Swimming in a triathlon is an entirely different experience from swimming in a pool. The unpredictable nature of open water settings, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, requires the right gear to ensure you stay comfortable, safe, and efficient. From the best wetsuit for buoyancy to swim goggles that provide clarity in overcast conditions, having the right gear can make or break your race day performance.

Searching for the best triathlon swim gear and trying to balance performance and comfort can be overwhelming. Trust us, we've been there. That's why we put together this guide. We'll cover the essential gear every beginner triathlete needs, give expert recommendations on brands, and offer tips on making the most of your swim training so that you're fully prepared for your next triathlon.

What You'll Learn in This Article:

• The significance of having the right swim gear
• Essential items for beginners
• How to choose and fit a wetsuit properly
• Recommended brands for wetsuits, swim goggles, and other swim essentials
• Tools and accessories that enhance fitness and race day performance
• How to shop for and organize your gear
• Common mistakes to avoid on race day

Understanding Triathlon Swim Gear Basics

If you're new to triathlon, the sheer amount of gear options can be mind-boggling. But the swim is a good place to start. Having the right swim gear ensures:

• Buoyancy and warmth with the right wetsuit
• Clarity and comfort with high-quality swim goggles
• Efficiency (and variety!) in training with fins, snorkels, and pull buoys
• Protection and safety with a swim cap and other race-day essentials

A beginner triathlete doesn't need an expensive arsenal of equipment, but investing in the right tools will improve performance and confidence in open-water swimming.

At MOTTIV, we know that swimming can feel like the most intimidating part of a triathlon of any distance, but with the right training, trust us, it becomes just another part of the race. Our app includes free, personalized training plans written by coaches who know exactly what it takes for amateur triathletes to reach their endurance race goals.

Choosing the Perfect Wetsuit for Open Water Swims

When shopping for a wetsuit, consider these key factors:

• Material: Most triathlon wetsuits are made from neoprene, offering buoyancy and flexibility.
• Fit: A wetsuit should feel snug without restricting mobility.
• Thickness: Thicker wetsuits (4-5mm) provide extra buoyancy, while thinner suits (2-3mm) offer more flexibility.
• Sleeved vs. Sleeveless: Sleeved wetsuits provide more warmth, while sleeveless options allow greater mobility.

Top Recommended Wetsuit Brands for Beginners

• XTERRA Base-Level Sleeved Wetsuit (~$150) – Budget-friendly, high buoyancy
• Orca S7 – Great for entry-level racers, offers extra buoyancy
• Roka Maverick Core – Premium wetsuit with excellent flexibility and fit

Must-Have Swim Accessories for Triathletes

Below is our MOTTIV-approved list of essential triathlon swim gear. We've tested all of these items in training; if you're overwhelmed, start here.

Wetsuit:

• Recommended: XTERRA base-level sleeved wetsuit (~$150).
• Why?: Provides buoyancy, warmth, and confidence. Always opt for a sleeved wetsuit to retain body heat.

Goggles:

• Recommended: FINIS Circuit Mirrored Goggles.
• Why?: Suitable for both pool and open water; mirrored lenses reduce glare.

Fins/Flippers:

• Recommended: TYR CrossBlade.
• Why?: Helps develop proper kick rate and prevents sinking legs.

Snorkel:

• Recommended: FINIS Swimmer's Snorkel (older model with a clean-out valve).
• Why?: Allows triathletes to focus on drills without worrying about breathing.

Pull Buoy:

• Recommended: Eney Buoy.
• Why?: Plastic construction prevents mold, and adjustable buoyancy levels improve training versatility.

Ankle Strap:

• Recommended: TYR Rally Training Strap (or Speedo Ankle Locks if available).
• Why?: Keeps legs together, helping develop a better body position.

Swim Caps: Why They Matter

A swim cap helps reduce drag and keeps your hair out of your face. Options include:

• Latex caps – Cheap and lightweight
• Silicone caps – More durable and comfortable
• Thermal caps – For extra warmth in cold water

Bonus Triathlon Swim Gear

Swim Skin (for non-wetsuit races):

• Recommended: ROKA Viper Pro Swimskin.
• Why? It slightly improves hydrodynamics but does not provide buoyancy.

