Wetsuit Swimming
04-11-09, 08:33 AM
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Wetsuit Swimming
Gonna be getting a wetsuit shortly but I'm basically a new swimmer (never did team swimming but did lessons/lots of swimming about 20 years ago). Things are coming back quickly and I'm up to doing 2000 yards+ in a workout but still struggling with somethings.
My question is can anyone compare swimming with a pull buoy to swimming in a wetsuit? I find that my times are dramatically increased with the buoy and I am able to go considerably further without needing a rest.
I've got 2 months before my first oly and about 4 months before my first 70.3 and everything I'm doing should allow wetsuits. Basically I just want to know that I'm going to be able to get through my oly and I believe the wetsuit may give me the buoyancy to make up for my lack of technique.
Thanks!
--Sax
My question is can anyone compare swimming with a pull buoy to swimming in a wetsuit? I find that my times are dramatically increased with the buoy and I am able to go considerably further without needing a rest.
I've got 2 months before my first oly and about 4 months before my first 70.3 and everything I'm doing should allow wetsuits. Basically I just want to know that I'm going to be able to get through my oly and I believe the wetsuit may give me the buoyancy to make up for my lack of technique.
Thanks!
--Sax
04-11-09, 09:18 AM
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Do you have the opportunity to swim open water a few times in advance? That would probably be the best way to gauge the effect of the wetsuit and the effect of not pushing off a wall every 25yds.
04-11-09, 11:27 AM
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Water temperature in Lake Huron will be in the low 50s probably in mid-May so that'll be the earliest I'll be able to get into open water. I've got some time before I'll be able to get in the drink and I'd like to be somewhat prepared for the differences (and I think I am). I don't have a flip turn yet and I actually find the push-off one of the most oxygen depleting parts of my lap -- go figure. Don't know if I'm trying to keep the speed of the initial push-off and just having a hard time pacing myself on the initial couple of strokes. Like I said, I'm relearning the sport and am happy with where I'm at with only 1 month of training but wishing I was a lot further. Oh well, with time.
Primarily I guess I'm wondering about the buoyancy compared to say a pull buoy. Is it more/less or just completely different?
--Sax
Primarily I guess I'm wondering about the buoyancy compared to say a pull buoy. Is it more/less or just completely different?
--Sax
04-21-09, 10:12 AM
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Odds are, if your times are fasterwhen you use a pull buoy (and assuming you have no kick, or limited kick when using one) then your overall body position is probably pretty poor when you swim without one.
The buoyancy of a pull buoy keeps you more horizontal, and a wetsuit will help do the same but will also allow you to kick freely.
In short, a wetsuit will probably make a big difference. If you get one, don't be shy about trying it out in the pool many times before the race if the open water option isn't available.
The buoyancy of a pull buoy keeps you more horizontal, and a wetsuit will help do the same but will also allow you to kick freely.
In short, a wetsuit will probably make a big difference. If you get one, don't be shy about trying it out in the pool many times before the race if the open water option isn't available.
