Short answer: the best triathlon wetsuit is the one that fits you and suits how you swim. Brand comes after that.
- First triathlon, or your legs sink: buy for buoyancy. We recommend the Orca Athlex Float V2 (men's, women's).
- Decent swimmer who wants some lift: the Orca Athlex Flow V2 (men's, women's).
- Swimming background: the Orca Athlex Flex V2 (men's, women's).
- Long-distance racer spending more: move up to Orca's Apex range.
We stock Orca, so these are the suits we know and sell. Other brands make good suits too, and the checks below apply to any of them.
Do you need one at all?
Plenty of Australian races are swum without one. Officials measure the water on race day and announce whether wetsuits are allowed, compulsory or banned. For most age-group races under AusTriathlon rules:
| Water temperature | Wetsuit |
|---|---|
| 24.6°C and above | Banned |
| 16°C to 24.5°C | Optional |
| 15.9°C and below | Compulsory |
At World Triathlon and World Qualifying races, age-groupers under 60 are banned from 22°C on swims up to 1,500 m. IRONMAN events run under their own rules. Your race's athlete guide has the final word.
As a rough guide, a wetsuit earns its keep if you race in the southern states, race early or late in the season, or do your open water training through winter. If you only race in summer in the warmest parts of the country, check past race conditions first.
What makes a triathlon wetsuit different
Three things separate a triathlon suit from a surf suit:
- Buoyancy. Thicker neoprene in the legs lifts you into a flatter position, so you drag less. The limit is 5 mm under World Triathlon rules.
- Flexible shoulders. Thin, stretchy panels in the arms and shoulders mean you are not fighting the suit on every stroke.
- Fast removal. Triathlon suits are cut to peel off quickly in transition.
How much buoyancy do you need?
This is the decision that matters most. If your legs drop when you swim, a buoyant suit can be the biggest single gain you will make in the swim. If you already swim flat, the extra lift can throw your stroke out. Our guide to Float, Flow and Flex has a two-minute pool test that tells you which you are.
What you get for your money
Spending more usually buys more flexible neoprene in the shoulders and a lighter feel in the water. It does not fix a suit that fits badly. Our rule of thumb: if this is your first good wetsuit, or you race a few times a season, Orca's Athlex range is the smarter spend. Apex earns its price if you race often, swim a lot of open water kilometres, or are chasing minutes in your age group.
How it should fit
Fit matters more than any feature, because water sloshing through a loose suit slows you down and a tight one wears out your shoulders. Follow the height, weight and chest chart first, then check:
- Body: snug everywhere, with no folds in the lower back, armpits or crotch.
- Neck: close enough to keep water out, but you can turn your head and breathe without it pressing on your throat.
- Shoulders: pull the suit well up your legs and torso before you judge these. Most tight shoulders are really a suit that has not been pulled up far enough.
- Arms: swing them through a full stroke. It should feel firm, not like you are stretching an elastic band.
Take your time putting it on and use your fingertips, not your nails, because neoprene tears easily. A new suit feels tighter on land than it does in the water.
Looking after it
Rinse it in fresh water after every swim, dry it in the shade, and store it folded over a wide hanger at the waist, never hung by the shoulders. Sun, heat and salt left in the neoprene shorten its life.
FAQs
Do I need a wetsuit for a triathlon in Australia?
It depends on the water temperature on race day. At most Australian age-group races run under AusTriathlon rules, wetsuits are banned at 24.6°C and above and compulsory at 15.9°C and below. In between they are optional, and a wetsuit adds buoyancy if you choose to wear one. IRONMAN events run under their own rules, so check your race's athlete guide.
How tight should a triathlon wetsuit be?
Snug all over, with no sagging in the lower back or armpits, but you should still be able to raise your arms and breathe deeply. A new suit feels tighter on land than it does in the water. If the neck chokes you or your shoulders still tire quickly once the suit is pulled up properly, try the next size up.
Can I use a surf wetsuit for triathlon?
You can, as long as it is legal for your race, but it is not a good swim suit. Surf suits are built for warmth and durability, so the shoulders and arms are stiffer, and they do not have the buoyancy panels that lift your legs.
How thick can a triathlon wetsuit be?
The limit is 5 mm under World Triathlon rules. Triathlon suits are built within it, with the thickest neoprene in the legs and thinner panels in the shoulders and arms.
Should I buy a men's or women's wetsuit?
Buy the cut that matches your body shape and the size chart. Orca makes its Athlex and Apex suits in separate men's and women's cuts.