Wearing a Swimskin

Derrek Sanks

I just bought my first swimskin (Roka Viper Elite) and tried it on with my race kit.  I observed that my EN Tri top is still exposed. IOWs the swimskin does not cover the tri top at the shoulders/upper chest area and neck line.  Doesn't having the tri top exposed defeat the purpose of the swimskin or is that how everyone wears it?  I guess I can not wear my tri top during the swim but I prefer not having to struggle with putting it on a wet body in T1.    Thanks for any input.

Paul Hough

Derrek - if your EN tri top is sleeveless and only a little exposed, I would suggest testing it with and without the swimskin at the pool for a few 100 yard repeats at full rest. Maybe 3 x 100 in EN kit only on 5 mins, then a 10 min break, put on the skin, and repeat that 3 x 100 with the skin on 5 mins. I wouldn't go all out, but select a high RPE and stick to it. Average the 3 on each side and compare.

Satish Punna

Not sure if you knew this but if you have a separate sleeveless tri top putting it on wet isn't really a problem- just step into it feet first and pull it right up like a pair of pants.  

Derrek Sanks

@Paul, thanks...I'll give that a try because now I'm curious.

@ Satish, I didn't know that! I've never had to put on a tri top in T1. I tested it out yesterday and it worked perfectly! Thanks for the tip!