| Taking Care of your Swim Gear
By Niki Jamieson
TriathaNewbie.com Staff
First of all, all swim gear needs to be properly cared for and that means you should always rinse off your swim gear after it's been used. Two reasons:
- Chlorine is a corrosive and it will shorten the life of your gear.
- The salt in salt water isn't good for your gear.
- Fresh water won't really hurt your gear, but you should always rinse off any gear you are going to store in your swim bag to prevent it from stinking.
The BEST way to care of ALL of your swim gear on an ongoing basis is to take the gear in the shower with you. Rinse off the swim cap and goggles. Lather yourself up with body soap WITH your swim suit/ trisuit/ wetsuit on, take off the suit, rinse it thoroughly and continue with your shower. All gear should air dry.
| Swim Caps: |
Types of Swim Caps:
(left to right) Latex, Lycra, Silicone and Neoprene
Swim Cap Care:
Latex - rinse with faucet/shower water, dry with towel and add baby powder;
Lycra, Silicone and Neoprene - rinse with faucet/shower water, air dry; Neoprene should not be worn in a pool
Learn More:
Best Swim Cap for You
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)
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| Goggles: |
Types of Goggles:
Go to the store and try them on if you don't already have a favorite.
- Some adjust at the nose and some fit similar to a mask
- Some have cushion around the eye and others do not
- All adjust to fit the size of your head
- Some are worn similar to a scuba mask (without the nose) while others just fit around your eyes
Goggle Care:
Rinse with faucet/shower water, air dry and store it in its original plastic case.
Learn More:
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)
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| Swim Suits: |
Types of Swim Suits:
- Women: One piece or two pieces
- Men: Range of lengths starting with fit snug to swim suits that extend to your knee
Swim Suit Care:
Rinse with faucet/shower water and air dry; wash infrequently and air dry
Learn More:
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)
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| Trisuits: |
Types of Trisuits:
Both men and women have the option on a one piece or two piece
Trisuit Care:
Rinse with faucet/shower water and air dry; wash infrequently and air dry
Learn More:
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)
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| Wetsuits: |
Types of Wetsuits:
- Shorties/ tank top (not pictured above)
- Shorties with short sleeves
- Full length/ tank top
- Full length with long sleeves
Wetsuit Care:
Rinse with faucet/shower water and air dry; do NOT wear in a pool; do NOT wash with detergents
Learn More:
What to Wear for a Triathlon (Swim)
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Triathlon Swim - Get the low-down on gear and read tips for training and events.
Triathlon Bike - Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.
Triathlon Run - Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.
Why should I Compete in a Triathlon?
How do I Train for a Triathlon?
What do I Wear for a Triathlon?
What happens on Race Day?
What are Average Triathlon Times?


Triathlon Swim - Get the low-down on gear and read tips for training and events.
Triathlon Bike - Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.
Triathlon Run - Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.
Why should I Compete in a Triathlon?
How do I Train for a Triathlon?
What do I Wear for a Triathlon?
What happens on Race Day?
What are Average Triathlon Times?


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