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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Dr. Kurt- Great comments, but hey, if it wasn't for lawyers there would be a longer line at the pearly gates!
Wet suit or not- whatever it takes to get you out there. I've done the Columbia River Race in 58 degree water without one (only 3 out of a field of 75) and was accused of not taking the race seriously! I finally wore one in the Chesapeake Bay 4.4 race this summer and hated it. The added bouyancy throws off my stroke. I caved in to peer pressure. I think the race director (who otherwise does a fantastic job) ought to foster more non-wetsuit categories.
Tree
i couldn't agree more with the last sentence. both times i swam the bay, h20 temps were mid 70's.....clearly not a safety issue for 95% of the field.
Dr. Kurt- Great comments, but hey, if it wasn't for lawyers there would be a longer line at the pearly gates!
Wet suit or not- whatever it takes to get you out there. I've done the Columbia River Race in 58 degree water without one (only 3 out of a field of 75) and was accused of not taking the race seriously! I finally wore one in the Chesapeake Bay 4.4 race this summer and hated it. The added bouyancy throws off my stroke. I caved in to peer pressure. I think the race director (who otherwise does a fantastic job) ought to foster more non-wetsuit categories.
Tree
i couldn't agree more with the last sentence. both times i swam the bay, h20 temps were mid 70's.....clearly not a safety issue for 95% of the field.
