Wetsuits-How to take it off!

Triathlon Forum
1

I know this is stupid ?, but I have raced in many races where I am struggling like hell to get out at T1, at IM races in the states you have “strippers” to help you, in European IM’s you got to do it yourself.

My question, have any of you just before you get out of the water on the side, take your wetsuit off in the water. I am thinking you can save a little time, and it is easier especially without a stripper to help.

any thought or experiences thanks

2

  1. Get out of the water and stand upright (while running)

  2. Start peeling your wetsuit off your shoulders, continuing until it is down to your waist.

  3. In T1 (don’t waste time with the strippers unless they are cute) grab you wetsuit at the sides, where your love handles used to be. Rip your wetsuit down to the ground, turning it inside out.

  4. Do one really high leg lift. Hopefully your leg will pop out. Stand on as much of your wetsuit as possible with your (free?) leg.

  5. Do another leg lift, but use your other leg this time.

  6. If necessary, repeat 5&6 until you are done.

  7. Get on your bike and ride like hell

3

The leg lift trick works like a charm… just be careful if you’re standing on rough pavement.

4

I haven’t tried taking mine off in the water but think it would be worse than on land especially getting your legs and feet out. Use body glide on you wrists/forearms/ankles, lower legs inside and out. Yes put in on the outside as it makes the surfaces slide easily when you pull it over. Other than that follow tridorks instructions to the letter.

5

you probably have a T1 without the zipper in the top. if you send it to de soto they’ll probably install one for you. i don’t have a zipper in mine, i prefer it that way, but if you can’t easily get out of your T1 you ought to just get a pullover with a zipper in it, then it’s easier to get out of than a one-piece.

6

man, I hate it that he now makes all of his suits with a zipper! I love the T1 top and have never had a problem with removal.

did you get your discount?

7

If you are having particular trouble getting it passed your feet then you can trim the cuffs a little bit. Check with your wetsuit manufacturer to make sure that wont void the wetsuits integrity first and be sure to do a neat job, leaving no sharp corners