triathlon training
Reigster now for free to join this or any of the thousands of ongoing discussions - Connect with thousands of athletes, post questions, share thoughts, find a training buddy,access triathlon training programs, marathon training programs and more!  
 
Discussion: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

Subject: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Shelly R.

Written on: 2006-05-12 12:19:24

Message: I'd love to hear experiences whether the preference is wear a wetsuit or not. I'm trying to determine whether I need one.


Subject: RE: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Josh T.

Written on: 2006-05-12 12:28:42

Message: It all really depends on the temp of the water? The distance of the race? and how well you can swim. Wetsuits make the swim portion of a triathlon much easier. It makes you more bouyant in the water so you have an easier time. But if you are a really good swimmer in warm water and the course is less than 1500 meters you might want to think twice about putting on that wetsuit and taking valuable time in Transition from swim to bike.


Subject: RE: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Steven R.

Written on: 2006-05-12 13:06:48

Message: I would recommend always to wear a wet suit if you can. Even elite swimmers wear them ! The reason is that it makes you more bouyant and efficient in the water thus cconserving energy. It also makes you faster in the water. If the cost is inhibiting you, you can rent one. There are company's that you can rent a wet suit and they will mail it to you. I personally do not find taking off a wet suit that much of a transition time burner.


Subject: RE: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Jamie B.

Written on: 2006-05-12 18:15:22

Message: I second Steven's thoughts! I sell wetsuits and tri gear for a living and of all the things to buy a wetsuit is the only true way to buy speed. Wetsuits do the hard part for you they make you float that way all your energy is going toward moving you forward. I have worn wetsuits in the warmest temp allowed to be legal for both half and iron distance and had no problems with overheating. Like Josh said too anything shorter than an olympic distance than a lot will depend on the water temp. With that the time you save with the wetsuit on you will lose it in the transition area unless you are really effecient with getting out of one. best of luck


Subject: RE: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Ronald F.

Written on: 2006-05-13 01:20:26

Message: For most people the wetsuit will conserve energy and be faster even in a sprint. For fast swimmers a half mile to 1500 meters is about the cutoff for not helping in over all time if the water is warm. There are other factors such as a long run to transition is tiring in a wetsuit. And cold water will sap some energy and tighten muscles therefore a wetsuit will be helpful in a cold water sprint even for very fast swimmers.

I always seem to make things too complicated.
If in doubt use a wetsuit.
Ron



Subject: RE: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Ron G.

Written on: 2006-05-14 00:51:07

Message: No Brainer.
If the H2O temp falls within the allowable limits (78 degrees) and the swim is more than 500 yds, wear a wetsuit.
You will go faster and use less energy doing so..More energy saved on the swim can be converted to the bike and run.


Subject: RE: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Bill H.

Written on: 2006-05-14 18:10:27

Message: I was going to ask the question also. I did a sprint triathlon on Friday morning here in Key West. Air temp was high 80s and water temp was 82. About a minute before the race started, 2 guys put wet suits on (one actually ran to his car to get his when he saw the other suiting up). They ended up being 1-2 on the swim. So anyway, is a shorty the way to go on warm days? (freeing up the arms) Or, is a .5 millimeter full skin better?
Thanks


Subject: RE: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Bill D.

Written on: 2006-05-14 22:16:41

Message: I am with Steve R anytime a race allows wetsuits wear one. We need all the help we can so take advatage of it.


Subject: RE: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Jim m.

Written on: 2006-05-15 11:45:07

Message: what is the diff between a wetsuit and a Trisuit?
Is a Trisuit (TYR) for warm water/days?
Thanks
Jim


Subject: RE: Poll: To Wetsuit or Not To Wetsuit?

By: Brad H.

Written on: 2006-05-15 11:58:01

Message: Wetsuits and Trisuits are 2 completely different animals... The wetsuit is neoprene and bouyant, usually full leg length and sleeved. The trisuit replaces a bathing suit / singlet...




Back to Discussion Index

Triathlon Training  Triathlon Gear  Marathon Training  Health and Fitness