about zone3

We create world-class products that embody our dedication to the sports we love. Products that will inspire and enable you to achieve your best and maximise your performance.

ZONE3 exists to inspire athletes to achieve their goals. From first-timers to elite-level, from pool swimmers to open water adventurers and from sprint triathlon beginners to seasoned long course professionals.

About zone3

We create world-class products that embody our dedication to the sports we love. Products that will inspire and enable you to achieve your best and maximise your performance. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just dipping your toe in, we are committed to supporting you on your journey.

We work tirelessly to create market leading kit which allows our customers to achieve their goals and break new barriers.

This is our motivation.

Our belief

We know the sacrifices you make for your sport—to find the time and energy to train, compete, and get away from everyday life. We believe you should be able to commit to the sport you love—knowing your equipment will never hold you back.

Whether you are putting in the hours in the pool, open water, on the trails, or on the road—we promise our products will support your commitment. Our product-first philosophy drives us to commit thousands of hours to ensuring every detail, stitch, and fabric choice leads to best-in-class performance and functionality.

environment pledge

The environment matters so we consciously use more eco-friendly neoprene. Recycled tyres are used to make Carbon Black and Limestone is used to replace petrochemicals. Water-based glue is used instead of harmful solvent-based glue to bond seams and our linings are made from recycled polyester. In fact, 45 plastic bottles are recycled for every wetsuits lining.

That's a lot of waste put to good use!

Our history

Our belief of placing you at the center of all product creation and testing began with our founder James Lock in 2006. As an elite triathlete, he was always looking for ways to gain an advantage over the competition. This inspired him to research, refine and innovate new sports
technologies that could give triathletes a competitive edge.

It is our reputation as a pioneer within the sports technology field and our constant innovation in product development that led USA Triathlon and US Masters Swimming to partner with us from 2020.

We are excited to become deeply involved with all levels of teams, clubs, athletes, events, and coaches in the USA. We aim not only to support them on an individual level but to also facilitate the growth of the sport we love by developing the grassroots level too.

We are currently an official technical apparel partner of USA Triathlon and exclusive partner for Open Water Accessories, Swim Buoys, Swim & Racing Goggles (excluding smart goggle), Transition Packs & Bags, Swimwear and Swim Accessories.

1998 - 2003

History of the Owner

Founder, James Lock, is a national-level swimmer and runner and joins Loughborough University with a Sports scholarship for Triathlon.

2006

ZONE3 Begins

James graduates with a 1st class architectural engineering degree and sets up ZONE3 while beginning his professional triathlon career.

2009

1st Product Launched

ZONE3 launches its first products, including the Vanquish and Aspire wetsuits, Aquaflo trisuit, and world’s first buoyancy swim shorts. The Vanquish wetsuit starts to make waves, even beating the Brownlees out of the water and with a rapid removal time in transition.

2010

The Accolades Begin

220 Magazine awards the Aspire wetsuit a 10/10 review

2012

London 2012

London 2012 increases demand and ZONE3 launches a Harrods-exclusive wetsuit for £1000. Zone3 also sponsors Gambia in the Olympics, gaining coverage in the Men’s 100m semi-final.

2013

London Triathlon

ZONE3 starts to sign key partnerships, such as the London Triathlon.

2014

Overseas Growth

Sales grow overseas, especially in Scandinavia and the US.

2015

Reaching New Heights

ZONE3 becomes the #1 selling triathlon brand in many high-profile retailers.

2017

Business Growth

Staff numbers grow to over 20 and products receive variety of incredible reviews.

2018

Queens Award

Worldwide growth continues and ZONE3 is recognised by Her Majesty and awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

2019

Winners

ZONE3 launches new Compression and Fitness collections, while winning wetsuit and trisuit of the year awards.

2020

Covid for Open Waters

The Covid-19 Lockdown leads to an increase in open water swimming but reduction in triathlon and swimming events taking place.

2021

Increased Demand

Demand for swimming and triathlon kit continues to increase, boosted by new key partnerships such as USA Triathlon.

2022

Continued Success

ZONE3 continues to have another strong year of sales with the highest level of demand since the brands inception, pushed further with the launch of the new Vanquish X and Aspire wetsuits.

Our Founder

James Lock, former elite triathlete, founded Zone3 in 2004 aged 19, when he designed, produced and sold swim accessories.

Lock’s aim was simple, to improve his race speed and earn enough to cover his training and racing costs. Now 14 years later, Zone3 retails in over 35 countries, sells 260 products and has won numerous awards for their wetsuits from 220 Triathlon, including an award stating the Vanquish wetsuit is ‘as close to perfection as you can get with a wetsuit’.

Technology

We’re committed to developing the highest quality, best performance product on the market.

Learn more