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to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question
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 2009-04-21 2:24 PM |
Member  35  Central Valley - California |  Subject: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the questionThe question of a wetsuit was a no brainer for my first triathlon - it was in Hawaii after all  But this next one -- I'm really in a Quandry. The website says the water tempature should be hovering in the low-70s, and wetsuits are allowed. But, the training I've done in a wetsuit SUCKED! I hate swimming in a wetsuit, I feel constraigned, like I can't breath deep and I can't get full rotation with my shoulders, and swimming takes 2x the effort. And I hate the extra boyancy. It feels like I have to fight against every little wave as it tries to push me along. So my question is - has anyone (other then those people I see swimming in the 50 degree water in the SF Bay every weekend) made a habit of ditching the wetsuit? Is there a way to prep for swimming in the cooler water? This is only a 1/2 mile swim, so I'm not talking about spending a lot of time out there - 15 minutes or so? Any input would be really appreciated. |
| 2009-04-21 2:28 PM in reply to: #2100557 |
| Subject: RE: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question You have a wetsuit that does not fit you. I don't really notice my wetsuit and from what I read that's how it's supposed to be. That said, I've also found that 70ish starts to be just about too warm for me in one and I'm going to try a sprint in 70 degree water to see if it works better with or without one. |
| 2009-04-21 2:35 PM in reply to: #2100557 |
Elite 3371   | Subject: RE: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question It just depends if the time factor is worth it for you. Your swim time will be faster with it on. But since its such a short swim, I don't really see a problem with ditching the wetsuit. Much of the time saved in the water will be nixed getting out of the wetsuit anyway. That said, any race above the sprint distance I'd be in the wetsuit regardless. |
| 2009-04-21 2:38 PM in reply to: #2100557 |
Elite 2796 Texas | Subject: RE: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question SAMBoddy69 - 2009-04-21 2:24 PM The question of a wetsuit was a no brainer for my first triathlon - it was in Hawaii after all But this next one -- I'm really in a Quandry. The website says the water tempature should be hovering in the low-70s, and wetsuits are allowed. But, the training I've done in a wetsuit SUCKED! I hate swimming in a wetsuit, I feel constraigned, like I can't breath deep and I can't get full rotation with my shoulders, and swimming takes 2x the effort. And I hate the extra boyancy. It feels like I have to fight against every little wave as it tries to push me along. So my question is - has anyone (other then those people I see swimming in the 50 degree water in the SF Bay every weekend) made a habit of ditching the wetsuit? Is there a way to prep for swimming in the cooler water? This is only a 1/2 mile swim, so I'm not talking about spending a lot of time out there - 15 minutes or so? Any input would be really appreciated. I agree it sound like your suit doesn't fit. That's not to say you MUST find one that fits. But if you're looking to embrace the wetsuit for OWS, it would be worth looking into a suit that's going to be comfortable for you. Mine fits like a glove. It used to make me a lot faster, but as my form improved I gain less from using it. I'll still wear it any chance I get on race day. As for swimming in cooler water, if you want to get used to doing it I'd say just practice in similar conditions. And get in (if possible) the water on race day to warm up prior to the start. The problem you may have is most races clear out every one but swimmer for a given wave, so you get in a warm up and then you have to get back out. But at least knowing what to expect will help mentally... Good luck. |
| 2009-04-21 2:45 PM in reply to: #2100557 |
Expert 1040 SF Bay Area | Subject: RE: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question For me, there's no question. If it is legal I'm wearing it. I love my rubber canoe! |
| 2009-04-21 2:55 PM in reply to: #2100557 |
Member 35 Central Valley - California | Subject: RE: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question thank you all for your input! Although you've reinforced my notion that I'm the only person in the world slower in a wetsuit then without Let's just say that last time I wore one it took me over 16 minutes to go 1/4 of a mile! But without, I can do a mile in 30.You could be right - I could just have a wetsuit that doesn't fit. I'll have to see if things get easier as I drop weight In the meanwhile - maybe I'll go see if I can find some 70ish degree water to swim in this weekend.I was told that when doing 'Escape' that I should dump ice water down my wetsuit while on the boat to prep for the cold water - maybe I could do that with my tri suit to prep for this one |
| 2009-04-21 3:29 PM in reply to: #2100557 |
Extreme Veteran 495 Denton | Subject: RE: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question Your wetsuit should be TIGHT - like, as tight as it can comfortably be. As you lose weight, it will probably be more, rather than less, of a problem. Wait till you're at a weight you want to stay at for a while, then get a new suit. Your suit should help you go faster unless you're an insanely strong swimmer. Otherwise, it just doesn't fit properly. Also, do you have a triathlon wetsuit, or some other variety? Because that can make a difference too. |
| 2009-04-21 5:08 PM in reply to: #2100778 |
Member 35 Central Valley - California | Subject: RE: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question Yep - it's tight! The biggest problem is that with the suit on I feel like I'm trying to swim while pulling elastic resitance bands. It's just exhausting! Yes it is a triathlon wetsuit. I think I'm just going to try to do this next tri without it, see if it fits better as I 'shrink' and if not, I'll get a shiny new one for 'Escape from the Rock' I know I'll have to wear one for that. |
| 2009-04-21 5:22 PM in reply to: #2100557 |
New user 79 | Subject: RE: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question I'm in the same boat. I'm kinda nervous about getting myself into a wet suit because as a swimmer those are obviously illegal. I'm just too used to swimming with a tiny piece of fabric covering my goodies, and a shaved body :P |
| 2009-04-21 5:26 PM in reply to: #2101074 |
Member 35 Central Valley - California | Subject: RE: to Wetsuit or not to Wetsuit that is the question danambro8 - 2009-04-21 5:22 PM I'm in the same boat. I'm kinda nervous about getting myself into a wet suit because as a swimmer those are obviously illegal. I'm just too used to swimming with a tiny piece of fabric covering my goodies, and a shaved body :P lol! maybe THAT's my problem! Between AAU Swimming and Synchronized Swimming back in the day I feel I must have water against bare skin! |
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