Wetsuit question

I would only buy a wet suit if you think you will be using it in the future. I would not buy one for one single event. 75 deg is a nice temp. My Master's swim pool is typically 78. Last year our first local spring triathlon in the Atlantic Ocean (SC in April) was low 70s and several people were swimming without wet suits. However, swimming in a wet suit is nice even if the water is warm. A wet suit will give you an advantage in the swim as it keeps you on top of the water, makes you more efficient, etc. A wet suit will boost your confidence and ease your anxiety about the swim. It is almost impossible to sink in a wet suit. Our local sprint triathlon series allows wetsuits in our summer triathlon even when the water is in the mid 80s! Lots of people swim with them even when they don't need to, because of the advantage they give you in the water. You will lose a bit of time in the transition taking it off, but I think it is still worth it. Also saves you some energy for the bike/run. I am a big fan of wetsuits. However, I still would not buy one if it is for just one event.

absolutely normal to be nervous.
wetsuit is up to you, im guessing your doing the Nautica, i would just do it without the wetsuit if it is that close already and you havent done any swims in a wetsuit. That is just me tho.
I would however recommend getting there a few days before and doing some practice swims in the water there to get more comfortable.
Good luck!

At this point I wouldn't worry about a wetsuit. You've done your training and made all your preparations. No need to throw a monket wrench in to it now. I do agree with trying to get a couple of swims in at the race site if you have a chance.
It's totally normal to be nervous. I'm in my third year and still get nervous/excited as the race nears.
Go out and run your own race and have fun. Once you cross the finish line you'll be a triathlete and that's what matters.
Then get online and find your next race. :-)

Thanks.  My thoughts were also to just go with what I've trained with.  My goal in my first one is just to finish....and to try and enjoy it.  If I enjoy it as much as I think I will, and get hooked on this like everyone else seems to, I plan on doing more sprints this year.  Yes, it is the Nautica.  I do plan on getting there a couple days early to do some practice swims....no open water swimming here in KY this time of year.  Thanks again for the tips.

Before the Beijing Olympics, the American swimmers were tested in different technical swimsuits. Their underwater velocity, force and acceleration were scientifically measured, recorded and analyzed using SwiMetrics swimming at 4 different speeds. Their velocity (speed) was measured in meters per second.

Based on this methodology, they learned what technical swimsuits were optimal for them. Most recently, several Olympic medalists from other countries also used this methodology to prepare for the upcoming World Swimming Championships.

The same methodology is being used by triathletes and open water swimmers to learn what wetsuits or technical swimsuits are best suited for their body type and swimming technique before they spend money on non-optimal swimwear.

Edited by [email protected] 2009-04-02 9:15 AM