I am a triathlete who swims, not fast. Recently I experienced more than a few times that slower pool swimmers than me were passing me in OW practices (all including myself wearing wetsuit). I swim relatively straight, though I may tend to lift my head too much for sighting. Anyway they are obviously getting a larger benefit of wearing a wetsuit. Since most of the tri races around here allow you to wear a wetsuit, what matters is the speed with one. Does this tell you what I need to work on?? I know my body position improved during the last few years (of course still lots to learn) - I don't feel a huge difference in my lower body position with a wetsuit on as I used to. So I thought my stroke particually catch/pull phase was weak and started using more pull buoy while concentrating on catch/pull. Am I in the right direction?
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Former Member
I can't say I have an answer for you.... but the fact is, plenty of pool swimmers don't perform in open water equal to their ability in the pool. I suspect there are a gazillion reasons why. I would suggest trying to spend more time swimming in open water. Expereince is the key. The more you do, the more conditions you face and conquer, the better. I don't believe a wetsuit will help a slow swimmer more than a fast swimmer. Just make sure your wetsuit fits properly.
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Former Member
I can't say I have an answer for you.... but the fact is, plenty of pool swimmers don't perform in open water equal to their ability in the pool. I suspect there are a gazillion reasons why. I would suggest trying to spend more time swimming in open water. Expereince is the key. The more you do, the more conditions you face and conquer, the better. I don't believe a wetsuit will help a slow swimmer more than a fast swimmer. Just make sure your wetsuit fits properly.
