The early season triathlons are already upon us, which begs the question: should I invest in a quality wetsuit to brave the icy spring waters? The answer is definitely yes! At J&A we have awesome new 2010 TYR, Blue Seventy and DeSoto wetsuits for swimmers of every goal, whether you challenge yourself to the 2.4 mile swim of your first Ironman, or plunge into the icy waves of a destination triathlon in the Pacific.

Learn the right way to put on and take off your wetsuit and check out the Mechanics Corner to patch wetsuit nicks. You can even enter this month's shop raffle for a chance to win your own TYR wetsuit!

If you haven't chosen your spring triathlon you can always dive into the monthly Splash 'n Dash Series. Ladies have a special opportunity to participate in the Skeese Greets Tri, a wonderful event for first-timers or seasoned athletes. You can also learn more about triathlon from the Pros themselves at the Trakkers Pro Team Party. These events are coming up fast so don't wait for the water to warm up before you jump in!

Come join the Trakkers Pro Team and J&A on April 9-11 for a weekend of swimming, running and cycling with the pros. In between training sessions, you can drink beer, listen to live music and kick back at happy hour on Friday evening. On Saturday, learn more about all things triathlon with High Five Events, Rev 3 Events, Saucony, and First Endurance at the Trakkers Pro Team Party and Season Kick Off event. Culminating with the Capitol 10k on Sunday, the Trakkers Pro Team Camp will be an awesome season opener for triathletes of all levels and backgrounds. And did we mention that it's all FREE!

Click here for the full weekend schedule.

We're offering 20% off on all Accelerade, Endurox, and Accel Gels this month, which a great opportunity to explore new options in your nutrition plan. You can also buy two Forze Snack bars and receive one for free. If you're not familiar with the awesome products from Pacific Health Labs, Inc., our staff here at J&A is happy to provide you with more information about these and any nutritional products we offer.

Ladies, if you're looking for a supportive and friendly environment to begin your season, the Skeese Greets Triathlon is the perfect event for you. Held at the Texas Ski Ranch on May 16th, women of all ages and backgrounds come together to support each other along a course that includes a 300 meter swim, 11.1 mile bike and a 2 mile run.

Amenities include: personalized race bibs, custom finisher necklace, a post-race lunch, performance shirts sized for women, professional timing, post-race giveaways and a reusable tote and water bottle.

The Pure Austin Splash 'n Dash series kicks off on April 20th and will continue on the third Tuesday of every month through the summer. This event, which includes a 750 meter swim and a 3 kilometer run, is a great way to fine tune your race skills. With hot dogs, chips and beverages provided after the event, it's also fun for the whole family!

Triathletes across the nation have been buzzing about TYR's 2010 wetsuits and, now that we have them in the shop, we know why! These suits come with amazing features like a 360 degree core stabilization system that targets major muscle groups for optimal body position in the water. This technology allows you to save strength during the toughest swims. TYR uses Yamamoto Nano SCS 5mm coated neoprene, which is buoyant yet soft and flexible. If that wasn't enough, these wetsuits fit exquisitely, with new designs in the neck, ankle and wrist areas to reduce constriction and enhance ease in removing the suit during T1.

Drop by or contact the staff here at J&A to find the perfect wetsuit with the perfect fit.

Wetsuits may help you swim like a shark, but they are actually one the more delicate pieces of triathlon equipment. Even the most careful wetsuit owner may be shocked to find tiny nicks or tears in the neoprene that occurred during a frenzied transition. Never fear! In many cases, wetsuits can be repaired quickly and easily.

Wetsuit glue allows you to make minor repairs to the suit. Spread the glue on small cuts and tears that do not go all the way through the suit. Pick up the flap of the cut and put the glue inside of the hole the cut has created. Allow suit to dry for 24 hours. If cut or tear is not drying properly, place a small piece of scotch tape over the cut after the glue has been applied to allow it to dry in place.

Iron-on seam tape is created specifically for suits to flawlessly match the seams. Set your iron on low heat so that the wetsuit does not burn. Turn the wetsuit inside out. Cut the tape to match the size of the tear or seam separation. Place the tape glue side down on the seam or tear. Slowly apply heat with the iron until the iron-on is firmly in place. After repairing the inside of the suit, turn it right side out. Apply the glue now like in the wetsuit glue instructions above.

Taking care of small cuts as they happen will prevent them from becoming un-repairable tears that will retire your suit, but there are a few wetsuit maintenance practices that will lessen the need for frequent repairs. Gripping your wetsuit with with the pads of your fingers (as though you were grabbing pizza dough) and avoiding using your nails, even when they are short, will prevent small nicks that develop over time. Also, be sure to keep your wetsuit away from hot environments like a car in the summertime so that the neoprene will not melt or warp.

Drop by J&A to purchase wetsuit glue and patches. We are also happy to repair your wetsuit ourselves.