Wet suit question

Wetsuits will give you some added buoyancy and can make your swim a little faster.

Some things to consider:

-- If you normally train in water temps similar to what the race temps are, you might end up getting hot/uncomfortable.  I found out the hard way that I really shouldn't wear a wetsuit if the water temps are over 75.

-- Getting that sucker off quickly in T1 can be a challenge.  Do not be like me and get it caught on your watch.

I know there will be lots of good advice in this thread.

Have a great time at your tri!!

The race is 1500m

I have only worn a wetsuit to raft.

I recently bought two suits brand new $25.00 a piece (store was getting out of thewet suit business) both are full suits.  One has arms, the other doesnt.

I have gotten pretty comfortable swimming... which is something I am very new at... but I still psychologically freak out for about ten minutes in open water (such a wierd feeling)

I will have time to practice in the suit if I decide to wear it.  I have been swimming in an indoor pool that is usually 77/78 9though today it was 85!!

Some thoughts...

My primary motivation for wearing a wetsuit in a triathlon is not warmth, but speed. Therefor, whenever they are allowed, I will use one. Even in a shorter sprint race, I gain more time swimming faster than I loose removing the suit - which goes pretty quickly with practice.

The type of wetsuit you'd wear for rafting isn't the kind you'd want for a triathlon. You want a swimming suit with additional flexibility in the upper body.  The sleeveless one might work and might be a good choice for the (relatively) warm water.

Whatever suit you choose to use, get at least a couple of practice swims in it first. Some people, a minority, find the tight fitting suit constraining and struggle to breathe well while wearing one. 

I have no idea what kind of suits they are... they both have the "ironman" M logo on them... and the folks at the shop said they were Tri Specific.  They were just making the bus decision to not carry wet suits anymore.

I am planning to test drive the sleeveless this sunday... we'll see how it goes.

So tell me about this bodyglide stuff... errrr ummm where do you put it?

You put it... Where you need it. For running, that might be crothc and nipples. In a wetsuit, it's usually the neck but might be armpits/arms too in a sleeveless. Guess the first time - by the second time you'll know where you need it!