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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Wow, I'm seeing all this USMS discussion board emails showing up in my inbox and I'm asking myself what's up? Suddenly a four year old thread I started comes back to life. FYI – aging has not mellowed my opinion – LOL. :thhbbb:
In my youth I was treated to a story about my Great Great Grandfather, a German homesteader in the Ukraine. Although of German descent and a pacifist he was conscripted into the Russian Army. During his time in the army he was known to strip down and take a swim or bath in whatever body of water that presented itself, even in the dead of the Russian winter. Apparently some of his genome has survived in me. Like many people when I get into cold water, I'll shout “OMG it's cold!” But I find it very energizing and have learned how to adapt. Being landlocked at the moment, I'm envious of Surfergirl, a brisk mile in the LaJolla cove without a wet suit, how invigorating! Top it off with a shower and a espresso shot, :coffee: I can't think of a better natural high! Frigid water and exercise equals robust production of endorphins and maybe that's the reason for purism. It is very cool to watch a big wave surfer towed into a wave by a Jet Ski. But it's so much more special when those old school dudes paddle into the big surf with no mechanical help. Same can be said of free climbers just them, the rock and a bag of chalk.
There is no denying the wet suit has greatly expanded the number of people who swim in open water environments. Would've the sport of Triathlon expanded to it's present level of commercial success with out it? Not a chance. However the wetsuit is a different animal then other technology that has advanced the world of swimming and triathlon. It's the difference between assistance and benefit! Bicycle racing has benefited from the weight saving materials like carbon fiber frames, aerodynamic wheels and handlebars. Swimming has benefited from Fastskin type technology which makes a swimmer more hydrodynamic. What's the difference between a Fastskin (benefit) and a wetsuit (assistance)? An example; the famous Tour De France stage, the climb up Mout Ventoux. The latest computer designed carbon fiber Trek racing bicycle is a benefit to the cyclist climbing that hill, having a tow rope up the mountain is assistance. The swimming wetsuit equates to a tow rope or in this case water wings for adults.
One of the paramount skills of swimming is body position. The ability to “swim downhill” or having the correct body position is the difference between a confidant (not necessarily fast) swimmer and the unqualified swimmer. The wetsuit totally negates the need to learn this skill as it's buoyancy does more then just assist, it forces the swimmer into the correct position.
Now all that being said and couple of cliches later: the genie is out the bottle, the clock can't be turned back. All I ask of wetsuit wearers, is to honestly admit the water wing like assistance they provide. On that note, Merry Christmas to all swimmers!
P.S. Oh yea, I almost forgot, one of the most excellent benefits of the wetsuit, really super safe sex. ;)
Wow, I'm seeing all this USMS discussion board emails showing up in my inbox and I'm asking myself what's up? Suddenly a four year old thread I started comes back to life. FYI – aging has not mellowed my opinion – LOL. :thhbbb:
In my youth I was treated to a story about my Great Great Grandfather, a German homesteader in the Ukraine. Although of German descent and a pacifist he was conscripted into the Russian Army. During his time in the army he was known to strip down and take a swim or bath in whatever body of water that presented itself, even in the dead of the Russian winter. Apparently some of his genome has survived in me. Like many people when I get into cold water, I'll shout “OMG it's cold!” But I find it very energizing and have learned how to adapt. Being landlocked at the moment, I'm envious of Surfergirl, a brisk mile in the LaJolla cove without a wet suit, how invigorating! Top it off with a shower and a espresso shot, :coffee: I can't think of a better natural high! Frigid water and exercise equals robust production of endorphins and maybe that's the reason for purism. It is very cool to watch a big wave surfer towed into a wave by a Jet Ski. But it's so much more special when those old school dudes paddle into the big surf with no mechanical help. Same can be said of free climbers just them, the rock and a bag of chalk.
There is no denying the wet suit has greatly expanded the number of people who swim in open water environments. Would've the sport of Triathlon expanded to it's present level of commercial success with out it? Not a chance. However the wetsuit is a different animal then other technology that has advanced the world of swimming and triathlon. It's the difference between assistance and benefit! Bicycle racing has benefited from the weight saving materials like carbon fiber frames, aerodynamic wheels and handlebars. Swimming has benefited from Fastskin type technology which makes a swimmer more hydrodynamic. What's the difference between a Fastskin (benefit) and a wetsuit (assistance)? An example; the famous Tour De France stage, the climb up Mout Ventoux. The latest computer designed carbon fiber Trek racing bicycle is a benefit to the cyclist climbing that hill, having a tow rope up the mountain is assistance. The swimming wetsuit equates to a tow rope or in this case water wings for adults.
One of the paramount skills of swimming is body position. The ability to “swim downhill” or having the correct body position is the difference between a confidant (not necessarily fast) swimmer and the unqualified swimmer. The wetsuit totally negates the need to learn this skill as it's buoyancy does more then just assist, it forces the swimmer into the correct position.
Now all that being said and couple of cliches later: the genie is out the bottle, the clock can't be turned back. All I ask of wetsuit wearers, is to honestly admit the water wing like assistance they provide. On that note, Merry Christmas to all swimmers!
P.S. Oh yea, I almost forgot, one of the most excellent benefits of the wetsuit, really super safe sex. ;)
