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Post by laurabeth330 on Apr 28, 2010 17:30:12 GMT -5
I will be doing my first tri in June. It is a sprint so the swim is only 750 meters and will be held in a reservoir/lake in Findlay, Ohio. I am wondering whether or not to rent a wetsuit for the race. Since this is my first event my goal is to finish the race (i.e., I'm not out to set any speed records!). However, I know that wetsuits make you more buoyant and also keep muscles warm better than the tri top and shorts I am planning to wear for the rest of the race.
Am I making things a lot harder on myself if I opt not to wear the wetsuit? Also I'm not sure what is typical and don't want to be the only one wearing (or not wearing) a wetsuit.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts! ;D
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Post by Kim Zepp on Apr 28, 2010 18:44:21 GMT -5
No, a wetsuit is not a "must."
Have you had a chance to practice open water swimming? Since the race is in June, you won't have too much time, but you'll want to get out in a lake and practice. If you're okay practicing without a wetsuit, then you'll be fine racing without one, too.
However, if you decide to rent one for the race, try to rent it ahead of time so you have a chance to practice swimming in it, and to practice taking it off quickly.
I would guess you'll see about 1/2 of the people in wetsuits. ? I'm sure it won't be everyone.
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Post by alison on Apr 29, 2010 8:36:57 GMT -5
I raced without a wetsuit for 4-5 seasons before I ever tried one on. I used to race in just a two piece speedo bathing suit, and wear that the entire time. Nothing fancy for a sprint because you will done before you know it  The first time I tried swimming with a wetsuit I had a minor panic attack in the water because it felt so different I thought I couldn't swim, so do NOT rent one and swim in a wetsuit for the first time in your first race. That breaks one of triathlon's most important rules of thumb: don't try anything new on race day! Alison |
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Post by robreddy on Apr 29, 2010 10:34:37 GMT -5
i'm sittin here in Clai w Durno - he wont let me type my answer - so now I'm hidding in the woods.......
Are wet suits a must - ya there a MUST if you are a................... no durno get away I wanna answer this question, give me back the computer
r
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Post by jimdehner on Apr 29, 2010 12:10:39 GMT -5
either way you won't be the only one to wear or not wear a wet suit - Rob is a purist on the issue for the rest of us the wet suit is like a security blanket - it keeps you warm and provides that extra bit of confidence -
if you do decide to wear one be sure to get out and practice in it -
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Post by Tim Edwards on Apr 30, 2010 11:58:25 GMT -5
The only time a wetsuit is a must is when the water is too cold for you to swim in it. I am usually out in the water by the time it hits 50°. A full wetsuit is a must then unless you like the idea of hypothermia. I usuall wear two swim caps and make sure someone is at least watching me if not swimming with me. Brandon and I did a chilly and wavy swim down at Edgewater in May last year. (Edgewater is quite clean before 2.5 million people use it as a shower / toilet in July and August)!
After you become a more accomplished triathlete, you will probably want to get a wetsuit to give you that "extra edge" if you are not naturally buoyant or if your name is not Reddy. Good job Durno!
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Post by djolliff on Apr 30, 2010 13:33:15 GMT -5
I would say a wetsuit is definitely not a "must" you'll see people with and without on race day.
I have raced with and without a wetsuit and prefer to be without one during races, the only exception being the cold water I would recommend one if it is a cold swim. Just make sure you are able to easily complete the distance without a wetsuit and you will be fine with either option. I also agree if you choose to wear one make sure you get used to it before the race, the panic feeling Alison described is very common ( I got it as well) and fighting the wetsuit panic during the swim will spend more energy than it saves!
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Post by Brandon on May 2, 2010 11:33:40 GMT -5
I have to counter the above comments from 2 of our most talented lady swimmers in the club by saying I can't see the wetsuit causing a panic attack. Perhaps I could see the lack of a wetsuit causing a panic attack for a newbie swimmer. All that water along with a lack of confidence in your swimming can be intimidating (been there! But I have grown into my big boy speedo! Thanks in part to the tri-swimming program and many, many laps at CSU).
That said, a wetsuit is not a must. I prefer to swim without one, although for my first couple of years in the sport it was a big comfort for me to wear it in the open water. Now, I hate to put it on...but I train in it if I am planning to race in it. And if it is legal to race in it I will wear it because it does benefit your swimming ability (or lackthereof).
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Post by Aussie Rob on May 2, 2010 19:11:40 GMT -5
If you're concerned about time, it is a must.
If you're concerned about energy savings, it is a must.
If you're in it to participate and kick your own arse, then it is not a must. You can still do great without one.
There is no denying it however. Wetsuits save you time and energy. I hate the prevalence of them in triathlon (even though im a mediocre swimmer) but everyone else is using one.....you might as well if you want to compete.
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