Triathlon season is fast approaching! Still trying to improve your swimming technique for your next triathlon? We’ve got you covered! Here is how you can improve your technique for triathlons.

Bilateral breathing will open up the ability to take in what is happening around you, but can also reduce damage to your shoulders and neck from the repetitive motion of only breathing on one side. By doing this, you will be able to see more of your surroundings and see any hazards, such as oncoming waves or other swimmers. Try learning to breathe on both sides of your stroke. It will also help make your stroke more symmetrical.

Swimming in open water can throw a lot of variables into the mix. Many routes for triathlons include a turn around a buoy and swimming blindly with your head down will put you at a disadvantage. Identify landmarks before you swim that you will easily recognise and be able to see when taking a quick check of your surroundings.

To sight properly, lift your head slightly up so that only your eyes appear above the surface. Quickly scan to place where you are before lowering your head back underwater. You can do this as often as needed to understand your location and with your positioning in the race.

A major part of success in triathlon is being able to distribute the workload amongst you and your fellow competitors, it is key to not waste unnecessary effort on your first discipline, that you’ll be wanting to save for the rest of your swim. Identify the strongest swimmers around your pace level, and position yourself slightly to the side of them, making sure that you breathe away from the side of the swimmer’s leg. Make sure to push when you have the energy to do so! 

Keeping a high position in the water will keep your legs from weighing you down and sinking into the water, reducing the drag from your own body. Your wetsuit should assist with buoyancy but having the best head position will help guide the rest of your body through the water. Keep your fingers and toes closed to keep your streamline position throughout your body and you will see an increase in your efficiency!

For many triathletes, swimming can be their weakest of the three sports. However, making improvements to your swimming technique will help you move up through the ranks! Try out the points above and win your next triathlon.

Orca have spent the past 25 years designing and developing a high performance collection of swimming wetsuits. From beginner to expert, Orca triathlon wetsuits are designed for every ability level and budget. Orca have a new range of wetsuits with new materials and specifications, not just new graphics, making model by model updates to their wetsuits! Let us break down the new Apex and Athlex range of Orca wetsuits!

Below is a guide to show the changes to the new range!

APEX WETSUITS

Apex Flow

Replacing the Predator wetsuit is the Apex Flow wetsuit. Having the best combination of buoyancy and flexibility, the Apex Flow wetsuit brings new and improved body support. With big improvements on flexibility and having optimised fit, this wetsuit will help you find the right position in the water. With its great buoyancy, you will be fast in the water and have every possible technical advantage you can have. It will help you to save time and energy in the swim and to put you in the best position for biking, helping you to aim for that podium!

Material: Yamamoto Neoprene #40 and #44

Coating: Nano Ice SCS

Apex Flex 

Replacing the Alpha wetsuit is the Apex Flex wetsuit. For the natural swimmer, The Apex Flex wetsuit now has new improved fit and the highest flexibility with the most freedom of movement. They have designed this wetsuit to be easier to get on compared to its 2021 alpha counterpart. The Apex Flex is usually used for short and middle distances and is perfect for a swimmer looking for a light and very flexible wetsuit. This is perfect for a swimmer who has been swimming for a few years with a neutral position in the water.

Material: Yamamoto Neoprene #40 and #44

Coating: Nano Ice SCS

Apex Float

Replacing the 3.8 wetsuit is the Apex Float wetsuit. For the swimmers looking for the most support in the water, look no further than the Apex Float! With its increased flexibility and highest level of corrective buoyancy, you will be fast in the water and the suit will help you to find the right body position in the water, helping to provide leg support. This is perfect for any triathlete trying to save their legs for biking and running, helping to improve their overall performance.

Material: Yamamoto Neoprene #39 and #40

Coating: Nano Ice SCS

ATHLEX WETSUITS

Athlex Flow

Replacing the Sonar wetsuit is the Athlex Flow wetsuit. For the swimmer with concrete goals in mind, the Athlex Flow wetsuit will be perfect for you. With good flexibility and buoyancy, it will help with the correct body position in the water and can be used at all distances. This wetsuit will give you the perfect balance between buoyancy, flexibility and technical features while not spending too much.

