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The Wetsuit Dilemma

Posted by Active Belle Apr 16, 2008


Gale~

The Tri-California site lists the water temperature for Wildflower between 65 and 68 degrees. The Air temp right now is 71 degrees. Would you recommend that I use a wetsuit? Please keep the following in mind:

1) I have never been swimming in a wetsuit.

2) I don't own a wetsuit and prefer not to purchase one.

I could rent one however is that a good idea when I have never used one before?

Thanks :8}



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Apr 17, 2008 5:36 AM Reply Click to view Manti's profile Manti

Depends on how long the swim is and how strong a swimmer you are. If you are a strong swimmer and this is just sprint TRI, than probably wouldnt worry about a wet suit as it will take you as much time to strip out of it as you will realize in time savings from wearing it....

However, if it is a longer swim, or you are not a great swimmer, than the bouyancy you get from the suit will benefit you greatly and is worth the rental (or ask around, someone you know is bound to have one that will fit you).

Apr 17, 2008 7:48 AM Reply Click to view Gale Bernhardt's profile Gale Bernhardt

Hey Belle ~

I agree with Manti's comments. Additionally, if you are a cold water weenie (like me) then an Olympic distance swim in 65 to 68 degrees is miserable. Where I live, it is possible to rent one (or maybe you can borrow one, as Manti suggests). If you borrow or rent, be sure you have enough room in the shoulders and neck. Of course you don't want too much room either. If possible, try out the rental or loaner before race day.

On your dry run (or would that be wet run?) with the wet suit, try to notice any hot spots where the wetsuit rubs. Typical areas are around the neck and around your arm where the seam of your business blouse has the sleeve attached to the main body.

Let me know how the wetsuit testing goes.

Apr 17, 2008 9:25 AM Reply Click to view Active Belle's profile Active Belle

Thanks guys! Based on your comments I am going to rent (possibly buy) a wetsuit. It's not a sprint and I am absolutely, 100 percent a cold-water weenie!

Apr 17, 2008 11:11 AM Reply Guest Diana

hey Michelle, you can use one of ours (we have a shorty that will fit you and I think a few longs that you can choose from) ((the warmth and buoyancy are totally worth the time to strip))

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Active Belle

Member since: Nov 19, 2007

Belle is a little active but she wants to get more active. Follow her through videos and blogs as she works with help from Active Expert Gale Bernhardt to prepare for the wildflower triathlon next May.

View Active Belle's profile

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