General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Wetsuit Legal question Rss Feed  
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2010-05-21 3:26 PM

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Subject: Wetsuit Legal question
If a race is not wetsuit legal because of the water temp, can I still wear  wetsuit anyway?  Does it just mean that I can't medal?  Or will they not time me?   My first sprint will be the NJ State Tri in July which could go either way, temperature wise.  Wetsuit = security blanket.

Thanks!


2010-05-21 3:42 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit Legal question

4.4 Wet suits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council. The AAC has set the wetsuit maximum temperature for elite/pros at 68 degrees for swim distances less than 3000 meters and 71.6 degrees for distances of 3000 meters or greater.

2010-05-21 3:48 PM
in reply to: #2874729

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit Legal question
Are you looked at like a complete loser if you crawl out of the water in a westuit?  I feel like I can ride 25 miles and run a 10K but there is no way I can swim 1500m without either a wetsuit, air tank, or flippers.
2010-05-21 5:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit Legal question
I'm sure I'll get flamed for this, but if you cannot "swim 1500m without either a wetsuit, air tank, or flippers" you should not be in the race. Period.

A wetsuit is a nice thing to have, lord knows I love mine...but it absolutely should NOT take the place of being able to cover the distance. The shouldn't have to be responsible for you like that.
2010-05-21 6:07 PM
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2010-05-21 8:35 PM
in reply to: #2874729

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit Legal question
Point taken.  Damn, I wish I didn't just hate swimming!


2010-05-21 8:39 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit Legal question
mmgoldenb - 2010-05-21 4:26 PM

If a race is not wetsuit legal because of the water temp, can I still wear  wetsuit anyway?  Does it just mean that I can't medal?  Or will they not time me?   My first sprint will be the NJ State Tri in July which could go either way, temperature wise.  Wetsuit = security blanket.

Thanks!


Last year NJ State just made it as wetsuit legal so it may be close for that but doubt it'll be 84 or above so you should be able to wear one if you want. The year before I believe it wasn't wetsuit legal but I know a number of folks still wore one.
2010-05-21 8:58 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit Legal question
Trust me, you don't even WANT a wetsuit when the water is too warm to be wetsuit legal -- you will overheat.
2010-05-22 1:30 AM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuit Legal question
The first 2 OWS tri's I have done have been wetsuit legal and I have done great in them. Now that my next one will not be wetsuit legal I'm back to training to make that happen. I have over 4 months and plenty of time to get things in order. I can swim the distance in a pool but haven't done an OWS without a wetsuit yet. Mainly because it's been a bit cold until the last 3 weeks or so. I just want to feel comfortable about my OWS so I don't have to worry about it and ust get it done.
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