I've been swimming regularly in the pool for amost a year. The last time I wore a wetsuit was in August of 2005. Here it is almost a year later and I wore it for the first time.
I had great difficulty trying to get my kick into any sort of rythym. The movement of my legs seemed restricted. I also had trouble with the added boyancy. It also seemed to interfere with my balance and kick and also restricted my normal breathing.
The suit may be a bit small, but it is not too small. I just think that I am having trouble making the adjustment.
I have a triathlon next week and I may just do it in my fastskin.
Does anyone else feel frustrated when trying a wetsuit if most of their training is in the pool?
Yes, swimming in a wetsuit does not feel at all like swimming in a swimsuit. The wetsuit makes you more buoyant (especially your legs if it is a long-leg wetsuit), which can easily make your kick feel 'off'. It also affects the location of your center of gravity?/buoyancy?, pushing it down your torso.
I'd try to do a few practices in the wetsuit before doing the tri. Our team consists of a mix of competitive swimmers, triathletes and fitness swimmers (and people that are a combo of all three). We have open water practices outdoors once a week in the summer and a lot of the triathletes use these practices specifically to work on sighting and swimming in the wetsuit. Also, practicing in the wetsuit can help remind you where to liberally apply the Bodyglide to keep as much skin as possible on your body during the race. :)
Yes, swimming in a wetsuit does not feel at all like swimming in a swimsuit. The wetsuit makes you more buoyant (especially your legs if it is a long-leg wetsuit), which can easily make your kick feel 'off'. It also affects the location of your center of gravity?/buoyancy?, pushing it down your torso.
I'd try to do a few practices in the wetsuit before doing the tri. Our team consists of a mix of competitive swimmers, triathletes and fitness swimmers (and people that are a combo of all three). We have open water practices outdoors once a week in the summer and a lot of the triathletes use these practices specifically to work on sighting and swimming in the wetsuit. Also, practicing in the wetsuit can help remind you where to liberally apply the Bodyglide to keep as much skin as possible on your body during the race. :)
