General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming? Rss Feed  
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2011-08-14 10:28 AM

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Liberty Township, Ohio
Subject: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
This is a question geared more towards guys (since gals don't have much choice). I'm doing a 1/2 Ironman next week and it appears it will not be wetsuit legal. I'm trying to decide whether to go shirtless or wear my tri jersey for the swim. It is tight and made for swimming, but I didn't know if that would create a lot of drag in the water. The other option is going shirtless and trying to get a tight jersey onto a wet body in T1. Any recommendations?


2011-08-14 10:31 AM
in reply to: #3642816

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Master
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Somewhere on the Tennessee River
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
No, but I'm of that generation where, for men, going topless was not an issue for anyone. 
2011-08-14 10:31 AM
in reply to: #3642816

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Master
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Houston
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?

I wear my Tri Top in every swim, not all guys do.

I think some go shirtless for the whole race, though that isn't always legal.

There maybe some drag from the pockets, but the tri top is designed to be slick (not as slick as a swim skin) and the compression can help reduce overall drag.

I'd wear it for the swim, or not at all.

2011-08-14 10:33 AM
in reply to: #3642816

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New Haven, CT
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
Sprints = shirtlessLonger than sprint I wear a tri top as I usually have stuff stashed in the pocket

Edited by jsklarz 2011-08-14 10:34 AM
2011-08-14 10:47 AM
in reply to: #3642820

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Master
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Houston
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?

MadMathemagician - 2011-08-14 10:31 AM No, but I'm of that generation where, for men, going topless was not an issue for anyone. 

Oh, I have no issue with being topless.  I'd race acient greece style it was allowed.

But if I'm going to wear a top on the bike/run I'm going to wear it in the swim.

2011-08-14 10:52 AM
in reply to: #3642816

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
If you're going to wear it then swim in it.  Putting on something like a tri top when you're wet seems like a time eater if you ask me. 


2011-08-14 11:04 AM
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Champion
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Philly 'burbs
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
I wear a once piece tri suit, so... yes.
2011-08-14 11:23 AM
in reply to: #3642816

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Champion
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Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
Yes.  I've got two with no pockets (well, I sewed it shut on one of them) and I use those for sprints and Olys and any time I cannot wear a wetsuit.  I've got another with pockets that I use for longer races if they are wetsuit legal.

Edited by Experior 2011-08-14 11:23 AM
2011-08-14 11:57 AM
in reply to: #3642816

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Expert
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Austin
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
I wear a tri top for the swim, trying to get it on when wet would cancel out any time saved by not having tri top pocket drag in the water
2011-08-14 12:20 PM
in reply to: #3642816

Master
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Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?

Go practice your swimming sans wetsuit and see which your most comfortable with.  That's the one you go with.  Since your top is tight fitting, there shouldn't be noticeable drag.  Whatever you're more comfortable with will be better.

I have a tri-suit, so no choice for me.  Lots of guys go with both pieces.  Lots go without the top.  Some go with a classic speedo.  

2011-08-14 12:38 PM
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Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
i plan on wearing a compression shirt and sleeves during the bike/run portion but im still weary about what to use while swimming. i thought about just using the sleeves because they are going to be a pain to get on while wet and just put the top on at t1. now you guys are saying that compression shirts help reduce drag? am i hearing this right? that will make me better in the water right? like i wont sink as much or does it just make me faster? i never really liked wearing shirts in the water, but i never wore a tight shirt in the water like my compression shirt. i think its because of the added weight it has. wouldnt it get weighted down with all the water or am i wrong?


2011-08-14 12:57 PM
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Elite
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Miami
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
speedo only. 
2011-08-14 1:09 PM
in reply to: #3642816

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Master
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Oceanside, California
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?

Yes for Olympic or longer and/or under wetsuit.

No for sprint without wetsuit.

2011-08-14 2:18 PM
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Master
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San Antone, Texas
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
I wear the tri top thru the whole race
2011-08-14 4:03 PM
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Pro
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Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
If you plan on wearing it for the bike and run, then wear it for the swim. It's nearly impossible to put a tri top on when you're wet, or even damp.
2011-08-14 4:52 PM
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Master
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Northern IL
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
I managed to do ok getting a long-sleeve compression shirt on after the swim in a cold tri.  Forgot to roll& fold the sleeves up too.  There is no mention of zipper length.  Would think a full-zip top shouldn't be that much trouble.  Half zip may be as the tri top is likely less flexible than what I used.


2011-08-14 4:57 PM
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Extreme Veteran
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Straight outta Central Flurrrrrida
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?

I wear tri suits because I'm at the sprint level creeping into oly level, thus, no need for any split. As such, being in Florida, yes, I would consider that wearing a top. My tri suit is pretty expensive and it's made for swimming in. It's dimpled and quite fancy.

I've done a few practice sessions on my own and have just used my TYR tri shorts and not a top. For one, it's quite hot here and I don't need to be wearing a top if I'm just practicing.

Whatever the case may be, ensure you have the right size. Tops should be SKIN TIGHT to prevent any drag in the water.

2011-08-14 6:16 PM
in reply to: #3642816

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Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
Of course I do. That's what they're made for.

2011-08-14 6:39 PM
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Expert
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Somewhere in the Swamps of Philly
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
I absolutely hate swimming with the tri top and now pull the entire top over the head and tuck it in on the waist of my tri sorts. Make sure you leave the loops where your arms go in near the top of the waistband. Running to T1 I just simply pull-up the top up with ease. No discomfort or perceived drag during the swim. Have done it on sprints and HIMs.
2011-08-14 7:49 PM
in reply to: #3642816

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
I have worn a tri-top in every race that allowed me to wear a wetsuit, but I have done a sprint where the swim was in an indoor pool, so I did not wear a tri-top or any top, but did put a tri-top on during T1 after that swim.
2011-08-14 8:12 PM
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Pro
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Baton Rouge area
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
Yep, always do.  Not worth the hassle of dealing with it later.


2011-08-15 8:06 AM
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Expert
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Culpeper, VA
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?

I generally don't wear a top and only wear a top when I swim if I've got a wetsuit on... i.e. air temps might be cool.  Anyway I've had two tips shown to me if you want to put a top on in t1.  Roll the top up and stick your head in the top pull down over your arms and you can work it on during the bike.  Other technique was do something similar but put the top down around your waist inside your shorts and pull it up heading into t1. 

I dislike swimming in a top, even if it is tight fitting and made to swim in.  

2011-08-15 12:49 PM
in reply to: #3642816

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NC
Subject: RE: Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming?
Check out the De Soto 78 degree top - unless you really need some pockets in your top.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Guys... do you wear a tri-top while swimming? Rss Feed