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.
Former Member
Many swimmers may never finish a swim if they did not wear a wet suit. Depending on ability it could be up to a 30% or more faster. These things make some bad swimmers into pretty good swimmers.
They should be barred from any race.
I guess I must not be a serious swimmer, since the only times I have raced in a wetsuit, I did it for speed not warmth. However by my estimation, in those races, a 30 second improvement (because of the wet suit) was worth a couple of grand in prize money. So I’ll take the money and live with being called a subpar doggy paddling novice.
Personally, I would prefer to not use a wetsuit for speed OR warmth (provided the water temp is over about 47 degrees) , but if wearing wetsuits brings more people into the sport, then I’m all for having wetsuit divisions in races.
Unless there is money at stake.
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.
Personally, I like to stay warm. I usually don an Aqua Skin WT80 top to go swimming in the height of summer outdoors and in my usual indoor heated pools anytime. Maybe if I learn to swim better and can knock out more distance without stopping I'll warm up.
I guess AquaSkin would be considered a wetsuit. It is part Lycra and part Lycra-Neoprene blend. www.aquasphereswim.com/.../aqua_skin_wt80.html
In my case about :10 or so per 100 improvement, with a sleeveless wetsuit. This is based on comparing my open water times with a wetsuit with times of other people without westuits, and comparing 1500/1650 pool times with the same people.
