General Discussion Triathlon Talk » wetsuit buoyancy Rss Feed  
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2009-09-09 8:56 PM


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Subject: wetsuit buoyancy
I've never swum in a wetsuit, and am curious how the buoyancy compares to say using a typical buoy.  Any thoughts?


2009-09-09 9:26 PM
in reply to: #2397942

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Master
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Boynton Beach, FL
Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
Living in FL I don't swim in one often, but have to say it is a nice feeling to have the buoyancy... I could also swim fine without. The assistance is minimal too me, but I think it has more to do with your body type and whether or not your a natural "sinker"... In that case, it would make a more dramatic impact IMHO. Sure there are proven stats, but Iorefer to race as I train and 99% of the time it is without a wetsuit.
2009-09-10 2:49 AM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
I've never used a buoy but I know you probably would have to actually try to drown in a wetsuit. Going under water to dive under ropes is a chore.
2009-09-10 4:38 AM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy

@220 lbs I would have to strap a lot of weight to my ankles to sink.  I can literally lay on my back in the middle of a lake an take a nap without sinking. 

2009-09-10 7:41 AM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
With my wetsuit, as I walk into the water I can feel it trying to lift my legs up. And as I am swimming, if I stop for a minute, I just float however I stopped.

Mine's an XTerra. Very, very bouyant.
2009-09-10 9:45 AM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
The feeling is similar (lifting of the legs).  But with the WS your whole body will be lifted up more in the water, hence the improved drag and increased speed.  Poor form swimmers benefit more than fast swimmers with great form.


2009-09-10 9:56 AM
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Elite
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Miami
Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
how much of a difference is a sleevless suit compared to a full suit?

i am a floridian myself but need a wetsuit for upcomming races later in the year and don't know what to go with....
2009-09-10 12:28 PM
in reply to: #2398649

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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
trix - 2009-09-10 10:56 AM how much of a difference is a sleevless suit compared to a full suit?

i am a floridian myself but need a wetsuit for upcomming races later in the year and don't know what to go with....

Trix, I've done FL tri's in my sleeveless with water temps of 68 to 77.9!  The colder water didn't bother my arms and the warmer waters didn't bother me heat wise.  Since I already have a Promotion sleeveless, if I were to do more winter/early spring events I would buy their separate thin top for colder water.  Of cousre Desoto T1 offers some of the most flexibility in wetsuit options. 
2009-09-10 1:08 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
A wetsuit lifts my body more than a pull buoy does; I can barely keep my legs in the water in the wetsuit! :)
2009-09-10 1:14 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
Donto - 2009-09-10 10:45 AM The feeling is similar (lifting of the legs).  But with the WS your whole body will be lifted up more in the water, hence the improved drag and increased speed.  Poor form swimmers benefit more than fast swimmers with great form.


You are my favorite BT'er of the day.  LOL
Thanks for building my confidence ahead of the weekend!
2009-09-10 1:29 PM
in reply to: #2397942

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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
I did my first tri this past summer and spent a lot of training time in the pool, both with a wetsuit and without.  I noticed a significant difference in performance.  It didn't take too much to adjust to the added buoyancy and my lap times decreased dramatically.   The streamlining effect was also noticed immediately.

Unfortunately, come race day, that water temp was warm enough that suits were not allowed.



2009-09-10 3:23 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
trix - 2009-09-10 10:56 AM

how much of a difference is a sleevless suit compared to a full suit?

i am a floridian myself but need a wetsuit for upcomming races later in the year and don't know what to go with....


No reason for long sleeve unless racing out of Florida. I have only worn one a few times in races and a few OWS groups, but cold arms never bothered me as long as CORE was warm.
2009-09-10 4:11 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit buoyancy
The vast majority of bouyancy comes from the leg portion of the wetsuit. And its awesome... way better than a bouy.

The decision on sleeves or no sleeves should be based on your need for warmth...  I have a long sleeve top but cut the sleeve at the elbow...  I need the top for warmth in Wisconsin, but my theory is that you lose the heat in the arm pit and I am less concerned about the actual arms... but thats just me. 
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