Tip of the Week: Testing a New Wetsuit

March 9, 2008

If you have just bought a new wetsuit for the season, do make sure you try it out before your first race. A wetsuit, (especially a full suit that covers the arms and legs) can restrict movement and make your stroke feel a little weird. I have found that I have to work harder to rotate the shoulders, as the neoprene around the upper torso makes you much more buoyant. Thus, your stroke becomes much more flat in a wetsuit. Also, it may be difficult to maintain the same arm recovery (through the air), especially if your stroke recovery has a very bent elbow. The neoprene around the arms makes it more difficult to bend at the elbow. But if you practice beforehand, you can determine the techniques that will work best for you when you put on that wetsuit for race day.

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