Material: Yamamoto Neoprene #39 

Coating: SCS

Athlex Flex

Replacing the Equip wetsuit is the Athlex Flex wetsuit. Looking for a flexible suit for entry-level? The Athlex Flex wetsuit is light and flexible that is perfect for all distances. Having the most freedom of movement, this wetsuit will help you to move fast through the water.

Material: Yamamoto Neoprene #39 

Coating: SCS and Smoothskin

Athlex Float

Replacing the S7 wetsuit is the Athlex Float wetsuit. For those swimmers that may need a little more assistance on their position in the water, the Athlex Float wetsuit is a good entry-level model wetsuit with good corrective buoyancy. This wetsuit has good flexibility and strong support that can help you travel all distances.

Material: Yamamoto Neoprene #39 

Coating: SCS and Smoothskin

You can now buy these wetsuits here at ProSwimwear! Check them out here: https://www.proswimwear.co.uk/brands/orca/orca-wetsuits.html

Putting on a wetsuit can be a challenging task for a multitude of reasons, and can be the most exhausting part of the dive of open water swimming. But, squeezing into a wetsuit doesn’t have to be so difficult. Here are some hints and tips for putting one on more easily.  

Keep in mind, some wetsuits are simply too tight. If it restricts breathing or blood flow, squeezing around the neck, the wetsuit is too small. Another indication can be if the wetsuit is stretched tightly that the material leaves a hollow at the small of your back or stretches thin in places, this means that the wetsuit is too small. Over-stretched material will not keep you warm as it would if it is a properly fitting and snug wetsuit. This is because a stretched suit will allow water to circulate inside of your wetsuit, whereas a fitting wetsuit will keep you warm by stopping water from circulating inside the suit.

7 tips for squeezing into a tight wetsuit 

1. The plastic bag trick - place a plastic shopping bag around your foot before sliding into your wetsuit. Once your foot is through the wetsuit leg, remove the bag and repeat the process with your other foot, and then take it to the next level and place it around each hand. The plastic helps the neoprene glide over your skin, without it getting stuck. 
2. Blow into the wetsuit - this trick requires a helpful friend. Once your hand is through the wetsuit sleeve, have your dive buddy lift the edge of the wrist seal and blow a bubble of air into the suit to help it stretch and slide into the right place. 
3. Start with the wetsuit inside out - turn the offending wetsuit completely inside out and put one foot through the ankle of the reversed suit. Roll the suit up your leg slowly and repeat with the other leg, the torse, and finally the arms.
4. If you can, get into the water with the wetsuit and put it on in the water. Whenever the suit sticks, pull the fabric away from your body to allow water to flow into the suit and break the seal between your body and the suit.
5. A dive skin can be worn underneath a wetsuit. Thin lycra dive skins cover a diver from the ankle to wrist to provide protection from wildlife. When under a wetsuit, dive skins help you to put on and remove the suit by preventing the suit from sticking to your skin. 
6. Use a water-based lubricant - they can help a dive to put on a wetsuit more easily. The diver spreads a small amount of lubricant on his wrists and ankles to help them slide through the tightest parts of the wetsuit. 
7. Having zippers installed into a suit's ankles and wrist makes putting on a suit much easier.

There are methods you should avoid to try and get a wetsuit on. Using soap, detergents, shampoo, or conditioner as lubricant can affect the suit's neoprene and may irritate or dry out your skin. Biodegradable solutions should not be used with a wetsuit as some of the liquid will also leak from the wetsuit into the water. Even biodegradable versions of detergents and soaps can leave thin residue and can make the neoprene become stiff and begin to crack.

Oil-based products can also damage neoprene, such as petroleum jelly or oil-based lubricants. Don’t use oil, grease, or any oil-based lubricants to aid sliding on a wetsuit.

So, sometimes wetsuits can be a challenge to get on. These tips should help you to get a wetsuit on with more ease and avoid the hassle! Take a look at our Skin Slick Anti-Chafe Skin Lubricant 1.5 Oz which is safe with lycra, neoprene, and wetsuits. 

https://www.proswimwear.co.uk//skin-slick-anti-chafe-skin-lubricant-1-5-oz.html

With the open-water season approaching it is important to take into consideration the dangers that could come with it, and follow all of the safety steps required. It is important for everyone to have fun and experience the beauty of natural areas but do so in a safe manner.  

