Wearing a wetsuit on a non-wetsuit-legal swim - do I need to say something? (Page 2)

I guess "rely" was a loaded word that I didn't know would set off open water swimmers... I do drop places when I don't wear a wetsuit, though. So this is a race with water temps in the tweener range, the podium is not in sight since I'm not tapering, etc., and overheating in a Speedtube really isn't an issue, even in warm water. I'm thinking since this is a low-priority race I'll just use it as good training in non-wetsuit swims, but in the event that I don't want to just make things harder I might still bring out the speedtube. We'll see.

I totally know where you're coming from and after years and years of racing I only did my first non-wetsuit swim a few weeks ago and it totally freaked me out.    Now's the time to pop your cherry, sorry that's so graphic but...  I think you can do it.

But, if you want to wear the suit (which I get) I would talk to the RD pre-race FOR SURE.

I'm confused about your question: Ref. the title, you say it's a "non-wetsuit-legal race", that's not in the tweener range: You can't use a wetsuit and wearing one will get you DQed. The tweener range is "wetsuit permitted but not required".

So, is your question is: "should I ask permission or should I try to sneak it?" They may allow you to complete the race as a practice, but not registering your time if you ask. But then not, it's somewhat discouraging for other participants to see somebody with exceptions to the rules not knowing that you're actually DQed at the start. 

So sneak it or ask? I'd say neither, you don't wear a wetsuit in a non-wetsuit-legal race.

You say you drop places not wearing a wet suit, but you can swim the distance. Well, rules are rules, all suffer the same disadvantage from not wearing the wetsuit, why shouldn't you? Regardless that you're not in for a spot on the podium. 

If you can swim the distance without the wetsuit, don't wear a wetsuit, if you can't, don't race.

BR, Erik

Not really how that works. I'd prefer a moped on the bike b/c that makes me happy.

To the OP,  If the rules allow it  in any form, then it's up to you the individual. If the rules don't allow it, then you just don't do it.