Cleaning A Wetsuit - Triathlon Week

ascone · 07-11-2006, 08:43 AM

Well this is my first post and of course it is a question. I am in the market for a wetsuit. After reading a bunch of your posts i have found that it is important to swim in it a few times prior to a race. well my only options for swimming our pools which containe Chlorine (or Bromine). Either way, do i have to wash the suit when i am done, rince it in the shower, etc? If there is any specific treamtments, please feel free to share them with me or tips you may have. thanks in advance... -ascone

sfricks · 07-11-2006, 11:45 AM

Welcome to the board ascone. I'll try to help you from the perspective of a SCUBA diver as well as a Triathlete. I own several wetsuits but use them primarily in the ocean. Sand is my biggest enemy. I have done pool work in my dive suits (they're all neoprene) and have never had a problem. I just rinse well after each use and do not dry them directly in the sun. The one "swim" wetsuit I own gets used only once a year in fresh water. One major caution: DO NOT USE VASELINE AS YOUR BODY LUBE. It's the best way to destroy a suit. Use Body Glide for the neck, armpits, groin & nipples and Pam cooking spray for the forearms & ankles. Good luck.

ascone · 07-12-2006, 04:58 AM

Thanks scott. I am excited to be here. I appreciate the feedback. I am sure i will have many more questions, as I am a rookie tri-sport athlete. thanks again!