about zone3
We create world-class products that embody our dedication to the swimming & triathlon community. Products that enhance performance, comfort and self confidence and enable you to achieve your best and reach your goals.
We share the same passion for swimming outdoors, whether your goal is to improve your health and well-being, or race at the highest levels and achieve new goals. We are inspired by that feeling of achievement and our mission is to be part of your journey and experience this together.
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 know that feeling of enrichment and achievement through sport. We work tirelessly to create the kit which supports your journey to achieve your goals.
Supporting you in being your absolute best 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!
ZONE3 | ZONE GREEN
Our sport is made better by nature. Whether you are on a run along the cliffs of the Dorset Jurassic coast, or taking on the Californian surf, the stunning surroundings we are afforded by our incredible world makes the experience a whole load better. As a brand, we are passionate about protecting our environment for future generations to explore the world through open water swimming and triathlon.
We are taking the first steps on our journey to making our sport more sustainable for future generations to come. We aim to be industry leaders in what it means to explore and embrace the world we live in with products that are designed with you and the planet in mind.
Our history
Swimming, cycling and running has been in our DNA since day one. Elite triathlete and World Championship winner, James lock, founded Zone3 at Loughborough University in 2006; fuelled by his obsession with performance and gaining the competitive advantage.
From humble beginnings and driven by passion, the Zone3 brand has grown organically to become Europe’s leading triathlon and swimming brand. The commitment to excellence in product design and innovation has resulted in an incredible range of awards and Zone3 leads the industry in terms of being the highest performing brand on the market, as rated by both the media and our customers.
Our athlete-centric design process and commitment to the grassroots has resulted in athletes of all abilities being able to achieve higher levels of athletic performance and enjoyment within the sport. In 2018, Zone3 received a Queen’s Award for Business Enterprise to recognize this achievement.
Our team has the same blood pumping through our veins as you. We understand what it takes to be your best and the sacrifices and efforts which are made to take part in the sport we love. For over ten years we have listened, learnt and evolved to support you further. Dedicated to research, development and innovation. Working together to reach new limits.
Our timeline
1998 - 2003
The 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
Overeseas 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#WYBZONE3
