The open water discussion has been a little boring lately so time to add some controversy. The above quote was affixed to a plaque my swimmers gave me when I retired as Head Coach of the University of Denver Masters Swim Team. Yes, they knew where I stood on the subject. Others share my view. In my day job as a stock broker I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal “Wimp or Triathlete, You Probably Like That New Wetsuit" by Kevin Helliker, published on September 24, 1999. In it were several memorable quotes on the subject. "How pathetic, says Betsy Brennan a Lake Michigan swimmer" "When I see people in wetsuits, I think: wimp." Another Chicagoan Ted Erikson, who did a double crossing of the English Channel without a wetsuit, said on the increasingly use of wetsuit by swimmers in Lake Michigan. "I ask them, 'Why don't you just get a boat? Boats have heaters.”:D
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Ken I'm surprised such a comment would come from a coach. I'd have to take a different point of view than you guys. I'm for wetsuits in as many events as possible providing there is also a non-wetsuit category. Many comments I have read over the years from those against wetsuits appeared to be from either the elitist or the purest
As a coach, one of my jobs is to encourage participation; wetsuits are simply another tool that allows me do do so. It's important for beginners to feel safe and comfortable; as they gather experience, I then encourage them to participate without a wetsuit.
I have a very extensive background in open water swimming which I enjoy sharing and teaching - wetsuit allow me to do so. They also allow me the opportunity to teach many triathletes how to swim better in the ocean during their first several sessions.
As admirable and accomplished as Lynn Cox and many marathon swimmers are, they represent a very small portion of participants in open water events.
I'd like to see the sport grow and wetsuits can add to such.
Ken I'm surprised such a comment would come from a coach. I'd have to take a different point of view than you guys. I'm for wetsuits in as many events as possible providing there is also a non-wetsuit category. Many comments I have read over the years from those against wetsuits appeared to be from either the elitist or the purest
As a coach, one of my jobs is to encourage participation; wetsuits are simply another tool that allows me do do so. It's important for beginners to feel safe and comfortable; as they gather experience, I then encourage them to participate without a wetsuit.
I have a very extensive background in open water swimming which I enjoy sharing and teaching - wetsuit allow me to do so. They also allow me the opportunity to teach many triathletes how to swim better in the ocean during their first several sessions.
As admirable and accomplished as Lynn Cox and many marathon swimmers are, they represent a very small portion of participants in open water events.
I'd like to see the sport grow and wetsuits can add to such.
