I plan on doing the 5K championships without a wetsuit, but I also plan on a non sanctioned 6 mile swim and some other team tri's this summer where I wetsuits are permitted.
I was wondering how much faster a 1000 time would be with a wetsuit. Anyone have good experience or numbers for this?
I may put it on and try a pool 1000 to see what the difference is, but I would like to avoid the test.
I would like to use the wetsuit if it will be faster.
Parents
Former Member
As far as I am aware, wetsuits are banned in every USMS open water event (you can wear one, but you will be disqualified). So fear not people, if you enter a USMS event, you won't have to face any "aided" swimmers.
I believe the distinction here is between "swim only" events and triathlons. Yes, there are a few swim only open water events that allow wetsuits. My experience is that most "real swimmers" choose not to wear the wetsuit at these races. Those who wear them are generally triathletes who tend not to be in the running for top finishes. At triathlons, however, wetsuits are prevelant. But they are illegal if the water temp is above 78.
There are four things to keep in mind regarding triathletes: 1) swimming is generally their weakest discipline (this is a generality, and based on my perspective as a swimmer first/triathlete second). 2) triathletes hate cold water. Most triathletes lack much body fat. Even 76 degree water chills them quickly. 3) A triathlon is more than a just the swim. An opportunity to conserve a little energy in the swim helps later when you are trying to get through the bike and run. And 4) Triathlon race directors fear the swim with all of their being. Disaster can happen quickly during the swim. The absolute last thing a race director wants is a fatality. A weak swimmer can go down in a split second. A wetsuit at least gives them a chance of survival - or being found easily.
So , lighten up about the wetsuits guys. They are not a crutch. They simply make you go faster. Isn't that the reason fastskins are more popular than nylon suits. Isn't that the reason people shave at big meets? Wearing a wetsuit doesn't mean I get to swim easily. I swim just as hard AND get a faster time.
As far as I am aware, wetsuits are banned in every USMS open water event (you can wear one, but you will be disqualified). So fear not people, if you enter a USMS event, you won't have to face any "aided" swimmers.
I believe the distinction here is between "swim only" events and triathlons. Yes, there are a few swim only open water events that allow wetsuits. My experience is that most "real swimmers" choose not to wear the wetsuit at these races. Those who wear them are generally triathletes who tend not to be in the running for top finishes. At triathlons, however, wetsuits are prevelant. But they are illegal if the water temp is above 78.
There are four things to keep in mind regarding triathletes: 1) swimming is generally their weakest discipline (this is a generality, and based on my perspective as a swimmer first/triathlete second). 2) triathletes hate cold water. Most triathletes lack much body fat. Even 76 degree water chills them quickly. 3) A triathlon is more than a just the swim. An opportunity to conserve a little energy in the swim helps later when you are trying to get through the bike and run. And 4) Triathlon race directors fear the swim with all of their being. Disaster can happen quickly during the swim. The absolute last thing a race director wants is a fatality. A weak swimmer can go down in a split second. A wetsuit at least gives them a chance of survival - or being found easily.
So , lighten up about the wetsuits guys. They are not a crutch. They simply make you go faster. Isn't that the reason fastskins are more popular than nylon suits. Isn't that the reason people shave at big meets? Wearing a wetsuit doesn't mean I get to swim easily. I swim just as hard AND get a faster time.
