Firstly, it is important to differentiate between a surfing/water sports wetsuit and a swimming wetsuit. When you’re new to triathlon, duathlon or open water swimming, many make the mistake of buying something cheap – thinking all wetsuits are fit for purpose. But after a short time, you’ll realise that this simply isn’t the case.

Designed simply to keep you warm and buoyant, traditional water sports wetsuits tend to be made of cheaper, thicker and less flexible open neoprene. They can restrict movement and absorb water, making them heavy and fatiguing. This is often detrimental to technique and increases the risk of injury. Swim wetsuits are specifically designed for swimming. They are made from high quality, super flexible neoprene covered by a hydrophobic closed skin. This makes them lighter, flexible, more buoyant and hydrodynamic through the water, thus helping to put the swimmer in an optimal swimming position. Swimming in a well fitted swim wetsuit shouldn’t significantly change technique, won’t cause increased fatigue and may even improve swim performance.

If you are a good competitive swimmer or multisport athlete, you should be looking at a higher end racing wetsuit like the Yonda Spectre or Ghost. that offers the best hydrodynamics and performance.

If you are a newbie, or less technically able swimmer, building for a swim challenge, consider mid range wetsuit that still deliver great flexibility & performance such as the Yonda Spook. The Yonda wetsuit is our most inclusive wetsuit with 14 different size options.

Females tend to have greater natural buoyancy and more propulsive leg kicks compared to males. Therefore they typically sit higher and more horizontal when in the water. It is really important to match the buoyancy of the wetsuit to the swimmer and their technique. Swimming in an over buoyant wetsuit can result in back hyper extension or injury. Cheap entry level wetsuits tend be made from thicker, over buoyant neoprene and can be a cause of such issues. Swimming breaststroke in a full length wetsuit is challenged by the resistance of the neoprene in the legs and the buoyancy. A half leg wetsuit makes a significant difference. The Yonda Spook wetsuit is the first, entry level wetsuits that have really addressed both of these issues, while allowing you to swim breaststroke if you wish.