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2009-07-14 1:53 PM

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Peabody MA
Subject: Wetsuit Question
Hi All and HELP

A friend is going to lend me his wetsuit. He is about the same size as me and this will give me a chance to try one out before my first tri, which is an ocean swim in New England. This is not a "tri" wetsuit, but one designed for windsurfing.


I see posts about chafing and such and was wondering about wetsuit use. Are they hard to get on/off? I see things about "body glide". What is this, what is it's proper use, application? What should I be aware of in the way of fit?

Any help will be greatly appriciated.

JD


2009-07-14 2:22 PM
in reply to: #2284736

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SF Bay Area
Subject: RE: Wetsuit Question
You should try it out a few times well in advance of your race. IMO, a windsurfing suit is probably one of the worst suits for swimming as they really aren't designed for that at all. In addition, I think they're more of a waterproof design so they'll probably be harder to put on and remove. Like everything else, wetsuits are very specific to the sport for which they're intended. A lot o these suits will have reinforcements on the back and crotch for the harness and kneed pads and stuff like that. This is not a great suit to swim in really. You can use it, it just won't be ideal. The best bet is rent one locally or online.

A tri wetsuit will fit like a second skin, be very flexible, have a smooth coating to reduce drag and will be easier to put on and take off.

Bodyglide is skin protectant you put in sensitive areas to reduce chafing. Also, it doesn't damage the suit like petroleum-based products.
2009-07-14 2:30 PM
in reply to: #2284736

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Sun Prairie, WI
Subject: RE: Wetsuit Question

I would be careful in using a wetsuit not intended for triathlons.  I am not familiar with how windsurfing wetsuits are constructed as far as thickness of neoprene and flexibility in the arms, but that is certainly something to look into.  If the suit isn't constructed to swim in, it could quickly become unenjoyable!

How long is your swim? Will you be using this wetsuit for your tri as well or just to try out a wetsuit before the tri and using a tri-specific wetsuit for the event?  I highly suggest renting a wetsuit made for triathlons for your event if you haven't considered this yet. This is a really affordable alternative to buying a suit and can some stores allow you to use a portion of the rental charge toward the purchase of a wetsuit if you decide you want one later.

Body glide is an anti-chafe balm that comes in a 'deodorant stick'  You should be able to find it anywhere tri stuff is sold.  Some bike and running shops will carry it as well. I beleive body glide's website has a retailer look up http://www.bodyglide.com/).  I apply it where I might have chafing from movement while swimming (neck area, around my arm pit area, etc) as well as areas I want to minimize the wetsuit sticking when I take it off (legs and wrists). My only pointer for putting on/taking off a wetsuit is to make sure your fingernails are short and avoid contact with them and the neoprene.  Your fingernails can easily cause a tear in the suit if you aren't careful.

2009-07-14 3:13 PM
in reply to: #2284736

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Peabody MA
Subject: RE: Wetsuit Question
the tri is only a .5 mile swim. I ahve lookied into renting a wetsuit and have found a place that does. This is my first tri so I want to keep the cost down. I am going to try the wetwuit this saturday. If it is restrictive then I will rent.

Thanks for the input!
JD
2009-07-14 3:21 PM
in reply to: #2284986

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit Question
jblt4 - 2009-07-14 4:13 PM the tri is only a .5 mile swim. I ahve lookied into renting a wetsuit and have found a place that does. This is my first tri so I want to keep the cost down. I am going to try the wetwuit this saturday. If it is restrictive then I will rent.

Thanks for the input!
JD


Two things also to think about 1) Have you practiceed an open water swim before? As a newbie myself I just started practicing them last week and found it extremely helpful (maybe more so then a wetsuit) 2) Someone pointed out to me at that practice that for Sprints, one should weigh the time to take off the wetsuit vs. using it in the water.

Edited by bk broiler 2009-07-14 3:22 PM
2009-07-14 4:17 PM
in reply to: #2284736

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Modesto, California
Subject: RE: Wetsuit Question
Also practice removing it quickly to simulate a transition, just to get a feel for it. Make sure you swim the whole distance with the borrowed wetsuit, I doubt if it has much flexibility in the shoulders, you wouldn't want to find that out on race day.


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