I am currently trying to be a triathlete. I have a competitive swimming background. Using my wetsuit is really bugging me. My stroke feels funny and the fit isn't good sometimes allows too much water in or so I think. I am aware of the advantages triathletes list for using a wetsuit. For a 1/2 mile swim would a "swimmer" still use a wetsuit? I guess I am just looking for support to not use the wetsuit. Thanks
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Former Member
I'm faced with the same question, and have decided to use my wetsuit, for all the reasons Elise mentioned. During the non-triathlon season I do lots of pool swimming with frequent short sprint intervals. I go as fast as I can, by kicking like the devil. In a triathlon, I need to force myself not to kick so much, and focus instead on long, smooth, pull-buoy-like swimming. Wearing the wetsuit will force me to do this, since it is so ridiculously buoyant that I can't even kick effectively.
I have decided to replace my wetsuit this year. I swam about a mile and a half in it the other day, and the shoulders are just too constricting. Everything I've read about the latest and greatest wetsuits is that they use 1mm neoprene in the shoulders for extra flex. I plan to try some of those on, then if I don't like those I will probably end up going with a "short john" sleeveless. In the meantime though, I'm sticking with my current full suit. I am 100% confident that I can remove it in less than 30 seconds. And, I'm pretty sure it will gain me more than 30 seconds on the swim - OR save me enough energy that I can go at least that much faster on the bike and run. Probably a lot faster. That's really the key reason to use a wetsuit, saving energy. Particularly if you want to be competitive against other wetsuit users.
What race are you posting about? Is it the Seafair triathlon? If so, maybe I'll see you there :D]
:applaud: See ya there!
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Former Member
I'm faced with the same question, and have decided to use my wetsuit, for all the reasons Elise mentioned. During the non-triathlon season I do lots of pool swimming with frequent short sprint intervals. I go as fast as I can, by kicking like the devil. In a triathlon, I need to force myself not to kick so much, and focus instead on long, smooth, pull-buoy-like swimming. Wearing the wetsuit will force me to do this, since it is so ridiculously buoyant that I can't even kick effectively.
I have decided to replace my wetsuit this year. I swam about a mile and a half in it the other day, and the shoulders are just too constricting. Everything I've read about the latest and greatest wetsuits is that they use 1mm neoprene in the shoulders for extra flex. I plan to try some of those on, then if I don't like those I will probably end up going with a "short john" sleeveless. In the meantime though, I'm sticking with my current full suit. I am 100% confident that I can remove it in less than 30 seconds. And, I'm pretty sure it will gain me more than 30 seconds on the swim - OR save me enough energy that I can go at least that much faster on the bike and run. Probably a lot faster. That's really the key reason to use a wetsuit, saving energy. Particularly if you want to be competitive against other wetsuit users.
What race are you posting about? Is it the Seafair triathlon? If so, maybe I'll see you there :D]
:applaud: See ya there!
