I just purchased a ironman longjohn wetsuit in preperation for my first triathlon next month. I can definitely feel the advantages in the water, but i am having alot of trouble trying to get out of the suit. I have read some of the posts on how to make it easier to remove the suit and they work allright, but what i am wondering is if it is possible to cut a slit up the back of the heel to help the suit come over the foot easier? On the bottom of the ironman instinct suit there is a heavier piece of rubber on the back side, is this there to be cut? Is it a good idea or bad?
I would not recommend doing any cutting, try using some body-glide first. I’ve even seen Pam-spray being used. If that does not work, and you absolutely have to save those extra few seconds then, I’ve read somewhere on the forum about cutting off the bottom straight. Cutting the bottom inch or so seems like a better idea then a slit. Once you cut a slit into the bottom, not sure if there is anything to prevent it from spreading upwards. Also, not sure if that would cause problems since now part of the suit is flapping freely around your ankles.
You can also try putting some bodyglide on the outside of the ankles/lower legs of the wetsuit - just do not use vaseline or any petroleum based product to see if that helps first.
Some people cut the legs a tad shorter though watch seams - I have not done this…and would be a bit hesitant to cut a suit…
Did that make a difference in youre time? And any other suggestions for the 1st transistion?
At Eagleman, I had the 47th fastest T1 out of over 1,000 males. If that is any measure…
I had the zippers put in before I ever raced in the wetsuit.
Pull down the wetsuit as far as it’ll go while running to your bike. When you get to your bike, bend over and pull it down to the knees. Unzip the ankles. Put on your sunglasses. Start stomping out of your wetsuit. Pick up your helmet. Stand up. Put on your helmet while finishing getting out of your wetsuit (no hands needed). Run like hell to the exit.
Pull down the wetsuit as far as it’ll go while running to your bike. When you get to your bike, bend over and pull it down to the knees. Unzip the ankles. Put on your sunglasses. Start stomping out of your wetsuit. Pick up your helmet. Stand up. Put on your helmet while finishing getting out of your wetsuit (no hands needed). Run like hell to the exit.
Pull down the wetsuit as far as it’ll go while running to your bike. When you get to your bike, bend over and pull it down to the knees. Unzip the ankles. Put on your sunglasses. Start stomping out of your wetsuit. Pick up your helmet. Stand up. Put on your helmet while finishing getting out of your wetsuit (no hands needed). Run like hell to the exit.
But don’t foget your bike…
That would explain the cramps I got at mile 44…
I use Pam on my legs and it seems to work well getting me out of the suit. Of course, I feel like some kind of goofball standing there covering my legs in cooking spray, but it works. Pam works even better after I shave my legs.
I recommend Pamming right before putting on the suit. If you sit in the grass or sand things will stick to you.
I mix my meds - Body Glide first, then PAM; slippery as an eel!! I also spray PAM on the outside from the knees down, figuring it helps the suit slide over itself.
Pam works great but be careful, from what I understand if you ever tear the suit or split a seam if you got pam in there the adhesive used to fix the suit won’t work. So use pam, but be gentle with your suit. I used to use it all the time on my Desoto Tres suit but I’m a little hesitant on my $450 QR superfull (best damn suit made btw)
Cutting the legs shorter is also a great idea, I sometimes cut up to mid calf
Get an Aquaman suit. They practically fall off because whoever designed them actually thought it out properly. The zipper is “upside down” which is the most logical design for a lot of reasons one of which is ease of removal. Also the legs and arms are cut high, greatly facilitating removal. Lastly there is a very thin layer of slick neoprene on the INSIDE of the suit so it slides off like butter. It is simply a superior suit to all others out there right now.
BTW I have no affiliation or sponsorship with Aquaman, I just love their suit, and I’ve tried them all.
Don’t take it off. Simply cast your goggles to the side and ride with the suit on. Overheating might be a problem but I guarantee it will save time in transition.
