WETSUIT SELECTION

Wetsuits are more than just insulation for cold water—they influence body position, buoyancy, hydrodynamics, and comfort. Choosing the right wetsuit depends not only on water temperature and event type but also on your swimming stroke. Freestyle and breaststroke place different demands on mobility and body mechanics, so wetsuit selection must reflect these differences.

General Considerations for All Swimmers

Before diving into stroke-specific needs, here are universal factors to evaluate when selecting a wetsuit:

1. Water Temperature & Event Rules

   • <15°C → Full wetsuit strongly recommended

   • 15–20°C → Wetsuit optional, depends on comfort and event rules

   • 20°C → Non-wetsuit swims are usually more comfortable and often required in races

2. Fit

   • Snug, second-skin fit without restricting breathing

   • No excessive folds in shoulders, armpits, or lower back

   • Neck seal should prevent water entry but not cause chafing

3. Buoyancy Balance

   • Many wetsuits add buoyancy in legs to lift hips—great for freestyle, but not always ideal for breaststroke

4. Flexibility Zones

   • Thin neoprene around shoulders, chest, and hips to allow free movement

   • Thicker panels (4–5 mm) in thighs or torso for added buoyancy where helpful

Wetsuit Selection for Freestyle

Freestyle (front crawl) dominates in triathlons and open-water events, and wetsuits are designed with this stroke in mind.

Key Features to Look For:

• High Shoulder Flexibility:
  Thin neoprene (1.5–2 mm) around shoulders and lats reduces fatigue from continuous arm recovery.

• Leg Buoyancy:
  Extra flotation in thighs and calves (4–5 mm neoprene) lifts hips and reduces drag, especially beneficial for athletes with sinking legs.

• Streamlined Cut:
  Tapered ankles and wrists prevent water entry and reduce drag during rotation.

• Range of Motion in Core:
  Flexible midsection helps maintain natural body roll without restriction.

Best For:

• Triathletes

• Open-water freestyle swimmers

• Swimmers with weak kick who benefit from buoyant legs

Wetsuit Selection for Breaststroke

Breaststroke involves wide arm sweeps and a powerful whip kick, which change how wetsuits should be designed. A wetsuit optimized for freestyle may restrict these motions.

Key Features to Look For:

• Uniform Thickness:
  Avoid extremely buoyant legs—too much lift disrupts breaststroke balance and rhythm. Look for even 2–3 mm panels throughout.

• Hip & Groin Flexibility:
  Breaststroke requires outward hip rotation. A wetsuit must allow stretch around hips and inner thighs without tearing.

• Chest and Arm Freedom:
  The sweeping motion of breaststroke arms needs greater lateral stretch than freestyle. Choose wetsuits advertised as “multi-stroke” or “breaststroke-compatible.”

• Minimal Restriction in Ankles:
  Since breaststroke relies on a wide whip kick, the suit should not be overly tight at calves and ankles.

Best For:

• Open-water breaststrokers

• Recreational swimmers in cooler water

• Athletes alternating strokes in long-distance swims

Stroke-Based Wetsuit Classification

STROKE - Freestyle

Recommended Thickness - 4–5 mm lower body, 1.5–2 mm shoulders

Buoyancy Placement - Legs & hips

Flexibility Needs - Shoulder and torso roll

Suit Type Example- ROKA MAVERICK

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STROKE - Breaststroke

Recommended Thickness - 2–3 mm all over

Buoyancy Placement - Balanced, low leg buoyancy

Flexibility Needs - Hips, groin, chest, and lateral arms

Suit Type Example- Zone3 Aspect

Final Thoughts

• If your main discipline is triathlon or open-water freestyle, choose a wetsuit designed for front crawl efficiency.

• If you mainly swim breaststroke in open water, prioritize flexibility over buoyancy to preserve natural stroke mechanics.

• For swimmers who alternate strokes, consider a compromise model with moderate buoyancy and high flexibility.
  
  

The right wetsuit is not just about warmth—it’s about letting your body move naturally in the water. Select based on stroke, fit, and comfort, and you’ll swim faster, longer, and with more enjoyment.