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deboer Wetsuits: Faster Through Science, a James Oswald Coaching overview.
In triathlon, every second counts. While training, technique, and fitness remain the biggest drivers of performance, the equipment you choose can play a significant role in helping you maximise the speed you've worked hard to build. Over the past decade, wetsuit technology has evolved dramatically, with manufacturers constantly searching for ways to improve comfort, flexibility, buoyancy, and hydrodynamic efficiency. Among the brands leading that innovation is deboer, a company that has developed a reputation for combining scientific research with real-world athlete feedback to create some of the most advanced swim products available today. As both a coach and athlete, I've spent years testing equipment from many of the industry's biggest brands. Since first racing in the original Fjord 1.0 in 2019, I've had the opportunity to experience every generation of the Fjord wetsuit and witness first-hand how deboer's relentless focus on performance has shaped the evolution of its products. In this article, I'll explore the philosophy behind the deboer brand, the technology that sets its wetsuits apart, and my personal experience using their wetsuits, swimskins, jammers, and apparel over the years. More importantly, we'll look at how the right wetsuit can help improve swimming efficiency, reduce energy expenditure, and ultimately help athletes exit the water faster and fresher for the bike and run that follow. Whether you're chasing a personal best, aiming for a Kona qualification slot, or simply looking for a wetsuit that helps you feel more confident and efficient in the water, understanding the science behind modern wetsuit design can help you make a more informed choice.
OPEN WATER SWIMMINGSWIMMINGTRAININGCHALLENGE FAMILYIRONMANRACE DAYCHALLENGE ROTH70.3140.6OUTLAWTRIATHLONPERSONALISED COACHING
James Oswald, Coach
6/19/20266 min read
deboer: Faster Through Science
As a coach and athlete, I’m always interested in products that genuinely improve performance rather than just making big marketing claims. Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of swim gear from all the main brands, but one brand that has consistently stood out for me is deboer.
I'm fortunate to be a member of the deboer Pro-Am Team, and a deboer Ambassador, so I wanted to take some time to explain a little about the brand I trust and why I choose to race and train it in.
I’ve been using deboer wetsuits, swimskins, jammers, and clothing since the very first Fjord 1.0 launched in 2019. Since then, I’ve owned the Fjord 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and I’m currently racing in the Fjord 4.0, and looking forward to the highly anticipated Fjord 5.0. That gives me a pretty good perspective on how the brand and its technology have evolved over the years.
I'm also looking forward to sitting down with Alex to expand on this blog in a couple of weeks time at Challenge Roth to talk more about deboer and the up and coming launch of the highly anticipated Fjord 5.0 .
Who Are deboer?
deboer is a premium triathlon and open-water swim brand founded by Alex de Boer and his partners. Alex is a lifelong triathlete with a passion for performance innovation. The brand was built around one clear idea:
“Faster Through Science.”
Rather than simply making a wetsuit that floats well, deboer focuses on the science of hydrodynamics, body position, flexibility, and efficiency in the water. Their products are developed with input from elite athletes, coaches, engineers, and scientists to create gear that helps athletes swim faster while using less energy.
My Experience With deboer Since 2019
When the Fjord 1.0 arrived on the market in 2019, it immediately felt different from many of the wetsuits I’d used previously. The fit was race-oriented without being restrictive, the shoulder flexibility was excellent, and the suit naturally encouraged a better body position in the water.
As the models progressed from the 1.0 to the 2.0 and 3.0, I noticed incremental improvements in comfort, flexibility, and overall feel in the water. The current Fjord 4.0 is, in my opinion, the most refined version yet. It feels incredibly balanced, buoyant where you need it, flexible through the shoulders, and smooth through the water.
What I appreciate most is that the improvements don’t feel gimmicky. They’re subtle but meaningful, especially over longer swims and triathlon races where efficiency matters just as much as outright speed.
What Does “Faster Through Science” Actually Mean?
This is the part I find most interesting as a coach, athlete and design graduate.
Water is much denser than air, so even small reductions in drag can make a noticeable difference to swim performance. deboer’s approach is built around reducing resistance and improving efficiency in the water.
