Current Ohio river temps (Page 2)

The first ~1/4-1/3 of the swim is upstream on the inside of Towhead Island .  I guess the currents are not as strong there.  Just has me wondering exactly how fast the current actually is there?

I guess for most swimmers, this will be a super fast swim.  Just wondering if a small percentage are going to have trouble just getting around the island. 

-Steve 

I like this analysis from that "other" site ......

"The whole idea of a wetsuit in the sport is ludicrous."

Isn't your avatar a picture of you...coming out of the water...in a wetsuit?

Edit:  I've got to admit, though, that is a pretty cool picture in that there isn't even so much as a ripple in front of you.  Friggin' fish!  :-) 

Am I bummed that there will be no mass swim start? Sure, that was going to be part of the Ironman experience for me. But I'm glad that they found a solution that was not more drastic than that. I guess these are the challenges that we face participating in outdoor activities that can be affected by things like the weather.

If you can't deal with it, I would suggest an activity like laser tag. It's indoors, out of the weather and probably air conditioned.

And just for fun, a pic of the transition area with the offending river in the background:

(imlou_transition_s.jpg)

How is it possible that you're slower with a wetsuit?

~B

Ummmmm, let's see ....... I had a 1:16 T1 in a sprint taking off a 2 piece Desoto T1 Black Pearl .......... and I am 10 - 15 seconds faster per 100 in my wetsuit over not having it.  It's a no-brainer.

The facts are the facts.  A properly fit wetsuit will make all but the ultra-elite faster, it increases the buoyancy in the water making you less fatigued over the length of the swim, and it keeps your core temp more stable in cooler water not making your body work harder to maintain a constant temp.

Almost all tri coaches I've read things from have said the same thing.  One would be a fool to not use it if given the option unless you are already a world class swimmer.

And if that isn't reason enough than just remember ..... just because you want to be all anti-establishment and not use one because you THINK you are slower in it, everyone else will be using them and will be faster and more fresh getting out of the water.  Bear that in mind .........

haha

 something still seems fishy here. losing 22s/100yd BECAUSE of the wetsuit ... seems extreme.  do you have any other measured swim speeds WITHOUT the suit for comparison's sake?

I don't buy it. I bet if Michael Phelps practiced swimming in a wetsuit he could go faster with one than without. Maybe he would need to change his technique slightly to account for the increased buoyancy.

Are there ANY professional triathletes who will voluntarily forego the use of a wetsuit? I don't think so.

Or a trial that is more controlled.  Because we all know how accurate OWS distances are.

Your "proof" is a very selective use of data to back up the argument that you've already made your mind up about.

If you get a high quality wetsuit that fits you properly, and you put it on properly, and practice with it so that you gain the feel of swimming in it, it WILL allow you to swim faster. How many pro triathletes are faster without a wetsuit?

More buoyancy means less of you underwater means less drag means higher velocity for a given level of power, once you learn to sustain the power with a wetsuit on.

The physics would argue otherwise. 

If you are not faster in a wetsuit in moderate water temps, you just have not done enough swimming in a  properly fitted high-quality wetsuit.

But, as previously noted, you've already decided that you AREN'T GOING TO BOTHER TO REALLY TRY USING A WETSUIT, so I guess this argument is pointless.