I haven't done a Tri yet, I am a fairly strong cyclist as well as runner, but not so good at swimming. I hired a coach to monitor my training with cycling (my main focus, as I race recreationally in both road and mtb), and he is also a swim trainer. I took a lesson from him and learned alot about technique, now I just have to put it into practice.
What I'm wondering is, while I am getting more proficient at swimming (and I know that will take alot of time), can I use a wetsuit to be sort of an "equalizer", to help with buoyancy? I've been told this is the case by others in the local Tri scene, but would like to hear from others. Would this be a reasonable way to at least improve my swimming part of Tri's, while I try to improve with form, so that I am not doing the dog-paddle or dead-man float for the entire swim?!
If this is a reasonable strategy (again, only to bridge the gap until I do improve with my swimming), what kind of wetsuit should I get - farmer john, full length, short arms/legs, or something else? What thickness (water is cool here, but in the summer when I'll be doing it, its not too bad - could get away with not wearing a wetsuit in the summer)?
Thanks for any and all advice, tips, etc.
absolutely, in races most athletes were wetsuits unless it's a short race or super warm water. The pros were them in Hawaii though the water is warm. It does give you added bouyancy, thus making the swim portion easier. However, since most others will be wearing one as well, any advantage over other swimmers in nullified. I wouldn't train in one though, unless you go out and do some open water swims.
On the wetsuit type, since you're up in canada I'd opt for a full suit. Popular brands among others here are QR and Orca. You can visit this section of the site for a list of most of the wetsuits available on the market and reviews and ratings from other user.
[url]http://www.trifuel.com/gear/Swim/Triathlon_Wetsuits/[/url]
p.s. welcome to the site :)
Thanks alot...
I appreciate the input. I'm not worried about gaining an advantage, I just want to be able to swim at an acceptable rate.
I just asked my wife about this as well (she just started doing the Try-a-Tri's locally), and she said they have a rule that if the water temperature is above a certain point, wetsuits aren't allowed! Have you ever heard of such a silly rule?! I'm just thinking, if in the pro ranks of Ironman, etc., they wear them in Hawaii (where the water is guaranteed warmer than here), why on earth would they make a rule like that in the recreational ranks here?
PS thanks for the welcome, looks like a great forum to join!
ya, they have that rule here as well. Most places actually. Can't recall the exact temperature. I think it may be to prevent people from overheating. It can get warm in those things and I've seen pros get pulled out of the water as they've overheated and couldn't recover.
i just read at an event website that over 64 degrees was the cutoff for prizes and over 68 degrees precluded wetsuits altogether. don't know if that's race-specific or USAT. when in doubt, e-mail the race organizer.
cheers,
justin
Temperature
Larry,
USAT rules state "
4.4 Wet suits.
Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wet suit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. The wetsuit policy for elite athletes shall be determined by the USAT Athletes Advisory Council.
4.5 Notice Of Wet Suit Policy.
The wet suit policy for any particular race shall be included on all race literature that is intended for distribution to potential participants. The wet suit policy shall conform to Section 4.4, unless a change is granted in compliance with Section 1.4. The wet suit policy on such literature shall include the following information, if applicable:
(a) Any changes from Section 4.4;
(b) Any specific restrictions on equipment;
(c) Any disparity between the wet suit policy for age group athletes and the policy for elite athletes."
Here is the website [url]http://www.usatriathlon.org/Rules_Officials/rules.htm#4.4[/url]
I use a wetsuit in any race that will allow it unless it is 400m or less. Yes it helps with buoyancy, but if you haven't used one it will kick your butt in the transition area trying to get it off. Also you may want to swim in it once or twice to see where it rubs you at, then on race day use "Body Glide" on those ares. If you don't , your girlfriend might get jealous because you will have a "wetsuit hickie" the wetsuit will rub you RAW!!! :p
The reason they allow athletes to wear wetsuits is so that they don't come out of the water purple! It's purpose is warmth and an added bonus is bouyancy. Having a temperature cutoff is actually in your favor. There is a point where it's too warm to wear a wetsuit and your performance will suffer because the body can't cool off in the wetsuit. (See pool temp post about how it sucks to swim in warm water)
However, in Canada, I doubt you will find an open water swim where the temp is too high for a wetsuit. I haven't had one here in New Mexico. Tips for wetsuit shopping...buy a tri specific suit. Sleeves are really more personal preference, I'm a sleeveless girl. The short legged suits are pretty pointless, get full legs. If you are ordering from a website, call them to place the order to make sure you get the right size. The charts don't always work.
Check out:
[url]www.wetsuit.com[/url]