Clear goggles:

These are great for in the pool, so your outdoor goggles stay fresh and undamaged by chlorine. If your pool facility is dimly lit, these can also be helpful!

Hand paddles:

We recommend Tech Paddles, which teach you to grab the water with your forearm instead of pushing down on the water and thus feeling a fake catch on the water. We don't recommend big hand paddles because when used with incorrect form you can develop shoulder injuries. You will also feel like you're grabbing the water when most people just develop the bad habit of pushing downward on the water and not actually catching it

"Don't Bother" Swim Gear

Kickboard:

• Not Recommended: Standard kickboard used with head out of the water.
• Why?: Creates a poor body position with the upper body too high and the legs sinking. Instead, if using a kickboard, pair it with a snorkel to keep the head down and maintain a better body position.

Big Hand Paddles ("Strength-Training Paddles" ):

• Not Recommended: Large paddles designed to increase strength.
• Why?: These encourage bad technique, put excessive strain on the shoulders, and often lead to injuries. They also create the illusion of proper water catch when most swimmers are actually pushing down incorrectly.

Short "Zoomer" Swim Fins:

• Not Recommended: Small fins that are 1-3 inches longer than the foot.
• Why?: Designed for sprint swimmers, they promote a strong, erratic kick that is counterproductive for triathletes. Instead, longer fins (4-7 inches past the foot) encourage a smoother, more energy-efficient kick, which is ideal for conserving leg energy during a triathlon.

Race Day Tips: Preparing Your Swim Gear

To ensure a smooth day when your big race rolls around, we recommend  organizing your gear in advance:

Checklist:

✅ Wetsuit (if allowed at the race, based on temperature)

✅ Swim goggles (bring a backup pair)

✅ Swim cap (race-provided or use your own)

✅ Tri-suit or racing kit

✅ Anti-chafing balm for comfort

✅ Towel for drying off before transitioning to the bike

Last-Minute Checks Before the Swim Start

• Defog your goggles to avoid mid-race visibility issues
• Test your wetsuit mobility with a few strokes
• Warm up with an easy swim session

Common Swim Gear Mistakes to Avoid

• Not testing new gear before race day
• Over-tightening swim goggles, leading to discomfort
• Forgetting an anti-chafing solution

Learning to swim as an adult can be one of the biggest challenges for aspiring triathletes. Our book, Triathlon Swimming Foundations, is a great place to start if you want proven instructions on how to become more comfortable in the water. We’ve helped thousands of adults learn to swim!

FAQs: Triathlon Swim Gear

Q: What swim gear do I need as a beginner triathlete?

A: At a minimum, you'll need:

• A wetsuit (if the race allows it)
• A reliable pair of goggles
• A swim cap
• A tri-suit, worn under your wetsuit or swimskin, for easy transitions

Q: How do I choose the right wetsuit for a triathlon?

A: Consider your water temperature – Colder water requires a thicker wetsuit. Also, fit matters – too loose and it fills with water, too tight and it restricts movement. Remember, if your race is non wetsuit-legal, you'll want to opt for a swimskin instead.

Q: What are the best swim goggles for open-water swimming?

A: Look for:

• UV-protected lenses for sunny conditions
• Wide field of vision for better sighting

Q: How can I ensure my swim gear is ready for race day?

A: We like to 1-lay everything out the night before, 2-test all gear during a swim session before race day, and 3-bring backups for critical gear like goggles

Get Race-Ready with the Right Gear

Having the right triathlon swim gear will set you up for a successful open-water swim. Every detail matters, whether it's choosing the right wetsuit, finding the best pair of goggles, or preparing your gear for race day.

If you're looking for a training plan that includes everything you need to compete at your best, from the swim to the finish line, sign up for a free personalized MOTTIV training plan today. We can't wait to help you improve your swim and dominate your next triathlon.