USA Triathlon Adopts New Wetsuit Regulation

Beginning in 2013, wetsuits may not exceed five millimeters in thickness

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Following extensive research and consideration, USA Triathlon announced today that beginning in 2013 use of wetsuits exceeding five millimeters in thickness will not be permitted at USAT-sanctioned events.

The new regulation, which falls under Article 4.4 Wetsuits of the USA Triathlon Competitive Rules, states: "Effective January 1, 2013, any swimmer wearing a wetsuit with a thickness measured in any part greater than five millimeters shall be disqualified."

"Our board has been considering this issue and the impact it might have with our athletes for some time," said USA Triathlon CEO Skip Gilbert. "The overall feeling is that it makes perfect sense to align with the guidelines set by our international federation and multisport enthusiasts around the world. This is a standard that is good for the athlete community and our sport overall."

By implementing this rule change, USA Triathlon falls in line with the international standard of five millimeters recognized by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) and other National Governing Bodies.

The adoption of this rule is designed to eliminate any competitive advantage gained by enhancements in wetsuit technology in recent years. Studies have shown there is a marked and measurable performance benefit to the use of certain wetsuits, specifically added buoyancy effectively reducing passive drag. These performance benefits have led to an increased, and artificially induced, reduction in physical demand required during the swim leg of a triathlon and an increase in speed.

USAT recognizes that there may be wetsuits currently available on the market that are greater than five millimeters in thickness. Consequently, the organization has implemented a phase-in period of the rule to allow the use of wetsuits that currently do not meet the thickness requirement. This announcement of the new regulation serves as notice that the rule change will come into effect in 2013.

USAT recently solicited feedback on the wetsuit thickness issue from its certified race directors via a comprehensive survey. The majority of those surveyed supported USA Triathlon's adoption of this rule.


Xterra Wetsuits Vector Pro X2 , is 1.5 mm thick. NICE

Xterra Wetsuits, Great Prices, Great Product

So the sales are starting and it seems as though Triathlon companies might be feeling the heat. When you see Velocity - Speedsuit going for $125 it is hard not to purchase, even if you don't need one, eventually you will. You can't argue with Xterra results on this product either, the Velocity is elegantly fast. Just ask the fastest swimmers at both the 2007 and 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship – they were First out of the Water. Or ask 5 of the top 8 age-grouper swimmers at the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship, or the 1st 2nd and 3rd fastest age-group swimmers at the 2008 Ford Ironman World Championship. It’s so fast, it’s no wonder the Velocity is the number one choice when wetsuits are verboten. Approved by both USA Triathlon and FINA.
Now get your Christmas gift early I am sure this could replace your wetsuit at many events.

Anti Butt Irritation

Ok the logo say's it all. This new product on the market win's in funniest logo, not sure it works all that well. BodyGlide is the one that most triathletes use, easy to put on just like underarm deodorant. Now it does come in a power which BodyGlide does not, making it a little less messy, when you pull up your shorts.

"Anti Monkey Butt Powder is specially formulated to absorb excess sweat and reduce frictional skin irritation. • Ideal for butt busting activities such as truck driving, motorcycling, bicycling, horse back riding, and extreme sports. May also be applied inside footwear, under sports pads, and other areas prone to chafing. Indoors or outdoors, work or play, or on occasions when you sit on your butt all day, don’t let your buns get red, use Anti Monkey Butt Powder instead!"

You decide! Anti Monkey Butt

PointZero3 - Bang Zoom Fast

599 wore the PointZero3 at the 2007 Hawaii Ironman. I would say that blueseventy is on to something. From what is being written and how many people are donning this over there race gear fast is an understatement. Now others make them ZOOTS, Orca and XTERRA and they all basically do the same thing, shed water like a wetsuit and have low drag coefficient. They are also FINNA (PDF download).
NICE
So get training, get happy, and get one to be faster on race day. PointZero3

Swimming in a Wetsuit

Swimming in a wetsuit is really different than in a tight speedo or spandex shorts. If the suit is a full (legs and arms covered), or a farmer john (trunk and legs covered) many different things can occur. First some will feel confined, buoyancy can be another problem, size, tracking, and heat can all be effects of a wetsuit. So what does this mean, get out before your event and swim in your wetsuit. Even if you are a seasoned triathlete get at least one workout in before the race (your last swim workout would be the best) so that you have a memory of what it feels like.

The other thing to consider is not to get into your suit to soon before the start of the race unless they allow you in the water to warm up. Many make this mistake and get overheated or just feel drained. Remember the wetsuit is tight and meant to keep water out and you warm, they don't work that great on land.

One last thing, for some a wetsuit is a blessing, it keeps you afloat and that can help certain a certain style of swimmer. If sink in the pool and feel as though you are kicking a lot to keep yourself moving then a wetsuit is great. Buoyancy in your lower half should be greatly increased allowing you to kick less or feel less fatigued at the end of the swim portion.

Cheers and get out and train!