Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?

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2006-06-23 12:56 PM

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Veteran
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Dothan, Alabama
Subject: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
My schedule this summer is really tight, and the only race I can sneak in before mid August is on July 4. It's a sprint, and is close by in the panhandle of Florida. Only, much to my surprise, wetsuits are allowed and strongly suggested. The swim is in a spring fed lake and average water temp is 68-72 degrees year round. I don't want to buy a wetsuit yet, as I'm still losing weight. I also made a commitment to myself to not buy one until I completed at least one olympic distance race. The swim is only a 1/4 mile, and the rest of the day should be muggy and hot.

Has anyone here swam in those temps without a wetsuit, and more importantly, would you do it again?


2006-06-23 12:59 PM
in reply to: #464063

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
70 degrees is quite comfortable without a wetsuit. no worrys.
2006-06-23 1:01 PM
in reply to: #464063

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
I agree.  It really isn't a problem.  The first minute or two might shock you a bit, but I swear you'll be fine after that.  Last tri I did water was sub 70 and I had to do it without a wetsuit.  I was cold during my warmup but once the race started I was fine.  I think I was fine because I HAD warmed up.  So that's my recommendation.  Do a short swim warmup before the actual race.
2006-06-23 1:22 PM
in reply to: #464063

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
A few weeks ago I did my first tri in the same water temp without a wetsuit. I warmed up a few minutes before the start and by the time the race began I was fine. I did not even notice the water temp. The only thing I did not account for was my goggles fogging up b/c of the heat of my body vs. the water temp. So last weekend I bought some anti-fog. Good luck!
Abbie
2006-06-23 1:41 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?

A lot of it depends on YOU and how well you can tolerate cold water - personally, I can't.

My tri last month was a pool swim and it was 68 degrees, and I did the wetsuit and was very grateful for it.  Does anywhere in your area rent wetsuits?

2006-06-23 1:49 PM
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Extreme Veteran
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Sturtevant, WI
Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
I'm one of those people who hates the cold (don't ask me why I live in Wisconsin), and I REALLY detest cold water. However, on my last OWS, the water temperature was 68 degrees, and the air temperature 70. It was a bit chilly getting in, but once I was in, it was really no big deal. I got used to the water rather quickly. I think that since you'll be getting into the water as fast as you can, you won't notice the shock as much as if you were to slowly get into the water.

I also don't have a wetsuit. I'd like to get one so that I can swim in Lake Michigan (which is perpetually cold), but for now, I'm fine without one. (That's because I don't swim in Lake Michigan as of now!)

Remember that your body temperature will rise while swimming, so 68 degree water will actually feel quite nice!

2006-06-23 1:52 PM
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Master
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Athens, Ga.
Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?

You could rent a wetsuit - I'm sure somewhere in south Georgia they have them. Check a dive store. Also, since the day will probably be roasting, once you get started, you'll probably enjoy the temperature. And it will cool you down for the start of the bike. It's up to you, though. How cold can you go?

2006-06-23 1:58 PM
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?

I'd be embarrassed to swim in a wetsuit in 70 degree water

seriously, 70 is no big deal for 1/4 mile.  Just get in beforehand and get used to it

2006-06-23 1:59 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
I have done two seasons of triathlons thus far without the benefit of a wetsuit.  Some of the swims have been in water that was 68 degrees or slightly less.  This year, however, I did buy a shortie (body glove) for those really cool lake swims.  I might try it this weekend at a local sprint triathlon if the water  temperature is below 70.  Remember, triathletes do not just wear wetsuits for the warmth but also for the buyancy.
2006-06-23 3:34 PM
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Veteran
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Dothan, Alabama
Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
Thanks guys. I hate being cold (which is why I live in south Georgia), but I'll give it a go without the neoprene. Need to try it once, and this will be just a fun race for me. The swim is short enough I shouldn't turn into a popsicle, and if I do I'll thaw out on the bike.
2006-06-23 3:41 PM
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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?

If that's the tri in Marianna, FL, we'll be there, too.  DH and I were going to do that race, but we have a Du 3 days prior, so didn't want to push it.  Our 11yo DD will be doing the kid's race though.

The locals here say that water is COLD... and if you *don't* use a wetsuit, then you never warm up, even through the bike and run.... I don't see how that's possible in this heat, but that's what I was told.....

FWIW, I think that since the swim's so short, I'd not bother with a wetsuit, either.

2006-06-23 9:08 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
Personally, I don't plan on using my wetsuit in any race with a swim shorter than a 1/2 mile. Cold water is a great excuse to swim faster and build up body heat and for me the highly entertaining battle to get the wetsuit off my feet in T1 usually gives back most of the time savings I gained.

2006-06-23 9:33 PM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?

At 70 degrees, you don't need a wetsuit.  I swam the day before Eagleman 70.3 in just my bathing suit and I was fine, not cold at all and the water temp was 71 on race day. 

Get in the water before the race on raceday if possible.  If it is an in-water start, go under water at least to your shoulder.  Don't just stand there with your legs in the water and the rest of your body not in the water.  Whether the water is 65 degrees or 85 degrees, you want to get your body used to the water before the race starts if possible.  Many races give you a chance to get in the water before the race. 

2006-06-24 7:04 AM
in reply to: #464063

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Master
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
70 degrees in Lake Michigan last summer. No problem. I'd do it again without a wetsuit. I agree that getting in to get used to the temp. is a good idea in advance.
2006-06-24 7:14 AM
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Pro
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
1/4 mile w/o a wetsuit isn't a big deal. If you were doing say, an HIM, I'd consider it. That said, I raced the Highmark tri last year in lake Erie (Presque Isle State Park), and I was one of about 4 people without a wetsuit. I have never ever felt cold like that in my life.
2006-06-24 10:58 AM
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COURT JESTER
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?

DONE IT....and Doing it again tomorrow. 

Of course I've got polar bear tendancies when it comes to handling what others consider cold. 

You can do it.  Just do some swim warmup before the race to acclimate to the water temp.  Wetsuit not required.

2006-06-24 2:33 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
did a sprint last fall in Enumclaw, WA. 1/2 mile in 63 degree water without a wetsuit.

Yes, THAT was cold.

I only saw one other idiot without one. NEVER again. I bought an Ironman Instinct within 2 weeks of that.

70 though? I train in that regularly without a wetsuit. I would echo everyone else, you will be more than fine.
2006-07-05 9:15 AM
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Veteran
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Dothan, Alabama
Subject: RE: Swimming in 70 degree water without a wetsuit?
Wanted to update everyone. I raced yesterday. Many thanks for the advice to get in pre-race to let my body adjust. The water was COLD, and I didn't want to. Good thing I did though, as the first 4 times I tried to swim the temp literally took my breath away. I finally got adjusted in time for the race, which went well. And yes, I would do it again without a wetsuit.
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