Some of the key technologies they use include:
X-Skin™ Technology
This textured neoprene surface is designed to improve water flow and reduce hydrodynamic drag. The idea is to help you move more efficiently through the water rather than simply relying on extra buoyancy.
WhaleSkin™ Neoprene
Originally one of deboer’s standout innovations, WhaleSkin™ used a textured surface that increased surface area and helped create micro-bubbles around the suit. This helped reduce drag and improved buoyancy at the same time.
AirFloat™ Buoyancy System
Strategically placed buoyancy panels help improve body position in the water. For many triathletes, especially those who struggle to keep their legs high, this can make a huge difference to efficiency and energy conservation.
Propulsion Forearm™ Panels
These panels are designed to enhance the catch phase of the swim stroke, helping you grip and move more water with each stroke.
Shoulder Flexibility
A fast wetsuit is no good if it restricts your stroke. deboer has always prioritised shoulder mobility, and across every Fjord model I’ve used, the freedom of movement has been one of the biggest strengths.
Why This Matters In Triathlon
A faster swim isn’t just about getting out of the water earlier. In triathlon, it’s also about arriving in T1 fresher and more relaxed so you can perform better on the bike and run.
That’s where I think deboer really excels. The suits help create a more efficient swim position, reduce unnecessary effort, and make long-distance swimming feel smoother and less fatiguing.
For age-group athletes, that can translate into:
• better body position
• less wasted energy
• improved confidence in open water
• more consistent pacing
• a fresher start to the bike leg
• and yes, faster times !
Who Else Uses deboer?
deboer has become a popular choice among elite triathletes and open-water swimmers, including athletes such as Kristian Blummenfelt, Gustav Iden, Rico Bogen, Lotti Lucas, and Ben Kanute…and not forgetting Jan Frodeno !!
These athletes are not just wearing the suits, many contribute feedback during development and testing, which says a lot about the brand’s commitment to performance.
The brand’s reputation has grown because it combines premium materials with genuine performance focused design.
deboer Isn’t Just About The Fjord Though…
If your race is taking place in a colder climate or you’re looking to train open water all the year round, then the Iceman 4.0 and accompanying thermal hooded vest, polar boots and gloves are must have pieces of kit.
The Tidal 4.0 offers comfort and speed at an affordable price, but doesn’t cut back on the technology on offer; engineered for speed, bringing the same science-backed performance trusted by the pros.
When high water temperatures call for a Triathlon Swim to be non-wetsuit, those in the know reach for their swimskin. Those even more in the know, reach for their Tsunami. The Tsunami 4.0 continues to utilise the advanced technologies that set the 3.0 apart. At its core is the exclusive Tridium (3Dium) fabric, developed in Milan with the industry's leading manufacturer of performance swimwear. This innovative material features a hexagonal 3D texture, a layered scale array inspired by the proprietary X-Skin.
For everyday pool training deboer offer a comprehensive range of female one and two-piece costumes, along with jammers and briefs for the men. If you’re looking for the competitive edge on race day then you can’t get better than the 3dium Cove Jammer, the tech jammers now warn by Caeleb Dressel. Ladies can unleash their speed with deboer's groundbreaking glide openback swim suit also featuring the exclusive 3dium technology.
Final Thoughts
After using deboer products for the past six years, from the original Fjord 1.0 through to the current Fjord 4.0, I can honestly say they’ve remained the most impressive swim brand I’ve used.
Are they cheap? No, they sit firmly in the higher end of the market. But in my experience, the quality, durability, fit, and performance justify the investment for athletes who are serious about improving their swimming and overall triathlon performance.
At the end of the day, no wetsuit replaces good technique and training. But the right wetsuit can absolutely help you swim more efficiently, conserve energy, and feel more confident on race day.
If you’re considering a high-performance wetsuit and want something designed around efficiency, speed, and comfort, deboer is definitely worth a look. For me, deboer has consistently delivered on that promise.
If you ever want advice on choosing the right wetsuit for your racing or training, feel free to get in touch through James Oswald Coaching, I’m always happy to help fellow triathletes make informed choices.
Finally, keep an eye out for the follow up blog/podcast from Challenge Roth when you can hear more about deboer from Alex himself and the exciting plans they have in place to keep getting faster !!
