Swimwear/wetsuit rules change for 2011 (starts 9/1/10)... (Page 2)

If you are slower with a wetsuit then there is likely something wrong with the fit and/or the way it's put on.  My shoulders used to get very tired prior to getting some tips on how to put it on correctly (and a couple tips to actually make the shoulders work less).  A properly donned wetsuit takes a few minutes to actually get on correctly. 

It makes a difference, not only in speed but thermal comfort.  In water temps even in the low 70s, for an IM you are going to be in water colder than your body temp for at least an hour, likely more.  It takes a lot of energy to warm the body, and you may be wasting a lot of kcals at the start of a very long day trying to keep yourself warm.

Of course, in waters as warm as coz that's not much of an issue (although diving in those waters for more than a couple days without a wetsuit will dramatically lower your core temp and you will be shivering, even in 80 degree water)

Edited by ChrisM 2010-04-14 5:27 PM

Yes, I agree that my discomfort with the wetsuit has to be due to poor fitting though I have tried several. Even last year when I did  a half IM that was wetsuit legal I decided to wear it as everyone was wearing one!! though my gut said don't wear it. Well, I wore it and on the second loop of the swim I had to take it off I couldn't stand the feeling.

I guess I need to keep looking for one that fits. Fortunately for me the water temps in South Florida are usually warm so it is not so urgent...but I will keep trying to find one.

Yes, I know cozumel is difficult but hey! it is Ironman...supposed to be hard right? lol

Wish me luck!!

Sorry to be daft, and yes, I did read the rules, but ...

I don't own a wetsuit. If my IM swim is wetsuit-legal, can I legally wear a speedsuit instead?

How about can I wear a speedsuit anyway but just forgo my (HA HA HA HA) AG award?

Great question! I would say yes as speedsuits are banned for non-wetsuit qualified swims.

just my opinion,, and no data to back it up, BUT... I think people swim slower in a wetsuit since they do most of their swims in a pool, wear it is more of a controlled environment  and wear their wetsuits when they are doing OWS where things like sighting, and going around other people come into play. 

I would agree with that, but it's not because of the wet suit.

Yay!  78 always was too dang hot for a wetsuit.  It's about time!

I loved swimming at Cozumel without a wetsuit- the water temp was perfect and it was one less thing to have to worry about for the race.

I also think way to many people rely on wetsuits and use them as "crutches" in triathlons.  IMO, if you need a wetsuit to feel comfortable swimming in open water then maybe you're not ready to race?  But that's just me.

You will love the Cozumel swim!!

Edited by runnergirl 2010-04-21 8:14 AM

I'm glad they allow items to be worn underneath your swimwear (and zippers).  I misunderstood things originally and thought they were following FINA which doesn't allow more than one layer which I thought was totally bogus for triathlons. 

So to summarize, you can wear a swim skin of textile material, (the original speedo fastskins are textile materials, anything that is rubber-like is not) that does not cover your neck or extend past your knees, over your tri shorts and top at any temperature.

That was a big concern of mine because I don't think dragging the pockets of your trisuit through the water during the swim was ideal.  You can reduce your drag which is all you should be allowed to do.  People are going to get a lot less use out of their wetsuits though.

if i read the new rule correctly it states no full leg and full arm suits, which i think is no good. in colder water swims full leg/arm suits are needed....