LD16 303.6.3 SWIMWEAR p. 62 OWLDC Modify
303.6.3 Wetsuits may be allowed in all USMS-sanctioned open water events, at the
discretion of the meet event director. Wetsuits generally provide a competitive advantage. If
awards are given to wetsuit competitors they shall be awarded separately from those for nonwetsuit
competitors. Any published results or records must clearly indicate which swimmers
wore wetsuits.
Rationale 1: Because the OWLDC is aware that people wearing wetsuits are no longer allowed to be treated as
non-participants because they represent a major area of growth to our organization. In most cases, these
neoprene-clad souls would trade their eye teeth to go without but for whatever reasons they chose to look like
shark bait, they want/need/can’t live without it so by allowing this new rule, they can now wear their wetsuit in
our USMS races and get a prize from USMS. Also, members of the OWLDC are getting tired of extracting
naked, frozen people from the bathrooms where they are attempting to warm up by splashing themselves with
lukewarm water from the sink and recognize that if these folks had been offered an opportunity to wear a
wetsuit in their race, they would be having a much more fun time at this USMS event than experiencing
hypothermia and swearing on their mother’s grave to never swim in an open water race again.
Rationale2: This rule is leading our organization down the slippery slope to The Sanitization of Open Water
Swimming. We have regulated water temp, hot hats, buoys every so often, swim suits that help us float, and
more devices to take the element of nature out of the events, sort of like rock climbing with an elevator, so are
we “purists” now viewed as the extremists in our sport, the on the fringe element? But on the other hand at
least people are swimming and staying healthy, which is a wonderful thing for our society.
Rationale3: As purists spend time acclimating to less warm water temps and not spending time cycling 140
miles or running 26 at a stretch, do we get a motor on our bike? How about we start a “Buffet Event”, similar to
the 300IM: Pick a few choices you want and we’ll all compete together. This could lead to the “All Gadget
Olympics.”
Really?! What a burden ... handing out a few more awards ... might be like a swim meet.
Not to mention the rule does say "if awards are given to wetsuit competitors..." so there is absolutely no requirement that non-wetsuit swimmers be given awards.
Is it remotely possible that a fast swimmer might choose to wear a wetsuit so as to not freeze and swim more efficiently? Or perhaps it's just a general preference? And do we really need to withhold medals or whatever to ensure they are a lower class of swimmer? Doesn't seem like a very good way to encourage triathletes to swim OW or pool swimmers to try something new ... I'm not a fan of "nature" if it includes freezing water and jellyfish ...
I was going to make a disparaging comment about distance swimmers (vs the elite sprinters and the ultra elite breaststrokers)but I was taught if you don't have something nice to say,don't say anything.As long as they keep wetsuits out of the pool I don't care(and the Nero Comp is questionable.)
I voted to allow them AND that wetsuits are for wimps (since you can pick more than one selection). Having said that, I'm am such a wimp. One reason I've never swum an OW event is that the water around here is way to frickin' cold!
ever been to the award ceremony at the bay swim? extremely long ...i can't imagine if they doubled it. (it would be longer than the swim)
Why do they even need an award ceremony? Particularly if none of the "real swimmers" care? It's not like they have them at swim meets. Can't people just collect their medals if they want them?
I never stay for the medal ceremonies for three reasons. First, it's rare I get a medal, second, I prefer to get home, third, most places just have a table where you make your own.
I think if you wear a wetsuit in water over 64 degrees you should forfeit your USMS card.
...and your "man card."
I say encourage all to come--separate awards. I'm more of a minimalist, however. In one of my favorite races, the clocks broke or some such nonsense, they gave top 3 out of the water (and 3 for female) an award as we were coming out of the water, I went directly to my car, and rolled up just in time for my daughter's baptism.
Sitting around for awards while they call the top 3 in the 85-89 year-old transgender, african-american, shortie wetsuit division is caca--and therefore I generally do not stay.
I never stay for the medal ceremonies for three reasons. First, it's rare I get a medal, second, I prefer to get home, third, most places just have a table where you make your own.
I call BS and have a photo to prove otherwise...careful geek as you have allowed some of us into your inner sanctum and have ammo we can now use!
I think meet directors should have the option of having wetsuit swimmers getting an official time but would be ineligible for an award or points (exhibition).
I was going to make a disparaging comment about distance swimmers (vs the elite sprinters and the ultra elite breaststrokers)but I was taught if you don't have something nice to say,don't say anything.As long as they keep wetsuits out of the pool I don't care(and the Nero Comp is questionable.)
"Ultra elite breaststrokers?" :lmao: They are the ultimate example of the "live and let live" philosophy that supports a separate division for wetsuits...long after the stroke evolved into (far superior) butterfly, we still allow those bozos their ugly frog kick to compete...
The Nero Comp comment is interesting. I see a LOT of high-tech suits (Fastskins, B70s, and others) at OW events that are supposedly wetsuit-free. The ethical distinction between them and wetsuits (all are intended to enhance performance) really does escape me. Don't tell me it is a matter of degree, that's hogwash ("I only meant to steal A LITTLE BIT of money!")
At least the proposed rule separates wetsuits into a separate division at championships, unlike B70s, LZRs and the like.
So I'm curious how many wetsuit nay-sayers have never worn a tech suit in a meet? Very few of those at the last nationals, from what I remember.
