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
Parents
Former Member
Clearing the air just a bit--To each his/her own regarding desire or motivation to wear a wetsuit. Personally, I don't care who does or doesn't wear them during an event, or even how I, as a "purist" would stack up against those who gain from the bouyancy. If what it takes to get increased participation in open water events means wetsuits for those who desire, then so be it. I simply don't like them if I can avoid wearing one.
I do draw the line on technology entering the sport if it means swimmers will eventually be wearing webbed toed foot skins, webbed finger mits, and shark skinned caps that streamline the body form...hey there is an idea...a wet suit that makes you shaped like a fish...Shark food for sure...
Clearing the air just a bit--To each his/her own regarding desire or motivation to wear a wetsuit. Personally, I don't care who does or doesn't wear them during an event, or even how I, as a "purist" would stack up against those who gain from the bouyancy. If what it takes to get increased participation in open water events means wetsuits for those who desire, then so be it. I simply don't like them if I can avoid wearing one.
I do draw the line on technology entering the sport if it means swimmers will eventually be wearing webbed toed foot skins, webbed finger mits, and shark skinned caps that streamline the body form...hey there is an idea...a wet suit that makes you shaped like a fish...Shark food for sure...
