Triathlon - Jersey during the swim w/o wetsuit?

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bufit323
06-09-09, 11:11 PM
I have done exactly two triathlons, in both, I have put my tri top (desoto carrera) on in T1 (assume wetsuit illegal, I live in SE Louisiana). This has taken some time because, I am wet, the top is tight, and my arms are not super flexible after a swim. So my question is this: I have seen many wear their jersey during the swim. Mine is good and tight, but it has three small pockets in the back, can this be a good idea? It seems like it would drag pretty hard. I plan on training this a little bit as an experiment, I guess my other alternative is to roll down the top into my shorts, or just skip the top all together.

Help a beginner please!

IRONHEAD1
06-10-09, 08:39 AM
go topless.....
I plan to do my first event with as little gear as possible.
edbikebabe
06-10-09, 09:47 AM
My 2 cents...

Like you said - it takes a loooong time to put on tight fitting clothing on a wet body. Try it out - if the drag is extra annoying, you'll have to make a decision over which is worse.

Tri suits were made to be worn for all 3 parts - so I wouldn't summarily dismiss the idea of wearing it for the swim.

*edit* I wear a sports bra type top - so I have no personal experience to help you with.

msu2001la
06-11-09, 02:02 PM
Lots of events require shirts to be worn during the bike/run. And, yes... you can swim in that tri-top. Even though it has pockets in the back, if it fits right, they shouldn't slow you down or cause any noticeable drag. I'm guessing you'd spend more time trying to pull a top on after the swim than you'd lose from drag caused by the pockets.

If you're in doubt, try it out in the pool first.
sirious94
06-11-09, 06:19 PM
Well i used a 2XU trisuit at a wetsuit illegal race and that worked fine, I have heard that TYR makes good ones too, but I don't have much experience with desotos Try it out in the pool and see what happens. Oh and NEVER EVER EVER TRY TO PUT ON A SHIRT IN TRANSITION AGAIN. As you know it just does not work