norsehabanero
08-12-05, 12:36 PM
what would be recomended to wear for the swim and or the whole race, changing takes more time,
are wetsuits better for the swim
are wetsuits better for the swim
Triathlon - wet suit or not
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H2OChick
08-12-05, 01:55 PM
In a word, yes. Wearing a good wetsuit would probably improve your swim time by about 5 seconds per 100 yards (according to my pro friend.)
Let's just say that in the middle of July, in Southern California, I was probably one of about 10 women out of a few hundred that WASN'T wearing a wetsuit, in spite of the fact that the water temp was about 67 (toasty). And to give credence to the speed factor, a gal whom I routinely outswim with ease in the pool came in only about 30 seconds behind me in the swim... she had a wetsuit.
Most people wear 'em. I don't own one, so that's how I made my decision. If you wear one, wear underneath what you plan to wear the rest of the race.
Let's just say that in the middle of July, in Southern California, I was probably one of about 10 women out of a few hundred that WASN'T wearing a wetsuit, in spite of the fact that the water temp was about 67 (toasty). And to give credence to the speed factor, a gal whom I routinely outswim with ease in the pool came in only about 30 seconds behind me in the swim... she had a wetsuit.
Most people wear 'em. I don't own one, so that's how I made my decision. If you wear one, wear underneath what you plan to wear the rest of the race.
Triguy
08-12-05, 03:58 PM
Wetsuits have a diminishing return compared to your level of swimming abilities. Me I'm a front MOP to Back FOP type swimmer, so I get a decent amount form my wetsuit. However, if you're a fish you'll get less benefit than I will. I will always wear a wetsuit when they are allowed and when the race is over probably 1km.
ht001
08-13-05, 10:01 PM
You can see a benefit from the wetsuit in terms of bouancy (which is nice if you want to take a non-kicking rest here here and there) and, as the prior posters have suggested, speed. Depending on your comfort in the swim those benefits may or may not be important. Definitely think about the water temperature when you're going to be racing. If the water is going to be warm (71 or so and above) the wetsuit might make you a little warm. If it is going to be cooler the wetsuit will be your saving grace.
Generally though, I say it is completely worth it. I come from a swimming background so I have no problem just going out there and swimming, but I gotta say, the wetsuit has been a worthwhile investment.
Generally though, I say it is completely worth it. I come from a swimming background so I have no problem just going out there and swimming, but I gotta say, the wetsuit has been a worthwhile investment.
suzyultra
08-14-05, 05:30 PM
what would be recomended to wear for the swim and or the whole race, changing takes more time,
are wetsuits better for the swim
Depending on the length of the swim and temperture of the water. I live in Puerto Rico we NEVER wear wetsuits. But when I go to cooler oceans I am sure to take my Aquaman suit in tow!! First it is a totally cool look, second I am a slow swimmer, in a wet suit I am much faster,I feel faster!! During really long swims over 4 miles you can rest as the suit will give you superb bouyancy! It is a similar question to clips or clipless pedals, once you practise your transitions taking off a wet suit is quite quick, I would wear your bike pants under the suit and your race number, all you have to do while running to the bike is to take the suit down to your waist at the bike take off the suit put on cycling things and enjoy the race!
are wetsuits better for the swim
Depending on the length of the swim and temperture of the water. I live in Puerto Rico we NEVER wear wetsuits. But when I go to cooler oceans I am sure to take my Aquaman suit in tow!! First it is a totally cool look, second I am a slow swimmer, in a wet suit I am much faster,I feel faster!! During really long swims over 4 miles you can rest as the suit will give you superb bouyancy! It is a similar question to clips or clipless pedals, once you practise your transitions taking off a wet suit is quite quick, I would wear your bike pants under the suit and your race number, all you have to do while running to the bike is to take the suit down to your waist at the bike take off the suit put on cycling things and enjoy the race!