Does anyone know of a 'reasonable' conversion factor for open water swims wearing versus not wearing a wetsuit? I know...lots of variables including individual capabilities.
Thanks,
Tree
Parents
Former Member
I've also seen occurrences where some swimmers would be faster without a wet compared to swimming with one. Quite a large margin.
Do explain. I cannot imagine this is true. Wait, a person missing both arms might be faster in a speedo than a full sleeve wetsuit. I don't think that is what you meant.
I’ am one of those occurrences. In last years Alcatraz Challenge, I bested all of the wetsuit division going naked. Granted I felt very good, even though it was a first time Alcatraz swim for me, I think my navigation was spot on. However I was very surprised to have beaten the 19 year old who won the wetsuit category but I have since formed a theory. The swim was to Christy Field overall direction was to the southwest. There was a headwind coming in off the ocean that formed a chop. I believe the additional buoyancy of the saltwater and wetsuit, caused the wetsuit wearers to catch sail in the wrong way and get pushed back, where as I swam through the chop.
www.tricalifornia.com/.../Alcatraz Aquathlon09 Results.pdf
I've also seen occurrences where some swimmers would be faster without a wet compared to swimming with one. Quite a large margin.
Do explain. I cannot imagine this is true. Wait, a person missing both arms might be faster in a speedo than a full sleeve wetsuit. I don't think that is what you meant.
I’ am one of those occurrences. In last years Alcatraz Challenge, I bested all of the wetsuit division going naked. Granted I felt very good, even though it was a first time Alcatraz swim for me, I think my navigation was spot on. However I was very surprised to have beaten the 19 year old who won the wetsuit category but I have since formed a theory. The swim was to Christy Field overall direction was to the southwest. There was a headwind coming in off the ocean that formed a chop. I believe the additional buoyancy of the saltwater and wetsuit, caused the wetsuit wearers to catch sail in the wrong way and get pushed back, where as I swam through the chop.
www.tricalifornia.com/.../Alcatraz Aquathlon09 Results.pdf
