General Discussion Triathlon Talk » wetsuit or not? Rss Feed  
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2009-09-11 10:17 AM

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Winchester, VA
Subject: wetsuit or not?
I'm doing a short sprint, this Sunday morning, as part of a relay team.  I'm doing the swim leg and it's a 300 yard snake swim in an outdoor pool.  My question is: should I wear a full wetsuit or not?  I don't have to worry about the extra time in transition (that I know of) because I'll be passing off the chip and I'll be done.  I also assume that I would be faster in the wetsuit.  The water should be chilly but I can deal w/ the temp. w/ or w/o the suit.  However, the catch is that I've never swam in this wetsuit (or any for that matter).  I took advantage of the sweet deal for the XTERRA Vortex Full and haven't tried it out yet.  So that is my dilemma.  I am very new to this w/ just 1 sprint under my belt, so there may be a question or two that I'm not even asking myself.  Thanks,


2009-09-11 10:21 AM
in reply to: #2400784

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Pro
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Baton Rouge area
Subject: RE: wetsuit or not?
I always go with wetsuit if it is an option but I also believe nothing new on race day.  Plus not sure about a wetsuit for a 300 yard pool swim (although I have practiced that).  If you can't practice in it ahead of time I would not use it.  I probably wouldn't use it either way but I am not an expert by any means.
2009-09-11 10:22 AM
in reply to: #2400784

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Champion
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Subject: RE: wetsuit or not?
Since you're new to the sport and I didn't see the caviat of "I use to be a competitive swimmer"  I would say use it.

A wetsuit will give a 'poor' swimmer about 10-15 seconds/100.  If your team could use the extra 45 seconds, then go for it.  Plus even if it's uncomfortable you're only doing a 300 so you can 'suffer' with the wetsuit on.

Have fun.
2009-09-11 10:24 AM
in reply to: #2400784

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Master
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Subject: RE: wetsuit or not?
If you've never tried it and have never swam in a wetsuit, i wouldn't bother using it this time.  Could do more harm than good.

edit:  I'm just going off of my first experience, because I pretty much did the same thing.  I would have probably been better off without it because my shoulders were too restricted and I wasn't used to it.  It made me way more tired than I needed to be for the speed I was going.  Once I went through a couple of other wetsuits and found one that fit right, then I realized the benefit.

Edited by acumenjay 2009-09-11 10:27 AM
2009-09-11 10:38 AM
in reply to: #2400784

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Master
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Subject: RE: wetsuit or not?
I would go for it if you try the wetsuit on and it feel pretty comfortable.  Try it out today or tomorrow in a pool or lake if at all possible, even if it is for 25 easy yards.  You bought it, why not give it a go!

If you try it on and it feels super-restrictive, then I'd pass.
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