about zone3 about zone3

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 Our

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.

ZONE3 | ZONE3 |

ZONE3 | ZONE GREEN

Our sport is made better by nature.

As a brand we are passionate about protecting our environment for future generations to explore through open water swimming and triathlon.

We aim to continue to lead the way on sustainability, forever developing, improving, and innovating, bridging the gap between performance and nature. we have come a long way and offer the most comprehensive range of eco sensitive products in our industry.

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.

The Founder

2006

ZONE3 Begins

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

ZONE3 Begins

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.

1st Product Launched

2010

The Accolades Begin

220 Magazine awards the Aspire wetsuit a 10/10 review.

The Accolades Begin

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.

London 2012

2013

London Triathlon

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

London Triathlon

2014

Overeseas Growth

Sales grow overseas, especially in Scandinavia and the US.

Overeseas Growth

2015

Reaching New Heights

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

Reaching New Heights

2017

Business Growth

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

Business Growth

2018

Queens Award

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

Queens Award

2019

Winners

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

Winners

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. 

Covid for Open Waters

2021

Increased Demand

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

Increased Demand

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.

Continued Success

2024

Kings Award

Once again defying expectations and soaring to greater heights. We win the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

Kings Award
Our Our

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’.

#wybzone3