Do I need a wetsuit??

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2003-09-12 8:13 AM


7

cincinnati oh
Subject: Do I need a wetsuit??
My first tri will be Sept 20th in Mid Ohio. The water temp will be 68-70 degrees. I will be swimming half a mile. With the length of time I am in the water (20 min) is a wetsuit necessary at this temp?? If yes... Will only a vest or top be sufficient to keep my core temp up??
I am not looking to be slick and speedy just safe and prepared for the bike leg of the race.

2003-09-12 9:03 AM
in reply to: #752

Veteran
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10025
Rutland Ohio (South Eastern Ohio)
Subject: RE: Do I need a wetsuit??
I swam in a triathlon in Deercreek lake earlier this year. The temperature was 64 and I was happy that I had my long john wetsuit. Open water swimming can be scary for people that haven't done it much before. A wetsuit will provide some bouyance and makes it easier to swim. I think this in itself is enough for you to atleast check into borrowing a wetsuit. I have only swam in 2 open water swims and both in triathlon. During the Deercreek swim I had to swim some backstroke (elementary) and alot of sidestroke because I didn't have the technique or practice at the time to swim all crawl(or freestyle). If you get cold easy I would also suggest looking into at least borrowing one.

I also swam later in the season without a wetsuit. I think the temp was in about the same range as you mentioned. It wasn't too bad, but it was a hot day.

I hope this helps.

Edited by clightle 2003-09-12 9:10 AM
2003-09-12 9:06 AM
in reply to: #752

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Champion
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Subject: probably not.

i tri in ohio at this time of the year.  i swim in a large lake - 1mile - no problem with water temp.  of course, in the wee hours of the morning when u have to initially get in, u may get your breath taken away and some hyper ventilation BUT this went away during my first 5 minutes and i had no problem with 'cold'

it would serve u well to get in before the start and do a little warm up or just flop around to get used to that initial temperature.  OR take a cold shower. 

i bet your getting excited?!

 

2003-09-12 11:03 AM
in reply to: #752


7

cincinnati oh
Subject: RE: Do I need a wetsuit??
Thanks for the info from two Ohio Tri-ers. I heat up quick during exercise and grew up on a lake in MI (polar bear in sub freezing weather). So I think no suit for now and see how it goes. I'm definately ready for action.
2003-09-19 7:26 AM
in reply to: #752


8

Rye, New York
Subject: RE: Do I need a wetsuit??
Good deal,

I'm doing a similar event on Sunday -1/2 mile swim with temp 67 - 70 in the early morning hours. I think the wetsuit would provide an advantage in terms of buoyancy and speed but hopefully I can make it up in a quicker transition onto the bike.

Good luck
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