Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Functions Of Triathlon Wetsuits

You should also be aware that prior to purchasing any triathlon wetsuits, some competitions actually have regulations against the use of these items, so once again some homework and research would be highly recommended.

The triathlon wetsuits are specifically designed with the competitive and athletic nature of the competition in mind. The wearer in the competition needs to enter and exit the water quickly, otherwise they will lose valuable time in the competition. The fact that the triathlon wetsuits actually give the wearer an unfair advantage is still a topic that is under debate, whilst some believe this to be true others find triathlon wetsuits to be inhibiting in terms of their swimming styles. Scientifically, according to the designers of these items, the wetsuit is supposed to reduce the drag, experienced in the water as well as prevent muscle fatigue whilst enabling the wearer to swim for longer distances and longer periods.

One of the main components of triathlon wetsuits that make them so much different than other suits is that of the manufacturing materials. The rubber used in the triathlon version is a lot more slicker and slippery, which according to industry news is an attempt to try and match the outer skin surface of a fish. As stated previously this contributes to the debate on affording the wearer an unfair advantage over those that do not wear these items.

The issues mentioned above allow the wetsuit wearer to conserve their energy during the swimming leg of the triathlon, which in turn then contributes to the fact that they can expend more of their energy on the other two legs of the competition, which are of course the cycling and running legs. What needs to be kept in mind is that the suit should be sufficient designed and manufactured so that the wearer can actually keep the wetsuit on during the other two legs. This implies that the wetsuit will dry out quickly and not become a burden for the wearer, in the following legs of the competition.

This is where the amazing latest technology comes to light, as the wetsuit offers the wearer the advantage within the water, if they had to stop and take off the suit this could subtract any time advantage that they may have gained in the swimming leg, and therefore by keeping the suit on they will not be in danger of this occurring.

The ultimate decision lies with the athlete as to whether or not to use triathlon wetsuits, some prefer the buoyancy and perceived advantage, whilst others find the suit to be restrictive and inhibiting, especially out of the water. One should conduct research on triathlon wetsuits and the suitability according to their own personal choices and situation.by Chris Kennelly

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