surf wetsuit vs. tri wetsuit

Usually a surf suit has knee reinforcement or pads for paddling.

Triathlon wetsuits have a smooth outer surface (mostly, a few have nylon stretch panels) and tend to fit more snugly. They also don't have knee pads and are designed for best hydrodynamics. Some include gadgets on them like "pull panels" on the sleeves.

A key thing is getting the right size and getting the thing on correctly so it doesn't take on water during the swim. Chafing is also a concern as is quick removal at the swim exit and in the transition area.

The buoyancy of a wetsuit is in the material, not in the air between you and the suit.  Rather, there is a thin layer of water between you and the suit, which contributes to waarmth (hence the name).  A suit that traps air is called a drysuit.

You can do a tri in a surf suit, plenty do.  It's just not ideal.

I did a Tri last year in a 3/2 diving suit which was almost identical to my old surf wetsuit.

The net result was that I was about 3 minutes slower on my swim (olympic distance) and my arms were a little tired from the weight of the water that soaked into the arms of my suit.

However, the water was in the low 60's and I stayed very warm and am very glad I used it.  

If you can afford a swimming wetsuit, it's definitely easier to swim in.  But back when we weren't sure about this whole triathlon thing and were being careful about expenses, my wife and I did our first two tris (both sprints) in surfing wetsuits...paid $45 for mine.  I won my AG in the second one, so the wetsuit didn't do too much damage...

Definitely something that is only a stopgap item if you are planning to do tris long term.  But just in terms of warmth and buoyancy (and cost), surfing suits can be better than nothing when you are just starting out.

Hey, wait a minute...

slaterson19...

Like, Kelly Slater????? Eleven time World Surfing Champion? Are you related?

I pull the neck out and fill it up with water prior to race.  That way the water warms as I wait and there is no "shock" at the start.  I really don't like the "cold water trickling down my spine" feeling as I start swimming.  I would rather have that while I don't have to move.

If you are standing next to someone at the start with a relaxed look on their face, it's because they just peed in their suit to get warm water in it.

I had the unfortunate experience of trying to do a real swim with a surf wetsuit. It was horrible. 

I'm a pretty fast and efficient swimmer, and that suit tired out my shoulders in a few 100 yds. I immediately bought a swimming wetsuit, and now I've won a few triathlon swims outright. That swimming wetsuit has helped me a bit. 

What would be a cheap frugal tri wetsuit  to buy?    I don't usually use one but wouldn't mind having one. just in case.     

TIA.