Is It Easier to Swim in a Wetsuit?
Garrett Durham August 1st, 2023 Posted In: Articles
Is It Easier to Swim in a Wetsuit?
Inevitably, you’ve seen some swimmers wearing wetsuits and wondered why. Or, you may have considered wearing one yourself and had a few questions before putting one on. Is it easier to swim in a wetsuit? Will it help, or hurt my performance? What are some of the benefits of wearing a wetsuit? I’ve spent time swimming with, and without, wetsuits and will help answer these questions.
Why You Might Want to Swim in a Wetsuit
Truth is, you don’t need to break out a wetsuit every time you’re going swimming, but there are plenty of times when wearing a wetsuit is beneficial and encouraged. Wetsuits add a layer of protection, warmth, and buoyancy that can give you a leg up in some activities.
When it comes to water sports, wearing a wetsuit can bring a competitive advantage.
Is Easier to Swim in a Wetsuit?
The first few times you wear a wetsuit may be uncomfortable because of the new sensation of having tight fabric against your body. Once you get used to swimming in a wetsuit (there’s plenty of helpful guides on our blog), you can use the wetsuit as a tool to help make swimming easier.
Swim Faster
Triathlon-specific wetsuits can help you swim faster and help you swim more efficiently. When you swim without a wetsuit, it is just you and the water. The amount you float will be minimal so as you move forward, you’ll also be working to keep your body high in the water. The lower your body is in the water the more drag is created and the more energy you’ll expend.
Reduce Drag
When you swim in a wetsuit you can focus more on moving forward and less on keeping your body towards the top of the water, reducing your drag and making each stroke more meaningful. The neoprene triathlon wetsuits are made of is a naturally buoyant material, helping to keep your body high in the water with less work on your part.
More Body Roll
In addition to the buoyancy, swimming in a wetsuit allows your body to roll from side-to-side in the water more and helps you lift your arms higher out of the water for a longer reach with each stroke. When swimming in a wetsuit, you are working with less drag, more body roll, and a longer reach. Just by putting on a wetsuit, you can improve the efficiency of your swim.
Is Swimming in a Wetsuit Right for Me?
Whether you swim in a wetsuit or not comes down to personal preference and need. Wearing a wetsuit in cold water can make your swim more enjoyable and swimming in a wetsuit can help make you a more efficient swimmer. The insulation, drag reduction, and buoyancy in wetsuits work together to give you more from your swim. If you’ve thought about swimming in a wetsuit, give it a try. You might be surprised at how much easier it is.
*Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2020 and has since been reviewed and updated. (8/23)
I found it hard to swim in my new wetsuit. I couldn’t move forward??
Hi Julie! What kind of wetsuit did you purchase for swimming? For competitive or open water swimming, it’s best to get in a triathlon wetsuit that features a smooth skin exterior to help you “glide” in the water and move forward. A standard neoprene wetsuit, especially if it lacks stretch, might not be the best choice. If you need any more help to find a better option, you can also reach out to our awesome customer service team either via email (service@wetsuitwearhouse.com) or call +1 866-906-7848. Hope this helps!