Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question

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2007-07-31 8:30 PM

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Chicago, IL
Subject: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question
Folks:

I just purchased my first ever wetsuit for the Steelhead 70.3 this coming weekend. I bought a sleeveless since it seemed less restrictive. I won't have a chance to try it out on the lake until the day before the race...so of course I'm anxious now if I made the right call or not.

The question is, will sleeveless be ok for this water temperature? As of yesterday the temperature at the race site was 71.5 degrees, but I have no notion of what that feels like. Will I be ok? Will I be chilly but ok? Will I freeze? Anyone else out there in a sleeveless or will I be one of few? How cold does it need to be before you need to go full sleeves, or even wear those neoprene caps? Because the time for me to act (if needed) is now, by Sat it will be too late.

Part of this is pre-race jitters I'm sure, but I'd sure appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
Martin

2007-07-31 8:47 PM
in reply to: #908999

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question

Low 70's is perfect for a sleeve-less.  I also like the freedom of a sleeve-less and usually switch from full sleeves at about 67-68.  If you even think is it cold (probably not), that will disappear after 10 sec. of activity.

Below 55 I put on a second swim cap.  I've seen some people use a neoprene cap in the under 60 range.

You'll be fine...

2007-07-31 11:06 PM
in reply to: #908999

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question

 

you're good

2007-07-31 11:09 PM
in reply to: #908999

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question

You'll be good...sub 62 maybe 64 you'd be chilly!

Have fun at Steelhead! 

2007-08-01 8:01 AM
in reply to: #908999

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question

With a sleeveless, be sure to lube all around the armholes, and especially on the inside of your upper arms where it touches the bottom of the armhole while your arms are hanging down, in additiion to all around your neck.  I will also do all around the armholes of my tri top (if you're wearing one) since the neoprene can cause it to move in a different way than you're used to.

Temp will be fine! 

Have fun at your race!!!

2007-08-01 8:02 AM
in reply to: #908999

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question
You should be fine. I have a sleeveless and just bought a full sleeve wetsuit yesterday. I actually feel more comfortable in the full wetsuit. In 70 degree water you won't get cold. I used a sleeveless a few weeks ago in what I had heard rumored to be 57 degree water. It was freakin cold don't get me wrong but most of us made it out without major problems (3 people were hypothermic) See you in steelhead.

2007-08-01 9:55 AM
in reply to: #908999

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question
You will be fine in 70 degree water. Take the wetsuit to your pool and give it a try there. Figure out all the spots where the thing is rubbing you so that you know where to apply BodyGlide the day of the race.
2007-08-01 10:22 AM
in reply to: #908999

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question
You'll be fine although I prefer sleeves.
2007-08-01 2:11 PM
in reply to: #908999

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question
Thanks to everyone for the great tips. I feel much better now!

Cheers,
Murph
2007-08-01 5:33 PM
in reply to: #909990

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Sin City
Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question
x10 or so - you should be fine. Water temps here are low 70's and the sleeveless is great. I may still get a full sleeved suit if I plan any races where water temps drop below 65.
2007-08-01 11:31 PM
in reply to: #910313

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question
i am all about full sleaves but sleaveless should be ok too.

I would try it out in the pool before the big day. its very useful plus gioves you confidence

Edited by chirunner134 2007-08-01 11:32 PM

2007-08-02 7:33 AM
in reply to: #908999

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Subject: RE: Wetsuit - sleeveless or not, that is the question
Martin, Martin, Martin. You're a Midwesterner - how can you even ASK if you'll be cold in 71.5 degree water. :P

Seriously - I have a sleeveless shorty wetsuit. It's the only one I have, and I use it from May through September. In Wisconsin. 71.5? Bath water.

I second or third (whatever we're up to) the body glide comment. Liberal application is a must around the arm homes and upper inner arms.
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