rockindude24

I have done several duathlons, but will be participating in my first tri in mid May. I was looking into wetsuits, as I hope to continue beyond the one triathlon, and am debating between sleeveless or full suit. The water temp in the one I am in in May over the past years has typically been in the low 60's. A full may be ideal for that one, but what about later in the season with warmer water temps? Will a full be too warm in wet suit legal tris? Obviously how everyone handles temperature is subjective, but what is everyone's opinion?

I'm leaning towards sleeveless because just the arms in cool water doesn't seem like it would affect the body too much, but just wondered others' thoughts were?

Appreciate it!

OldTryGuy

Simple answer is...what's your cold water tolerance? When I lived back north, 60's would not be a problem as was evident when we came to SW FL. in January and we would be fine swimming in the Gulf with 60's, but now after 27 years down here.......not a snowball's chance in.... I popped in the heated County pool last Friday for 2400 yards and the initial blast of 82F water was a jolt.

Last year my first tri was an April 70.3 in a shallow lake. Water temp. was taken down a bit and was WS legal. Surface temp. was a bit higher so I got in without a suit as did a few others and once moving it was refreshing. Temp. was in the 70'S. I have IM 70.3 FL. this April and will bring both full and sleeveless.

BTW, I am a BOP swimmer so any help for the swim, i.e. a wetsuit, I will usually take advantage of.

Good luck and have fun.

thehammerdog

A full suit is faster.

Gege-Bubu

I have a full sleeve suit and happy with it. it does not restrict my shoulder movements, it fits ok.

Gerry Rodrigues advises against sleeveless suit, because it it is not fit right it will get some water inside.
Wet suit is not about the temperature.

Ludkeh

Orca full wet suit, works great. I have a low tolerance for cold water and the wet suit helps. Also it's fast!