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
Former Member
I dont have a problem with swimmers using wetsuits . Only in some classic events where the rules have been made like the English Channel swim should they not be allowed "for record" unless different classes are made to distingush the classic swim vs the suit swim. Without wetsuits many tri events would not even have a swim. the swim is for most people the scariest part of the event. wetsuits aid bouyence and up confidence.
the swim is for most people the scariest part of the event. wetsuits aid bouyence and up confidence.
don't you think that is bad? i feel very strongly that if you need a wetsuit/surfboard/any other type of equipment in order to feel safe or comfortable in the ocean, you should not be swimming in the ocean!!!
No I dont. There not swimming by themselves in a tri race but with a large group with life guards ,kayakers ect. Certain gear that you mention if your swimming by your self can get gone and I agree with you that a swimmer who swims alone should be able to deal with loosing swim "helpers" and making it back in. A wetsuit however is pretty hard to loose.
i feel very strongly that if you need a wetsuit/surfboard/any other type of equipment in order to feel safe or comfortable in the ocean, you should not be swimming in the ocean!!!Personally, I believe that anything that helps get people swimming is a good thing. If it takes a wetsuit to get someone to try open water swimming, then put on the wetsuit and come on in.
I prefer to go without, as long as the water temp is above 50F, but if it wasn’t for wetsuits I wouldn’t have had any training partners when I went for cold water training swims.
I've done some open water miles, including an ocean swim w/ the water temp in the 60s--in that one, the race literature even recommended wetsuits--and a 5.25 miler all without a wetsuit.
It's not that I'm especially courageous. Darn things are too expensive! But then I think it's been good that way b/c I haven't come to depend on wetsuits. However, I have no particular issue w/ others wearing them--I suppose if they do give a speed advantage, it would be more fair to offer a wetsuit and non-wetsuit division... and now, based on your comments, the no-suit division... but I'm not crazy about that last. C'mon guys, don'tcha know sunscreen gets expensive if you have to cover more of yourself? :violin:
I will say that for the 5+ mile race, my cousin offered to lend me his wetsuit, but I said no I'd be fine. He was worried so he sent the wetsuit; however, it didn't reach me in time b/c I'd already left for the race. Fortunately, I never felt the need for it the whole time. The air temp was very warm and the water too, so I think I would have been too hot in a wetsuit, although others wore them. But I never once felt cold. Seasick, yes. ;) But not cold.
I'm now thinking though that making it through 5 miles w/out a wetsuit enhances the sense of accomplishment I already felt w/ having done the swim (I don't take it way from wetsuit wearers since that's a heckuva long time to swim for anyone.)
So I'm either a real swimmer or a broke swimmer, ha!
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...
For me,..its about HAVING FUN!!! I personally feel that if one loves to swim in the Ocean, I am 100% for them , regardless if they want to swim in a tuxedo or a bananna sling or a thong or a barrell or a birthday suit or a wetsuit.
An intresting side note,...my wife does not swim,..but loves to watch . She has commented the the body types of swimmers covers the whole spectrum,..and she likes it that swimmers are not embarressed about their bodies not being perfect.
Greetings
Just my two cents worth. I really like swimming with a wetsuit. Where I live the water is always cold. Without a wetsuit I would freeze my caboose off. With one on I can swim further faster longer than without one. At the end of the day I had a great workout and more fun than you can imagine with a wetsuit on anyway. Just don't get the debate over this issue. Do you scoffers use a cell phone? Shame on you! You should use rotary dial phones if you are really true to yourselves. Oh and don't bother filling that antibiotic scrip next time you get an infection........
Regards
Spudfin
