Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?

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2009-06-26 2:35 PM

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Expert
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Southern Pines, NC
Subject: Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?
With the water getting warmer at my favorite OWS spot, I'm just starting to contemplate not wearing a wetsuit on my next OWS. Problem is I'm still very much a rookie swimmer and need some of the advantages that the wetsuit affords me.

So what's the deal with swim skins? I know they're non-buoyant, but do they feel more like wearing a wetsuit without the overheating and dehydration? Just curious...

2009-06-26 2:46 PM
in reply to: #2246054

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Not a Coach
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Subject: RE: Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?
You'll be faster.  But if this is for training, why bother?
2009-06-26 2:49 PM
in reply to: #2246080

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Southern Pines, NC
Subject: RE: Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?
JohnnyKay - 2009-06-26 3:46 PM You'll be faster.  But if this is for training, why bother?


Jellyfish.

I mean, the speed advantage would be nice too because I'm still not a fast swimmer and it'll be easier to keep up with my OWS group, but mainly it's about covering skin.

Edited by DrPete 2009-06-26 2:50 PM
2009-06-26 2:56 PM
in reply to: #2246087

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Not a Coach
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Subject: RE: Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?
I got nothing on that, then.  Whatever covers you the most. 
2009-06-26 3:18 PM
in reply to: #2246110

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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?
They're called "sea nettles" around here Pete.

And unless you purchase one that completely covers everything, you're gonna be SOL.  Without dropping some huge coin I have not seen many that are full body suits.  My speedsuit is like a one piece tri suit and does not cover shoulders/arms and are only short-length on the legs.

Edited by Daremo 2009-06-26 3:24 PM
2009-06-26 3:42 PM
in reply to: #2246054

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Expert
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Southern Pines, NC
Subject: RE: Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?
Oops... Sorry... Sea Nettles.

Guess I'll just have to slather on some Safe Sea and hope for the best...

The Blue Seventy skins do come in a full-leg version, but nothing with sleeves. Guess I just need to toughen up if it gets much warmer!

2009-06-26 3:47 PM
in reply to: #2246212

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Subject: RE: Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?

Best of Luck.   I HATE nettles.  Luckily for me, my OWS are in pristine mountain lakes. 

2009-06-26 3:56 PM
in reply to: #2246054

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Subject: RE: Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?

I can have pretty solid swims in tris when wearing a wetsuit, but I don't know how well I'll do without one. I was thinking about just wearing a swimsuit for my next Oly, which will not be wetsuit legal. Should I consider swim skin? Or anything else?

2009-06-26 4:50 PM
in reply to: #2246054

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Subject: RE: Alternatives to wetsuit in warm water? Are swim skins worth it?
Rocket science sells one that overs legs and arms.  I don't know of any others.  I believe there are some issues with if the Rocket Science suit is legal after July 1st for some races.  I believe some races require the shoulder to be visible for markings.  

I have both Xterra swimskins.  Highly recommend.  They also have awsome customer service.

Seems to be a wide range of time savings with the skins.

Edited by bartturner 2009-06-26 4:52 PM
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