How to Cab Down for Swimrun

What is “cabbing down”?

Cabbing down is the term for unzipping and peeling the top of your swimrun wetsuit down around your waist.

Why should I cab down?

Cabbing down is the most powerful remedy for overheating. During run legs of swimrun it can get really hot with the neoprene of a swimrun wetsuit. There are several ways to cool off on run legs including taking off your swim cap and unzipping the front of your wetsuit, but cabbing down is the more impactful way to cool down the quickest.

Tips for Cabbing Down

Tip 1: Take it Slow!

Cabbing down can be a little tricky to get the hang of so take it slow to start. We recommend doing a few dry runs before your swimrun practices or even in your living room while watching your favorite tv show. Once you get the hang of cabbing down you can start to work it into your swimrun practices and even get to the point where you can do this while running!

Tip 2: Have a plan

One of the best things you can do to make cabbing down easier is understanding when you get too hot on the runs and where cabbing down would help you cool off. We know through practicing that run legs over 2 miles usually causes us to over heat depending on the air temps. When we are making our race place we each note and will communicate when each partner is looking to cab down. Communication goes a long way! We also mark out the legs of each swimrun legs, so we know in advance if we will likely need to cab down in an upcoming run leg.

Tip 3: Lube up!

We already lube up our necks and other sensitive areas to prevent painful chafing during swimruns and you can use that same lube to help your wetsuit peel off much easier! We have been loving the 2Toms lube and put it on our necks, arms, armpit areas, and even on the sleeves of our wetsuits to make cabbing down much easier.

Step by Step Guide to Cabbing Down

Step 1: Store everything

During a swimrun race you will have your race bib on, likely have paddles, goggles, swim cap, and other goodies that will need to be out of the way to make for a smooth cabbing down experience. If you are exiting a swim be sure to get your pull buoy out of the way first. Then you will need to store your race bib and paddles. We love the Ark Kangaroo Top because it has 2 giant pockets on the front of the shirt which makes storage during a swimrun easy! Once you get your hands free and have everything stored away you can get to cabbing down.

Step 2: Get one shoulder out

With the front of the wetsuit unzipped all the way free one shoulder. Hopefully you are lubed up and this should happen pretty easily. If you are able to get an arm out now awesome, but if not don’t stress!

Step 3: Get your other shoulder out

Now the wetsuit should be in the middle of your back and if you reach up behind yourself you can feel the top of the wetsuit to pull down and free an arm.

Step 4: Get your arms out

You should down have at least one arm free now and your other arm should slide out much easier than the first! Don’t forget this is a team sport, so if you are struggling give a shout to your race partner who can help you get your arms free.

Step 5: Replace your race bib

Once you have your wetsuit down to your waist it is time to get dressed again. Put that race bib back on and get your kit situated for the remainder of the run. That might be moving a soft flask around or storing your cab and goggles for the rest of the run.

Time to Cab Up! Step by step guide to cabbing up

You know a swim is shortly approaching and you will want to have your swimrun wetsuit all zipped up, so you are ready to rock your next swim leg. Again have a plan here and know how long until your next swim leg is coming.

Step 1: Remove race bib and store it

We are just reversing the process here, so you need to take your race bib and store it back in your top.

Step 2: Get one arm in

We usually focus on getting one arm in which makes getting the other arm in much easier. Sometimes the cuffs will stick a bit and stretch the suit, but they are very flexible suits. Sometimes it will be helpful to adjust the cuff and sleeve a bit once your arm is in to help the other arm get in. Tip: If you are really struggling be sure to ask your partner for some help here!

Step 3: Get your other arm in

Now you have one arm in, so get that other arm in there! This should be quick and this is where it helps to have lubed up before

Step 4: Adjust shoulders and sleeves

After you have both arms in it is unlikely they will be exactly situated to your liking. Take a few mins to adjust the shoulders and sleeves of the wetsuit to make it more comfortable for you before you zip all the way back up for your next swim.

Step 5: Replace race bib

You are almost there! Take your race bib out of where ever you had it stored and put it back on. Now might be a good time to get your cap, goggles, and paddles out and ready to go for the next swim.

There is everything you need to know about cabbing down and up! Be sure to give this lots of practice to find what process works for you and have a good understanding of when you need to cab down on the runs.