St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?

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2006-04-05 12:30 PM

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Subject: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?
I'm doing the St. anthonys race for the first time on the 30th. My first oly. I'm a South Floridian, and I'm wondering if I will need a wetsuit. I love swimming, the feel of the water, and hate the idea of putting on a wetsuit and taking it off. But I am somewhat of a cold whimp. Till now I had planned on just wearing a rashguard over my suit (mostly mental). After reading the recent threads on wetsuits, I'm more concerned about being miserable. But it seems silly to buy a wetsuit for one race. (Other races are sprints in nice warm atlantic ocean)

Any Floridians out there who've done the race that can tell me about the typical water temp for the race? I've googled but didn't find much....

2006-04-05 12:34 PM
in reply to: #388967

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Giver
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Subject: RE: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?
I checked the NOAA site yesterday and the surf temp at St. Pete Beach was 73. IMO, that's plenty warm enough to swim without a suit. And with 25 days until race day, it may not even be a wetsuit-legal race. It'll be close...
2006-04-05 12:35 PM
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Subject: RE: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?
I did it last year, and I used a wetsuit. The water temp was 72 degrees even. I felt teh combination of teh salt water and teh wetsuit made my swim awesome. I would definitely use one. It was a calm morning, but about 20-30 minutes in, the wind kicked up and it got a bit choppy. Wetsuit would have definitely helped.
2006-04-05 12:41 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?
what's this thing about wetsuit legal? the imp[ression i get in england is that the more wetsuit the better - or is that just because its so fecking cold here?
2006-04-05 12:51 PM
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Subject: RE: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?

sappho96 - 2006-04-05 1:41 PM what's this thing about wetsuit legal? the imp[ression i get in england is that the more wetsuit the better - or is that just because its so fecking cold here?

According to USA Triathlon rules, wetsuits are allowed for amature competitors as long as the water temperature is less than 78 degrees (77.9 or less). Up to 82 degrees, wetsuits may be worn, but athletes aren't eligible for awards. Above 82 degrees, wetsuits are prohibited for everyone.

2006-04-05 12:57 PM
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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?

Parrotfish,

I swam off Clearwater Beach this past Saturday. We did a bunch of out and backs. After 2 out/backs, I was peeling off the suit and swam the rest (80%) of the swim in just my swimsuit. Water felt GREAT!

2006-04-05 1:21 PM
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Subject: RE: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?

run4yrlif - 2006-04-05 1:34 PM I checked the NOAA site yesterday and the surf temp at St. Pete Beach was 73. IMO, that's plenty warm enough to swim without a suit. And with 25 days until race day, it may not even be a wetsuit-legal race. It'll be close...

Technical correction on the wet suit temperature:

4.4 Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

As most are not going for a cash prize of AG award, it is likely that wet suits will be legal. It would take a lot to increase the water temp by 11 degrees in 3 weeks.

I'll be wearing my TNT issued supersuit for the race - less for speed and more for buoyancy in the water. Plus shark hate neoprene ...

2006-04-05 1:22 PM
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Subject: RE: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?
hahahahaha...72 degrees is BATH WATER!! I'm just thinking back to the first outdoor swim of the season when I was younger...I think it barely cracked 73 for a solid week. Honestly, I'd bring the suit, go out for a wee practice swim, and see how you feel. If you think you can handle it without, then go for it. If you'd feel better with the extra bouyancy and clothing, go that route.

Last Pittsburgh Tri I guarded, the river was a STEAMY 81 degrees. Some chose their wet suit over placement, some braved the water, and others were just happy it was warm.
2006-04-05 1:25 PM
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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?
Oh, and last year I did the swim on Saturday (day before St A's) without a wetsuit and the water felt GREAT. Crisp and cool but very swimmable.
2006-04-05 1:27 PM
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Subject: RE: St. Anthony's- wetsuit or no?
Thank you!!! That's what I needed to hear!
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