How To Properly Take Care Of Wet Suits and Triathlon Suits
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010Triathlon suits are expensive and in order to make them last, you need to know these basic care steps.After all, you will depend on your suit to keep you warm and protect your skin from harsh water environments.
First it is important to know the proper way to put on a triathlon wetsuit. You already know that the suits are designed to fit snug against your body but that snug fit is also what makes them a struggle to put on. Your finger nails are the first place to start so make sure they are trimmed or covered so they do not snag or puncture your new suit. After you have done that you will begin by putting your feet in first and working your way up bit by bit until you have reached the hips. Then you will take special care to make sure the suit fits right at both the front of your body and the back.
Next, slide your arms into the sleeves, you will want to see to it that the suit is bunching up around your shoulders. Next ensure that the internal flap lies flat against your back. Like the back flap; there will be a neck flap that also lays flat against your neck like a collar. You may need to make some final adjustments to ensure the suit fits right around your torso, arms and upper chest. A properly fitted wetsuit will be manufactured in a way so that it stretches in all the right spots to allow full movement.
Now that you are done with using your suit for the day, it is important to take a few extra steps to ensure your triathlon wetsuit lasts for many years. Your wetsuit should be washed immediately after taking it off. Salt and chlorine can build up and slowly weaken the neoprene material. You should hang it to dry with a padded hanger to ensure no creases are created. We want to avoid making creases because creases will enable water to leak into our suit. Another element to take into consideration is the sun since heat and sunlight both can deteriorate the suit.
Keeping to these guidelines on caring for your suit, you will keep it in superior shape. In return your tri suit will continue keeping you warm and help you compete in many triathlons to come.