Staying warm in a non-wetsuit swim
BY: kaylak on 2018-03-01 8:09 PM

Hi Everyone!

New to the forum, I've done a couple spring triathlons, and this year and am starting to get more serious about my training and competition! I'd like to do a spring triathlon in May and then go for an Olympic distance in August. Here's my problem- I'm going to be travelling through Europe from April - August. i don't really want to bring a wetsuit as it's bulky, and by mid-may I shouldn't need one. The sprint tri is on the south of spain so I'm sure it will be a wetsuit optional or no wet suit swim.

My question is - will a tri suit keep me a little bit warm in the water? More so than a normal bathing suit? I want to be able to train in Spain in April, and I know the water can still be a bit chilly then. I don't think I'll need a full wetsuit/won't be worth it to bring with me or buy there, but want to know if it's worth investing in a tri-suit for a bit of warmth or if I should just stick to swim suit. Or swim suit with tri shorts?

Thanks for your help!

RE: Staying warm in a non-wetsuit swim
BY: McFuzz on 2018-03-02 8:48 AM

Water conducts heat more than 100x faster than air.  The wetsuit works because it traps a layer of water inside and once your body heats that small amount of water up, you don't lose any more heat to it.  

A tri-suit doesn't prevent the exchange of water, so you'll be heating up the water almost exactly the same whether you're wearing a trisuit or a swimsuit.  You probably won't notice any change in warmth.  

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RE: Staying warm in a non-wetsuit swim
BY: b2run on 2018-03-04 4:58 PM

Trisuits won't help you stay warm. How cold is the water going to be in April? You don't want to get hypothermia.