Triathlon - Pieced together "wetsuit"

So I am planning on doing my first triathlons this summer. I really can't see myself investing in a full-on wetsuit unless I realize I've missed my calling and want to do this all the time.

I have a pair of neoprene shorts from when I used to paddle. Could I add something like a this (http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2234&deptid=942) and call myself good?

I understand the reasons people wear wetsuits. I am more interested in staying warm and minimal constriction around my shoulders. I swam in high school and played club water polo in college (15 years ago) so I don't think I need the extra buoyancy (I have a beer drinking regimen that helps with that part).

I guess my question is: has anyone out their janked together some swimwear like this or seen it done? Opinions?

get a speedsuit and you're good to go

http://www.trisports.com/zomeulsp.html

So I am planning on doing my first triathlons this summer. I really can't see myself investing in a full-on wetsuit unless I realize I've missed my calling and want to do this all the time.

I have a pair of neoprene shorts from when I used to paddle. Could I add something like a this (http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2234&deptid=942) and call myself good?

I understand the reasons people wear wetsuits. I am more interested in staying warm and minimal constriction around my shoulders. I swam in high school and played club water polo in college (15 years ago) so I don't think I need the extra buoyancy (I have a beer drinking regimen that helps with that part).

I guess my question is: has anyone out their janked together some swimwear like this or seen it done? Opinions?


A swimming/Triathlon wetsuit is completely different from the shorts and top you spoke of. If anything those will likely slow you down. If you have a tri-shop near you, check out the triathlon wetsuits and you can see/feel the difference.

A much cheaper and better solution is to rent a triathlon wetsuit. I believe this is usually around $40 and you will get the proper equipment for the task. Or just suck it up and go nothing at all, if the race is in July or later you likely won't need it for warmth depending on your location.

Which tri/ what distance are you doing?

Nothing longer than Olympic. I was considering a sprint for my first, although my wife will rag on me for that decision.

have you checked out ebay for some bargain wetsuits??

Not yet. I really don't want to buy a wetsuit sight unseen without trying one on.

Let me clarify, I am not against the concept of wetsuits, I am just trying to find out if anyone has tried this option and felt like it was a good idea or a bad idea. I realize that a tri specific wetsuit would be my best option, I'm just not prepared for that kind of investment yet and wondered if anyone has gone a route like this and been successful, or crashed and burned.

Not yet. I really don't want to buy a wetsuit sight unseen without trying one on.

Let me clarify, I am not against the concept of wetsuits, I am just trying to find out if anyone has tried this option and felt like it was a good idea or a bad idea. I realize that a tri specific wetsuit would be my best option, I'm just not prepared for that kind of investment yet and wondered if anyone has gone a route like this and been successful, or crashed and burned.

While I have never specifically used a wetsuit setup like that in a race, I have swam in various forms of wetsuits including something similar to what you want to do. The short answer is you are better off without. The ONLY benefit would be keeping your torso and groin a little warmer, otherwise they will just slow you down, plus you would have to spend $60 for the top, and then if you like it, additional money for a wetsuit. People in events that I have seen try all kinds of stuff including shorts like that, surf wetsuits, etc, they ALL regretted it.

You can get a triathlon wetsuit for $200, so you might as well save the $60 and put it towards that if you decide you want to continue, or just save the $60 and put it towards beer. You can as I mentioned earlier always rent a wetsuit to try it out, and thats usually around $40 or so. Still cheaper.

The ONLY benefit would be keeping your torso and groin a little warmer, otherwise they will just slow you down, plus you would have to spend $60 for the top, and then if you like it, additional money for a wetsuit. People in events that I have seen try all kinds of stuff including shorts like that, surf wetsuits, etc, they ALL regretted it.

You can get a triathlon wetsuit for $200, so you might as well save the $60 and put it towards that if you decide you want to continue, or just save the $60 and put it towards beer. You can as I mentioned earlier always rent a wetsuit to try it out, and that's usually around $40 or so. Still cheaper.

Thanks for the insight.

I REALLY like the save the money for beer. This would serve a dual purpose. It would increase my buoyancy AND keep me warmer. It could also ensure that I remain a clydesdale.

This is the best answer yet!
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