I have always seen open water swimming as a separate discipline from pool swimming, so I find it understandable that there are different rules including what suits are appropriate for the sport. I have only done OWS in the summer with relatively warm water, but given that the nature of OWS includes fairly cold water temperatures, jellyfish, and other variables, it makes sense that more of the body needs to be covered in certain conditions.
Some of my friends competed in the Provincetown OWS with the water in the 60's i believe- even in a wetsuit I would not have liked water that cold!
With pool swimming, those variables do not exist. I agree with Chris' analysis and feel that the tech suit ban for 2010 is the best course for usms to adopt.
I have always seen open water swimming as a separate discipline from pool swimming, so I find it understandable that there are different rules including what suits are appropriate for the sport. I have only done OWS in the summer with relatively warm water, but given that the nature of OWS includes fairly cold water temperatures, jellyfish, and other variables, it makes sense that more of the body needs to be covered in certain conditions.
Some of my friends competed in the Provincetown OWS with the water in the 60's i believe- even in a wetsuit I would not have liked water that cold!
With pool swimming, those variables do not exist. I agree with Chris' analysis and feel that the tech suit ban for 2010 is the best course for usms to adopt.
