Whether you’re training for your first triathlon or just trying to improve your time in open water, the question often comes up: Can a wetsuit actually make you swim faster? The short answer is yes—for most swimmers, a wetsuit can improve both speed and efficiency in the water.
In this blog, we’ll explore how wetsuits enhance performance, when they help (and when they don’t), and how much of a speed boost you can expect.
How Wetsuits Work
Wetsuits are made from neoprene, a flexible material filled with tiny air bubbles that provides buoyancy and thermal insulation. For swimmers, this buoyancy helps keep the body higher in the water, reducing drag and promoting better form.
Additionally, modern swimming wetsuits Australia offer streamlined designs and water-shedding outer surfaces that reduce resistance as you move through the water. The combination of thermal protection, lift, and hydrodynamics makes a well-fitted wetsuit a powerful performance aid—particularly in cooler open water environments.
Ways a Wetsuit Can Improve Speed
1. Improved Body Position
One of the most significant advantages of wearing a wetsuit is how it improves body position. Many swimmers—especially recreational or developing swimmers—struggle with sinking legs. Neoprene’s buoyancy helps lift the hips and legs, bringing your body into a flatter, more efficient line.
A streamlined position means less water resistance, and that translates to faster, easier swimming.
2. Reduced Water Resistance
Wetsuits are designed with smooth outer surfaces that glide through water more easily than bare skin. This reduction in surface drag helps you move more efficiently with each stroke. Some suits even feature textured panels or special coatings to further enhance glide.
3. Energy Efficiency
With better body alignment and reduced resistance, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain speed. That means you conserve energy, reduce fatigue, and may be able to push a little harder toward the end of your swim.
In long-distance swims or triathlons, this efficiency can make a noticeable difference not only in your time but in how fresh you feel coming out of the water.
When a Wetsuit May Not Help
Warm Water Conditions
If the water is too warm (typically above 24–25°C), wearing a wetsuit may lead to overheating. In fact, many triathlon organisers ban wetsuits above a certain temperature threshold for safety reasons.
Poor Fit
A wetsuit that doesn’t fit properly can become a liability. If it’s too tight, it can restrict your breathing or stroke. If it’s too loose, it allows excess water to flush through, reducing thermal performance and increasing drag.
Short Pool Swims
In short-distance events or swimming pools, the benefits of a wetsuit are usually minimal. Pools are temperature-controlled, and the short length of the swim means that hydrodynamic gains are less significant. Plus, chlorine can degrade neoprene over time.
Are Wetsuits Allowed in Races?
Most triathlons and open water races allow wetsuits when the water temperature is below a set limit (often around 24°C). Wetsuits may even be mandatory in very cold conditions. Always check the event guidelines—using a wetsuit when it’s not permitted could disqualify your result.
How Much Faster Can You Really Swim?
Performance gains vary depending on your skill level, stroke technique, and the wetsuit itself. However, studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that most swimmers can expect a 2–10% speed improvement when wearing a good-quality wetsuit.
For example:
- A beginner swimmer with sinking legs may see the largest benefit
- A highly efficient swimmer may notice only a slight speed boost but will benefit from energy conservation
Even small improvements can be significant over long distances.
Parting Advice
So, can you swim faster in a wetsuit? For most swimmers, the answer is yes. A wetsuit helps by improving your body position, reducing drag, and conserving energy—all of which contribute to better performance in open water.
That said, the benefits depend on the right conditions, proper fit, and appropriate use. If you’re training or racing in cooler open water, investing in a swimming wetsuit can give you a noticeable edge—not just in speed, but in overall swim confidence.
