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
I think one non-wetsuit category would suffice. But keep it pure, no caps, goggles, paddlers, or lifeguards. Everyone should own up to thier own limitations.
I wouldn't call any of these limitations. Especially when swimming a body of water like the Chesapeake Bay where water is not chrystal-clear and is subject to boat traffic or marine life, these measures are there to help minimize the risk of a disaster.
a bright-colored cap identifies where you are;
goggles help you make sure you stay on course, especially if there aren't two large lane lines like there are for the bay swim;
the paddlers/lifeguards are there to not only make sure you can make it across, but also are easily identified by other boaters and prevent you from getting run over by boat traffic.
I think one non-wetsuit category would suffice. But keep it pure, no caps, goggles, paddlers, or lifeguards. Everyone should own up to thier own limitations.
I wouldn't call any of these limitations. Especially when swimming a body of water like the Chesapeake Bay where water is not chrystal-clear and is subject to boat traffic or marine life, these measures are there to help minimize the risk of a disaster.
a bright-colored cap identifies where you are;
goggles help you make sure you stay on course, especially if there aren't two large lane lines like there are for the bay swim;
the paddlers/lifeguards are there to not only make sure you can make it across, but also are easily identified by other boaters and prevent you from getting run over by boat traffic.
