I have an upcoming open water swim that I'd like to do well in. Would it be unwise to wear my Fastskin legskins in this event, or is this something that people do all the time? Am I risking too much damage to the suit, or should I not worry about it and go for it?
Thanks ahead of time for any advice,
Boom Boom
Former Member
I think it depends where you’re going to swim. Although MOST swimmers used black wet suits while swimming Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge swims, both times I swam these events I wore a regular Speedo. Reason: I did not some Great White Shark thinking I was his/her seal dinner.
Salt water acts as an abrasive on the skin; I am not sure what it would do to a high dollar fast skin suit. I suggest you put A&D Ointment or Vaseline around your neck and under your arms. This reduces the suspended salt abrasion that takes place while swimming long open water events (in salt water).
Good luck with your swim....
Kindest regards,
Tom Ellison
Tom,
Thanks for the reply. Those are good points.
I forgot to mention that this will be in warmer, fresh water. I'm down on the Gulf Coast. Wetsuits will not be allowed, unfortunately.
I don't think that I'd use vaseline or A&D ointment if it was going to get on your suit. Most of those products can actually weaken/dissolve the fiber of many synthetic suits. Perhaps BodyGlide would serve the same purpose and be easier on that expensive suit.
-LBJ
How long is your open water swim?
A problem I have found with fastskin, is that if it fits right, it will overheat your body on anything longer than a 500. Having known some serious distance swimmers, they would not recommend it.
As for the wear and tear, it's your money. I wouldn't do it.