So how do you stay safe whilst swimming in open water? It can be dangerous sometimes to swim on your own. Swimming with another person that you trust can help improve your safety. Even if they don’t get in the water and sit on the side, they will be able to keep an eye on you to ensure that you are safe and comfortable in the water. Check the route that you are taking with your friend and plan it in advance. Swimming with a group means you always have others looking out for you. 

Check the tides, currents, the weather, and check for hidden structures and foliage on your route that may get in your way or could cause any danger. The weather can especially play a large part in the difficulty of open water swimming conditions, so check the weather conditions on the day of your swim before heading out into the open water. 

You can always seek out advice from locals to ensure you understand your route as best as possible. Let another responsible person know where you are swimming so they have knowledge of your location to keep you safe if they need to call for help. Make sure that you don’t dive or jump into the water, enter slowly to allow yourself to acclimatize to the temperature, and not have a shock due to it.  

If you are new to open water swimming or are still not comfortable, swim within a depth where you are able to stand comfortably with easy access in and out of the water. A steady slope or beach is ideal for this. If you still feel unsafe, don’t get in the water. Knowing your limitations whilst swimming in open water is important. If you happen to get in and find out that there are currents, make sure that you swim upstream (against the current or tide) first and get to shore safely.   

Take a tow float and whistle on your swim. A tow float is a visual aid for others to find you in the water if needed and the whistle will help to attract attention if you are in trouble. Wearing a brightly coloured swim cap is also a great way to be seen in the water by your friends, peers, and rescuers. Make sure that you also check for any motorised boat traffic in the area. 

Wear a wetsuit. It will help to provide your body with extra warmth and avoid you getting cold whilst in the open water. The temperature of the water can be shocking in just a swimsuit. It is advised to practice swimming in a wetsuit before going out in the open water as it can change your swimming stroke slightly. 

If at any point you feel your body getting too cold, get out of the water. Make sure you lubricate around your neck to avoid chafing from your wetsuit. You should also wear goggles to help protect your eyes and increase visibility in lakes, rivers, and seas that have poor water visibility. At Proswimwear we have a large range of tow-floats and wetsuits to protect your body when swimming, take a look at what we have in stock. 

Overall, open water can be fun and exciting, but you should stay vigilant and wary when in the water of any dangers that may occur. For example, the changing currents and change in weather conditions. If you are ever in doubt, stay out of the water. Make sure that you have all of the open-water essentials provided by Proswimwear shown in the link below, and swim safely!

https://www.proswimwear.co.uk/wetsuits/open-water/safety-buoys.html?product_list_limit=60 

https://www.proswimwear.co.uk/wetsuits/open-water.html 

In this blog you can discover more about the HUUB Brownlee Agilis Wetsuit! 

It will talk about... 

• How the wetsuit came to be designed
• What they wanted from designing this suit
• The main features 
• What influence the Brownlee brothers had in the making

This is an incredible wetsuit - unlike any other that has come before it! 

Read more - you WON'T want to miss this! 

In this blog we will be looking at the benefits of thermal wetsuits! 

We will be looking at... 

• Why thermal wetsuits are important in cold water swimming
• How to find the right wetsuit for your swim 
• An example of a great thermal wetsuit 
• The features of a thermal wetsuit 

Cold-water swimming can be fun, but it's important to swim smart and safe! 

Read more about it in the blog! 

In this blog we will be taking a look back at the Iron War!  

This was one of the most phenomenal rivalries to take place in Ironman history! 

The story of how Dave Scott and Mark Allen battled for the Ironman Crown for years... 

We recount the whole story in our latest blog! 

Including the thrilling conclusion to this epic friendly, rivalry! 

Don't miss it - Read more now to find out what happened in this iconic series of events!

NEWS ALERT: The results from the IRONMAN World Championships 2019 are in! 

In this blog we will be talking about... 

• The Winners of the event
• The journey to victory  
• What one of the toughest atheltic feats had instore for the competitors

This is the moment we have all been waiting for... the results of the IRONMAN World Champs 2019!

We say a HUGE congratulation to every single participant! 

