Ill-fitting wetsuit vs. No wetsuit

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2010-05-24 1:46 PM

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Subject: Ill-fitting wetsuit vs. No wetsuit
I have a race on Saturday with the swim portion being in the Ohio River, which supposedly runs around a balmy 65degrees. I've lost a ton of weight and what was a uncomfortably tight and awkward wetsuit is not too big. I hopped in the pool and it filled up. Not to the extent of sinking but I can't imagine it would keep me warm, being filled with cold river water. I cannot find a place to rent a suit within two hours and I can't buy a new suit this week. So, bt'ers, what are your thoughts? No wetsuit and use my Yankee roots to htfu up or wear the wetsuit and be the only water balloon in the race?Thanks.


2010-05-24 1:52 PM
in reply to: #2878587

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Subject: RE: Ill-fitting wetsuit vs. No wetsuit
It depends on what distance the swim will be.  For a sprint, up to say, 800m, then you should be okay without a wetsuit.  For an Olympic and beyond, it's a dilemma.  A loose suit creates additional drag.   It's your call in the long run.

By the way, in spring and fall I have been know to train without a wetsuit with water  temps in the mid 60's or above.  It is doable.
2010-05-24 1:59 PM
in reply to: #2878587

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Subject: RE: Ill-fitting wetsuit vs. No wetsuit
Swim is .5miles, so 825ish? I'm slightly worried because the race starts by jumping off of a barge (ghetto alcatraz!) And there's no warmup swim allowed.HTFU sounds like a good option.
2010-05-24 2:05 PM
in reply to: #2878587

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Master
1970
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Somewhere on the Tennessee River
Subject: RE: Ill-fitting wetsuit vs. No wetsuit
If you go without a suit, practice a couple days in advance jumping into the river and getting use to the shock that that temp will produce.     Also, make sure to warm up properly before the swim start to get your heart rate up.   It will lessen the stress on the heart if starting "cold"  for the swim.
2010-05-24 2:35 PM
in reply to: #2878587

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Subject: RE: Ill-fitting wetsuit vs. No wetsuit
Thanks much!
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