Kansas City Tri - May 2019 - Cold Water

I did this race a long time ago (2009) and just re-read my race report. I wrote that water temps were around 70 degrees that day and the air temp got to 90 degrees. I wore a sleeveless wetsuit, but didn't note anything specific about the water temps otherwise. This season, I did a race where the water temps dipped into the 50s, and I was afraid my feet were going to be blue when I got out, so my perspective has changed a bit on water temperatures 

As you know, Kansas weather can be completely unpredictable - but typically (I lived there for 30+ years) the water in May is still cold enough for a wetsuit. I would recommend having a wetsuit (borrow, buy, something), and practicing in it beforehand in the open water so you know what to expect.

I agree that the weather can be unpredictable for mid-May. I remember one of the local lakes had recorded 58 degree water temps a month before this year's race but come race day the water was great for a wetsuit swim (I put the water temp as 70 degrees my race report - wetsuit cutoff is 78). This race has also seen thunderstorms that night before (or during - like in 2013).

Generally speaking, the swim is always a wetsuit swim. I always like to do a quick swim/warm-up to acclimate my body a bit, if only for the sole purpose of letting my body experience the air being sucked out of my lungs feeling once it feels the cool water for the first time. Once that's out of the way I'm usually good. 

I don't think I've ever experienced significant cold hands and feet during the swim. I think it'd be more of an issue when the air temps are cool. In 2016 the water was a perfect temperature but the air temp started off in the mid-to-upper 40s. There have been a few races where my toes and fingers are a bit frigid during the first few miles of the bike.