I got involved in a post discussing wetsuit options and commented that me being a tight arse have always used my surf wetsuits instead of using tri suits (http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=5005452;search_string=pjp49rg;#5005452). There were some responses that suggested material and design of the tri suit was superior to surfing suits. I then tried to do some research on the tech specs to see if there was data or just opinion and I couldn’t find much out there. The last post I saw was from a lifetime surfer who suggested no comparison and that tri suits should be used. I listened and decided to do a comparison with a friend who has a TYR Hurricane 1 vs Rip Curl E Bomb (high end surf wetsuit) - visual and feel (not possible to do the swim test). Points noted:
The TYR definitely ran slicker rubber on the outside which would = less dragThe Rip Curl was lighterThe Rip Curl was much more flexible in the arms overall BUT the TYR had used creative cost effective panelling to provide under arm flexibility. My guess is the rip curl would provide less overall resistance though.Both suits had thicker rubber in the right placesRip Curl purchase price AU$550 vs TYR A$220 (reason for the comparison high end vs lower end is that if swayed I will not be in the market for anything more expensive)
So **only on a visual **it seemed that the trade off was in the drag of the suits vs the improved flex which = less exertion which could then be off-set by the reduced time due to the reduced drag. Overall I’m just not seeing the value in making the change for the price of a new suit. As an age grouper seconds in the swim over a HIM I don’t think will justify the expense.
I’m guessing the marketers are doing an exceptional job but would love to be proven wrong with data so I’m really keen to hear from those with tech specs on the comparisons as opposed to opinion. I’ve got Galveston in 3 weeks and so was on the verge of changing my approach following some of the conversation but based on the visual unless some-one out there has some good data I’ll be the guy in the Rip Curl at the swim start…
You can wear the Ripcurl to swim in but it will be slower and will not correct leg drop as well as a tri wetsuit. Stitched seams,Lycra and knee pads on the outside of the Ripcurl will all add drag. Surfing wetsuits are designed for flex,warmth and durability(contact with the surfboard etc), tri wetsuits are built for flex,warmth and flotation. Do not surf in a tri wetsuit.
I’m assuming you are talking about the E-bomb 3/2 back zip but the following holds true for the 4/3 and 5/4. Neoprene thickness in a surfing wetsuit is very different than in a tri wetsuit. Tri wetsuits tend to keep the thick rubber from the core (usually 4-5 mil) to the ankles where a surf wetsuit will only be thick in the chest and back(3 mil) and thin(2mil) in the arms and legs. Necks are usually shorter on a tri suit. Legs tend to be a bit shorter on tri suits and the opening at the base of the leg is angled for easier exit.
I’ve been wearing neoprene in the northeast for over 30 years and selling it for 25, yup I’m in the over 50 waves.
I’m no expert on surf suits vs tri suits, but my guess based simply on observation is that the surf suit will create a lot more drag. Do yourself a favor and take both suits for a test on a measured course. You can even use them in a pool as long as you rinse them out really well. Until you do that you have no way of knowing, and as already stated you may very well be slower with the surf suit than no wetsuit at all.
So if I understand correctly, you don’t believe the “marketing hype”, and need some technical data to prove that a swimming wetsuit is faster than a surfing wetsuit?
I won’t try to dissuade you here. I can assure you that a Swimming Wetsuit is far better off for Swimming, and a surfing suit is far better off for surfing. No marketing hype.
If a surfing suit happens to be faster for you, awesome!
I’m assuming that the point here is that you don’t want to buy another suit. Fair enough. Surfing wetsuits have come a long way in technology.
Have you gone for a swim in your surfing wetsuit? Have you swam in a suit made to swim in? There is more to it than just the parts that you mentioned. I did go into better detail in the other post. But I think you just need to go for a swim. If it is a 1.2 mile swim, then I suggest it be at least that long. Until you put the suits on and get it in the water with them, it is easy to draw conclusions. In the water, I think you will find the answers you are looking for. **
Perhaps that’s all the technical data you need…? What works for you, works for you.
**I’m suggesting you go for a swim to check the difference. Never swim alone…
I started doing triathlons about 6 years ago. As I didn’t have a swim wetsuit at that time I used my surfsuit during the ows.
Compared to my (non-wetsuit) pool times, I was so much slower (i.e ~ 3-4 min. 1500 m) and swimming was a disaster. The suit soaked up the water like a sponge and with every stroke my arms were getting heavier and I could feel drag increasing.
So after these disappointing experiences I decided to buy a proper swimsuit. No heavy arms, no noticeable drag and my swim times are about 2 min. faster than my pool times.
So, is there a swimming wetsuit that is more rugged than the rest? For training use primarily - I understand it will be slower than a true race suit. Years ago Ironman brand wetsuits used to market a “hybrid” swim and surf suit. Sorry for the semi hijack of the thread but I asked in a separate post a week or so ago and got no response. David K
I know you’re asking for “tech data”, but all I have is also just anecdotal evidence. I’ve been a surfer/bodyboarder for nearly 35 years and a triathlete for 9 years. I surf 4-6 days/week and train 7 days/week, so I’m quite active in both sports. I would echo what Noreastersurf said. The smooth coating on the neoprene of a tri suit has quite a bit less drag than a nylon-coated surf suit, plus, as he mentioned, the thickness of neoprene on a tri suit is optimized for swimming to keep the body aligned for faster swimming. The other element here is that generally tri suits are much faster/easier to get out of.
That said, if I were on a tight budget, a backzip surf suit is totally fine for triathlon. You may give up some time, but if you’re not shooting for a podium finish, who cares.
Ha, ha. I grew up surfing and bodyboarding in Maryland, so I remember those days! Don’t miss it! This is the warmest winter we’ve had in the 27 years I’ve lived here. Today is 80 with water temp sitting around 65. Loving it!