The42 spoke to Dublin-based sports retailers Base2Race about this and they answered a few of our really stupid questions…
The42: What is the first thing one should look for in a wetsuit?
B2R: “Always ensure the wetsuit is specifically designed for what you want to use it for. There are a lot of different types of wetsuits on the market today, but swimming or triathlon wetsuits are very different, even though it may look very similar.”
The42: Is there a difference between wetsuits for triathlon and multi-purpose wetsuits?
B2R: “Yes, absolutely. The main differences are;
“Neoprene: Triathlon neoprene is very supple and flexible, thus giving a very comfortable fit that should fit like a second skin.
“Thickness: Triathlon wetsuits have varying levels of thickness throughout the suit. This helps the swimmer with flexibility, fit, warmth and most importantly, body position.
“Hydrophobicity: This allows the swimmer to slide through the water with ease and ensures the suit is not absorbing water, thus making it heavy and cumbersome.”
The42: How important is it to have a wetsuit sized and measured correctly?
B2R: “The sizing is incredibly important. With most wetsuit brands there can be as many as 15 sizes in one type of suit.
The42: Describe the different types; shorties, full suit, etc. and why you should pick one over the other
B2R: “When swimming with the Irish climate a full wetsuit is your only option due to the temperature of the Irish water.
“Shorties would only be recommended for stronger swimmers, due to their lack of buoyancy. But mostly we don’t recommend them unless the swimmer is headed for warmer climates.”
The42: Do wetsuits offer different levels of buoyancy?
B2R: “Yes and this is due to the different thicknesses of neoprene used in the construction of the wetsuit.
“A smart design will give the swimmer a balanced suit that will help improve the swimmers body position.
“But please note – too much buoyancy in a wetsuit is not always a good thing; a swimmer needs to be balanced at all times.”
The42: What would be the recommended baseline price for buying new wetsuits?
B2R: “We used to sell a budget wetsuit but stopped.
“We felt the customer was not getting a high enough quality product for the potential usage. Our ranges start at €300.
“For that investment, you’re getting a suit that can be used confidently for any distance swim or triathlon race.”
The42: How long do wetsuits last?
B2R: “This is the million dollar question! Usually we would expect customers to get 3-4 years out of them, but this really depends on how well the suit is looked after.
“Most damage is performed when putting on the wetsuit as people tear the outer skin of the suit by either over stretching or catching it with their nails.”
The42: Is it true that some water must get into your wetsuit to insulate you?
B2R: “It is not necessary to flush a wetsuit with water but some people feel they get a better fit doing so.
“If a wetsuit is fitted correctly a small amount of water will seep into the suit. In turn, this water is heated by the body, creating more insulation.
“If the wetsuit is allowing water to flow through the suit constantly then the body’s core temperature will drop.”
Originally published 25 October at 11.15
You could sign Ronaldo, Messi, Ramos, and Neymar and Mbapee and United would still be sat mid table. As long as they have a manager who refuses to play football and who also sets up teams to draw matche or grab a one nil win, United will not go anywhere. They have a serious squad of talent if used the right way. Sanchez, Pogba and Fred have not become bad players
@Philip Morgan: Draconian football. Game has moved on since his unreal achievement at Inter. Klopp and Pep have moved with it. José won’t. How a team with Martial Mata Fred Pogba Matic De Gea Valencia Rashford Sanchez Lukaku etc are where they are is not baffling. It’s obvious. It’s José. Simple as that. Imagine how someone like Eddie Howe would have that team playing.
@Mike Lyn: Eddie Howe, now there’s a name I never thought of. Young manager with lots of experience, and plays quality football. Always sets up his teams positively and players play for him.
@Conor M: Bang on. Perfect fit only for, would he be given time frame ,and capable of managing big egos. He is a class act. Conducts himself impeccably all the time, win lose or draw.
The same could be said about Fabinho at Liverpool. He has looked very average in the handful of games he has played in and you don’t hear anyone giving out about Klopp over it.
Most players need time to settle in. Next season we will see how good Fred is, that’s if he is still there.
@Maureen: Of course he will be there unless you’re going to buy him are you ?
@Mike Lyn: Well the likes of Falcao and Di Maria didn’t last long at United. It wouldnt be much of a surprise if he was flogged off at the end of the season if his form doesn’t improve soon. It seems to be the United way lately both on and off the field!
@Maureen: ah will he go on off with yourself using rational arguments this is a United article
I imagine the chasm between the Ukranian league and the Premier league is significant never mind coming into a team that is out of sorts. In my eyes it is harsh to judge him until next season. If United were playing well judgements might be made sooner. He’s also suffering from the fact he was the only big signing United made this window and everybody including his manager keeps going on about what a disappointing window it has been.
We’ll learn a lot from Mourinho if he throws Lukaku back in on a regular basis when he’s fit. It’s then when we know if he knows what he’s doing. Fred is nowhere near worth 50m but he’s not had the chance. I’m personally not expecting a lot from him. This lad could easily be another Djemba Djemba.
@Simon Doherty: for you a pool jersey for Xmas kid.
@Shane Doherty: Thanks Dad.
@Simon Doherty: what’s wrong with that
Ya tosspot
There’s a number of things you can blame Mourinho for at Utd; his inability to play attacking football, his inability to get the best out of Lukaku, Pogba and Sanchez, making Ashley Young captain, his ongoing moaning about not being able to sign more players despite spending a fortune, but you can’t complain about a new signing being integrated into a team that’s struggling!
Waste of money.
Gary good player respect you as a player but as a man united fan his opinions are just wrong