After spending a considerable amount of time on researching the pros and cons of going with one triathlon wetsuit over another, the diligent triathlete has finally made a decision on what vessel of neoprene will assist in navigating through the training and racing waters. Just when you thought it was safe to take the plunge into that next body of water, anxiety and dread fill the triathlete's psyche as he discovers that he or she may be swimming in cold waters that would definitely make members of the local polar bear swim club exhibit a terminal shiver. If this is your plight, several triathlon wetsuit accessories exist that can minimize the effect of the cold waters. Neoprene or Thermal Swim Caps One of the most useful triathlon wetsuit accessories for a triathlete swimming in cold waters is a neoprene or thermal swim cap. Swimming in extremely cold waters can make it very difficult for a triathlete to put his her head in the water resulting in a swim that may be very slow (not to mention neck, shoulder, and back muscles that will ache in hours and days to come). A simple thermal or neoprene swim cap will prove to be invaluable. Studies have shown that a considerable percentage of the body's heat is lost through the head, so the use of a thermal or neoprene cap will be very instrumental in protecting against hypothermia and enabling you to swim with your normal form. Neoprene Arm Sleeves Triathlon neoprene arm sleeves provide the triathlete with versatility when it comes to selecting a wetsuit for training or race day. For cold water races, when just a sleeveless wetsuit (or longjohn) will just not provide enough warmth, neoprene swim sleeves can provide that extra needed layer for the arms. An added benefit of the neoprene arm sleeves is the extra flexibility that results due to the fact that the sleeves cut off at around the top of the bicep. Some triathletes simply feel too restricted in a full-sleeve triathlon wetsuit, so the neoprene arm sleeves provide the best of both worlds, warmth and flexibility without the restriction in the shoulders. Neoprene Swim Socks Neoprene swim socks are great for the triathlete who will be swimming in extremely cold waters. These socks will fit snug enough to prevent water entry into the socks while swimming. Additionally, for those triathletes who have sensitive feet and can hardly walk on a rocky shore without falling over in pain while entering the water (you know who you are), neoprene swim socks are certainly a sigh of relief for the aforementioned sensitive footed triathlete. In short, when it comes to triathlon wetsuit swimming, the triathlete is not home free with no other worries after selecting the right triathlon wetsuit. In a warm or not so cold water swim, a wetsuit will typically suffice. If the waters turn arctic, it would definitely be a wise idea to consider a neoprene or thermal swim cap, neoprene swim socks, and neoprene swim sleeves (if wearing a triathlon sleeveless wetsuit). With that said, make sure to check the race day (or training day) weather forecast a few days before the race and plan accordingly. Good luck at the races! **** Roy Lazarus Trivillage.com Customer Service COO/Co-Owner of Trivillage.com Trivillage.com is the multi-sports store with a local touch and a global reach! For all of your gear and apparel needs for triathlon, swimming, biking, running and anything outdoors, check out Trivillage.com!
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