Wetsuit Rules: 78 - 84 Degrees

I wouldn't wear it, not because of the podium, but because at least with the organization that I do most of my races with, that you get a little X in the "DQ" column in the race results, and the race doesn't count in the USAT rankings.

eta: after reading the next post, I did forget to mention the heat.  It would be pretty hot.  Go swim in an 82 or so degree pool and see how it feels after a few laps, to get the idea. 

One technical note on the wetsuit rule: when it's between 78-84, it's correct, you won't be eligible for awards or prizes. Theres another risk that goes along with it...I've raced where the RD has interpreted that as "You can race, but your results won't count". And they didn't record my finishing time, nor report it to the USAT.

Lesson learned: check with the RD before the race.

I would agree that 80 is probably too warm to be wearing a wetsuit; if you would like to wear it I would definitely test it at race intensity before race day.

Our cutoff is 23C (74F) and I did a race last year just below the cutoff (OD); I was thoroughly cooked before the turnaround and can't imagine swimming in 80F with a wetsuit.

Shane

Way too hot for a wetsuit -

any advantage you would gain (a minute or two) would be lost by the dehydration and needing to remove your wetsuit.

I swam in Walden last week, 80 degrees, and was testing a new wetsuit - I had to go to breast stroke to cool off, then I was unzipping it to get some water in.

I would not wear it -  

I'll wear one 78 or below for sure.  Up to 84 I'd think about it but test it first.

It's a mental help for me as well as the speed benefit.

"So, what is the warmest temperature you would wear a wetsuit in?"

Anything above 20C and I'm debating whether or not to wear it; beyond that and I just get too warm.

Shane

At that temp you don't need it.  I swam in 65 degree water earlier in the year without one and was fine...A little cold but no problem. 

 Go out and have a great race!