Read more here about the event! 

In this blog we will be taking an inside look at the Blueseventy Reaction Wetsuit! 

This will include... 

• A little bit about Blueseventy  
• The main features of the suit 
• What hi-tech features make the suit stand out

So, if you want to find out more about one of the most hi-tech wetsuits around look no further!

Available now at ProSwimwear! 

In this blog we will be telling you everything you need dto know about the Kona IRONMAN World Championships 2019!

We will tell you... 

• A detailed description of where the race takes place
• A glimpse into race day
• And also a look at the race's remarkable history!

The Kona IRONMAN World Championships are held on October 12th!

Good luck to all of the athletes competing! 

(5 MINUTE READ)

In this blog we will be giving you our 5 top tips for Triathlon Recovery! 

The blog will include: 

• The five things we believe are necessary for a healthy and happy triathlon recovery!
• What you can do to help recovery
• And general recovery advice!

We love Triathlons and Triathletes - but your body is precious and taking care of yourself post-race is just as important as the race itself!

In this blog we will be taking a look at the Bournemouth International Triathlon 2019!

Proswimwear was lucky to attend this event! 

In the blog you'll find out about our day:

• Where the Triathlon took place
• What other events were happening 
• How we found watching the experience
• And how the athletes were post-race! 

So read more to find out about our inspiring day in Bournemouth for the Triathlon! 

In this blog post you get an in-depth look at the Ultimate IPS Wetsuit by Sailfish!

We will be loooking at... 

• The incredible Sailfish company
• The outstanding features of the Wetsuit
• Other great products for your next triathlon or swim! 

Read more to get an inside look at this range available now at ProSwimwear! 

In this blog post you get a look into the Swim Secure starter pack, available at ProSwimwear.

This is an excellent starter pack for those getting into open water swimming. It contains everything you need to swim safely! 

It includes products such as:

-A Tow Float

-Bubble Hat

-Kit Bag

And more! Read on to discover more about this starter pack, and what else Swim Secure can offer you and your journey into open water swimming. 

In our latest blog post, you can discover the HEAD myBOOST PRO SwimRun wetsuit available at ProSwimwear. 

This new SwimRun specific wetsuit is another superb addition to our wetswuit range, with great customisation features including: 

 - Detachable Sleeves

 - Mulit-Functional Pocket

 - Neoprene Adjustment Capability

If you're into SwimRun, then the HEAD myBOOST PRO is a must have for you! 

In this blog post, we take a look at the latest Zoot Ultra Tri Suit Collection, available at ProSwimwear.

This addition to our collection is available as a Men's and Women's tri suit, tri top or tri short loaded with great features including:

 - DRAGZERO Carbon Fabric

 - Chamois Development

 - Competitive Construction

 Read on to discover more about Zoot's new fine tuned Ultra triathlon suit! 

Dare2Tri have added the new MACH4.1 to their impressive roster of wetsuits.

We dig deeper into the performance features of this amazing triathlon wetsuit, including,

 - SuperFlex Neoprene

- Airfloat Stability Panels

- Unique Neck Closure

With the MACH4.1, you'll be equipping yourself with the perfect weapon to compete!

Orca are established outdoor swimming experts, specialising in wetsuits for triathlon, open water and swim run competitions.

Here we take a closer look at Orca’s useful ‘Swim Scale’ guide to finding the perfect Orca wetsuit to aid and improve your swim style!

These are broken down into:

-          Natural Swimmer

-          Total Swimmer

-          Progressive Swimmer

Read more here!

Following on from World Environment Day on June 5th, we’ve taken the time to consider our eco-friendly brands and some of the great work they do to help save the planet!

Take a look below as we highlight environmental swimwear initiatives in more detail from:

• Adidas
• Zoggs
• Madwave

Read our latest feature product - the brand new HUUB Varman 3:5 Triathlon Wetsuit, with amazing new technical features developed by HUUB to create a wetsuit with maximum flexibility and maximum buoyancy. HUUB have over 40 years of experience in endurance sports and are endorsed by athletes including the Brownlee brothers, Helen Jenkins MBE and Paratriathletes Phil Hogg, Joe Townsend and Olympic Champion Jetze Plat.