin in the water. But navigating the world of wetsuit selection can be daunting.

The Fit Factor: Snug, Not Suffocating

One of the most common pitfalls in wetsuit selection is the misconception that "tighter is always better." While a snug fit is essential to minimize water entry and maximize hydrodynamics, it should not feel constricting when the suit is properly put on and swam in. Many athletes, eager to gain every possible advantage, err on the side of overly tight wetsuits. This tendency may come from athletes who want to “do what the pros do” or even feel that everything should be “sized down” as smaller size culture is prevalent in today’s society. This can lead to restricted breathing, chafing, and ultimately, a slower, more uncomfortable swim…. not to mention it severely decreasing the lifespan of a suit that gets overstretched every time it is used.

A wetsuit should feel snug, like a second skin, but allow for a full range of motion. You want a wetsuit that supports you, not suffocates you. If you feel any tightness in your chest or find it difficult to take a deep breath, the suit is likely too small. When designing the new FJORD 4.0, deboer set out to offer a fit that doesn't have to “squeeze you” to improve your performance.

Beyond Flexibility: Buoyancy and Support

Modern wetsuit technology has evolved and produced incredibly flexible neoprene, which can feel amazing when you first try a suit on. However, this initial comfort can be deceptive as overly flexible suits often lack the structural support needed for optimal performance advantages. Hyper mobile neoprene will stretch out quickly, becoming loose after just a few swims, negating any initial advantage that a athlete may feel when they try a suit on dry as home or at their local Tri Shop.

While flexibility is important, especially in the shoulders, it shouldn't come at the expense of buoyancy and support. Beyond providing warmth, your wetsuit may performance-enhancing properties to help you complete your swim faster than ever. A properly fitting suit can enhance your position in the water, reduce drag, and improve efficiency. Look for suits with strategically placed panels of thicker neoprene to stabilize your core and lift your hips and legs, promoting a more streamlined profile.

Performance: Buoyancy, Flexibility, and Comfort… Plus Innovation

Finding the right balance between flexibility, comfort and buoyancy is key when researching wetsuits. Buoyancy should be your top priority, followed by shoulder flexibility for a natural swim stroke. Buoyancy however varies from neoprene to neoprene and just because it is “5mm” thick doesn't mean it will actually improve floatation. deboer does extensive research on the amount of flotation that can be gained using our specially developed neoprenes.

Finally, ensure the suit is comfortable enough to allow you to focus on your swim without any distractions. Don't sacrifice that initial “try-on” comfort for potential performance gains. A comfortable swimmer is a faster swimmer.

At deboer, we often get asked about aspects of our suits, such as the unusually oversized forearm sleeves and our eye-catching X-Skin. These innovations go against the market “norm.” It's true that the forearms can look a little unusual, but if someone offered you a chance to wear paddles in your next triathlon race, would you say no? Why would we design something that might “feel good” over something that is going to make the athlete faster? You don’t see athletes choosing a more comfortable upright riding position instead of the aero position during a race, so why make concessions when it comes to innovations that lead to faster times? Our extensive research has proven that these features enhance performance for all athletes who wear our suits.

When you swim faster, you can come out of the water ahead of dozens or even hundreds of athletes that you normally have to pass on the bike or run. By understanding the key factors of fit, buoyancy, flexibility, and comfort, you can find a wetsuit that feels like a second skin, propelling you through the water with confidence and ease. Choosing the right triathlon wetsuit is an investment in your performance and enjoyment of the sport.

Jordan Bryden is the global marketing director at deboer swim and a 18 year professional triathlete based in Banff, Alberta.