General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Wet suit for low 60's temp Rss Feed  
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2010-03-28 8:38 AM

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Subject: Wet suit for low 60's temp
Hi All, article on this website recommends full wet suit based on temps.  Guys at shop say go with sleeveless for mobility.  Not the greatest swimmer, is the arm buoyancy and extra warmth at that temp going to outweigh shoulder mobility/possibility of less fatigue not fighting suit?  Short swim, sprint...

Thanks for help/advice. 


2010-03-28 8:59 AM
in reply to: #2753225

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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
I did a half iron in 65F temp last weekend and froze my @$$ off even with a full. Some of the folks wore farmer johns but they were literally shivering.

So, I would go with full. Any restriction in mobility will be more than offset with greater comfort, even for a sprint, and greater buoyancy, especially for a weaker swimmer.
2010-03-28 9:08 AM
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Payson, AZ
Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
If you get a proper fitting wetsuit mobility will not be an issue.  I've never had an issue doing a full stroke with a wetsuit.
2010-03-28 9:15 AM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp

Short swim in a sprint a full suit may not be necessary, but if you plan on being in this sport for awhile a nice full suit will last you a long time and worth the money.  Though I tend to purchase wetsuits in November/December since you can find them on closeout, not sure how well you'll do with price this time of year.

I have a full and a quick john suit, once the temps get in the mid 70's I get to warm in a full which isn't a problem for most folks, so the quick john is a nice option and used to be my only option while swimming in the early summer in Lake Michigan or Huron where I couldn't feel my arms or shoulders for awhile after finishing.

2010-03-28 9:21 AM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
bgeyeguy - 2010-03-28 7:38 AM Hi All, article on this website recommends full wet suit based on temps.  Guys at shop say go with sleeveless for mobility.  Not the greatest swimmer, is the arm buoyancy and extra warmth at that temp going to outweigh shoulder mobility/possibility of less fatigue not fighting suit?  Short swim, sprint...

Thanks for help/advice. 
Go for a full. I did a race in 64 degree water, and it was quite a shock getting in. Once you started swimming, it was absolutely fine, but I was in a longsleeve. We had a girl who was in a short-sleeve and was shivering so hard her T1 was more than twice what it usually is. Of course, she's a mighty 5'4" and 110 lbs.
2010-03-28 9:39 AM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
Awesome, thanks everyone for the advice.  I will go with a full!


2010-03-28 9:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
I was training in 64o open water in a sleeveless. Once I got acclimated to the water, I was good to go. Yeah, it was cold but there is no way you are going to get around being in cold water.
2010-03-28 12:26 PM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
My last sprint (Thanksgiving weekend) was 1/2 mile in about 58F water.  Went with sleeveless.  It was cold, but I was only going to be in the water for less than 15 mins., so I opted for comfort.  If it had been an Oly or longer, though, I'd have broken out the full suit.  Long swims in low 60s are pretty much the only time I wear my full these days.
2010-03-28 3:08 PM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
My first sprint (well, only tri - period) was without a wetsuit and in 59-65 degree water.  It was freakin' cold when I got in, but I was fine once I started.
2010-03-28 3:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
bgeyeguy - 2010-03-28 10:38 AM

Hi All, article on this website recommends full wet suit based on temps.  Guys at shop say go with sleeveless for mobility.  Not the greatest swimmer, is the arm buoyancy and extra warmth at that temp going to outweigh shoulder mobility/possibility of less fatigue not fighting suit?  Short swim, sprint...


Get a new shop

Assuming that you have a good wetsuit fit, a full suit will always be faster.  There are those who will argue that they are faster in a sleeveless, however, every athlete I have ever seen who said this either was in the wrong size suit or didn't put the suit on correctly.

FWIW, if a race is wetsuit legal (for the races I do that is a 23C cutoff) I am wearing my fullsuit, no question.

Shane

2010-03-28 4:28 PM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
bzgl40 - 2010-03-28 10:08 AM If you get a proper fitting wetsuit mobility will not be an issue.  I've never had an issue doing a full stroke with a wetsuit.


X2 - In the low 60s you're going to freeze your butt off, trust me.  I don't go with my sleeveless unless it's in the 70s.

If you are buying this suit and it will be your only suit, DEFINITELY go with the full.  There are a bunch of reasons.  The guy at the shop is either confused or doesn't know what he/she's talking about.


2010-03-28 4:43 PM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
x3 on the full wetsuit.  Mobility won't be an issue with a somewhat decent fit.

My issue at 63 and below is not a problem with my arms/legs/torso staying warm, it is putting my face in the water and maintaining a smooth breathing pattern.  Just takes your breath away.

If there was a wetsuit solution for that, I'd be a buyer.
2010-03-28 5:40 PM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
Having fun tri-ing - 2010-03-28 5:43 PM x3 on the full wetsuit.  Mobility won't be an issue with a somewhat decent fit.

My issue at 63 and below is not a problem with my arms/legs/torso staying warm, it is putting my face in the water and maintaining a smooth breathing pattern.  Just takes your breath away.

If there was a wetsuit solution for that, I'd be a buyer.


vaseline my friend.  A thin coating of that will generally work.
2010-03-28 9:03 PM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
Low 60's is cold for most of us . For San Francisco bay swimmers its not. They swim in 50's waters with only a insulated cap and its not short sprints. like across the Golden Gate or to Alcatraz. A cap holds heat in and for a short sprint if you are acumiliated to the colder water you may not need a wet suit. The suit does add warmth and bouyency of course, You will probably be a bit faster in the suit also. In any event get a good cold water cap and some earplugs as any cold water getting in the ears can cause dizzyness.

See http://openwatercaps.blogspot.com

And http://www.dolphinclub.org

and

http://www.south-end.org


Edited by peggyswims 2010-03-28 9:12 PM
2010-03-28 9:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
As far as the temps, you will be fine in a sleeveless.
2010-03-29 7:52 AM
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Acworth, GA
Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
I'll give the vaseline thing a try.  At least if that doesn't help with the cold on the face, kicks to the head should glance off easier like in boxing!


2010-03-29 7:55 AM
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Subject: RE: Wet suit for low 60's temp
Having fun tri-ing - 2010-03-29 7:52 AM I'll give the vaseline thing a try.  At least if that doesn't help with the cold on the face, kicks to the head should glance off easier like in boxing!


DON'T use Vaseline.  It's terrible for your wetsuit.  Use a non-petroleum based agent if you need something.
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