to swimming in the outdoors, you can choose from goggles, masks or a hybrid. Some people like the extra feeling of protection offered by masks, while others are happy with larger styles of goggles (we've tested both types here).Whatever you choose, your open

it dry out from the swim. A clever wedge at the end of the Velcro tab means you'll never be fiddling to thread the tab through, and if you're a fashion-conscious triathlete - and who isn't? - the pearlescent shimmer and neat design add pizzazz

Novice triathletes soon realise that the best way to save time in transition is to limit kit changes.You need kit you can wear under your wetsuit for the swim, that offers protection and support for the bike leg and doesn't encumber you on the run

: Hacking the bottoms off your wetsuit legs to reveal intimidatingly muscular calves screams that you're ready to rocket through the swim at the start of a triathlon.The Function: Trimming your wetsuit won't affect your buoyancy, but it could enhance

Novice triathletes soon realise that the best way to save time in transition is to limit kit changes. You need kit you can wear under your wetsuit for the swim, that offers protection and support for the bike leg and doesn’t encumber you on the run

When you're starting out in triathlon, one of the most important bits of kit you'll buy is your wetsuit. For those lacking a little confidence in the water, making the right choice is crucial, but even if you're comfortable ploughing through chilly

pool-based sprint triathlon doesn't have the same needs as an experienced Ironman athlete.In The SwimYou could, in theory, swim in trunks or a swimming costume, and nothing else. However, this has little to recommend it except bragging rights if you

Your wetsuit increases buoyancy, helps keep you warm and can even make your swim that much easier, so the least you can do is look after it. If you do it can last for several seasons; if you don’t you may be back in the shop, having kicked yourself

the cost of aero bars on something you know will help improve your times, such as a couple of one-on-one swimming lessons, or tri-club membership). You can always revisit the idea of tri bars once you've nailed the basics.Race shoesTriathlon race trainers

... take the winter offSwim and run to maintain your fitness levels so you're ready to go when the warmer weather finally returns. Your winter checklistGet cracking Has your bike been unused for a while? Check your tyres' sidewalls for cracks. If you find any