Why a Wetsuit

• Warmth - The neoprene or rubber material traps a layer of water close to the skin that is warmed by core body temperature and delays hypothermia in water less than 80 degrees
• Buoyancy - The wetsuit provides safe and fear-reducing buoyancy, but should not be relied upon as a life preserver. However, increased confidence in the open water can be another benefit
• Speed - Reduction of drag, the effects of providing buoyancy to the hips and legs, and the ease of breathing and sighting all contribute to a 10% or greater reduction in time over an Olympic distance swim (3-5 minutes!)
• Energy Conservation- This should be your goal on the swim, since you still have some biking and running left to do!
  
  
  
  *more great info / reading can be found here: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/scni32a8.htm