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
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 did not get this old being stupid, if it's that cold - wear one & enjoy what we do!
Why stop with a wetsuit, if one gets a boat as Ted Erikson suggests, your next stop will be membership with Mensa International. :soapbox:
The real question is who do you respect more Barry Bonds or Henry Aaron?
I race with a wetsuit in triathlons. There is no argument that they are faster. I don't have any problem letting people use wet suits for open water races; it just makes you irrelevant in the final standings. If it makes you feel good winning the wetsuit division, then knock yourself out. It's like when I race as a clydesdale in triathlons--nobody cares that I got first out of a total of two fat people.:2cents:
I think wetsuits should be welcomed in all OW events, especially in tidal waters, and their use noted or differentiated in scoring. I was in the Ches Bay swim that was stopped in the early '90s and can attest to dangerous and chaotic situation that day (the kayakers and boaters did a fantastic job in emergency conditions). I have low body fat and wore a shortie suit - more for warmth than buoyancy. I had previously finished the race twice but was struggling the get across the main channel where the current and chop were worst. I am glad that I was not discouraged or prohibited from wearing the suit that day. I have competed in multiple sports for many years and I accept that there will be competitive advantages across the sport whether its financial freedom to train more hours or proximity to water or a genetic VO2 max capacity (it is amusing to listen to a triathlete parse the advantages of a wetsuit while straddling a three thousand dollar bike). I agree with the earlier posters who invite cheerful compromise and inclusiveness to the betterment of the event and the swim community.
We have a few local swimmers who have the same attitudes about wetsuits. I am not sure why some have such issues with wetsuits. Live and let live is my motto.
If its cold (frequently the case off the coast of Maine), I will wear my suit and not think twice about it. If others choose not to, it is their business. I don't think it makes me less of a swimmer to wear a wetsuit.
Irrelevant? Hmmmm.
Anybody know if wetsuits will be allowed at the Olympics?
I'm not sure what we are arguing about anymore. This thread is so old anyway.
By irrelevant, I am referring to the results not the person. Right now, I don't believe any USMS or USS sanctioned swims allow a wetsuit to be considered for awards. So in most competitions I've seen, the fastest swimmers swim without one, making the results of the wetsuit division rather meaningless (if one is determined to derive some sort of self-worth out of the result and not simply for the sake of just finishing/competing--in which there is worth to the individual). By this I'm not suggesting that people that wear wetsuits are worthless (I am often seen costumed with neoprene in the spirit of competition). Swim with or without...it is all good.
I believe there is no way wetsuits are allowed at the Olympics (unless you are talking about triathlon).
So in the spirit of peace, love, and understanding (and Rodney King)--let's let this thread die again.:dedhorse::drown::snore:
Wetsuits are NOT allowed in Olympic open water competition.
Wetsuits MAY be allowed at the discretion of the meet director in USMS sanctioned open water events. Awards MAY be given to wetsuited swimmers, however if awards are given to wetsuit competitors they shall be awarded separately from those for non-wetsuit competitors. Any published results or records must clearly indicate which swimmers wore wetsuits.
No wet suits here. Ted Erickson's web site has a few good swimming videos. This video comprises 2 swims, the English Channel and The Lake St Jean swim from Peribonka to Roberval Quebec. video.google.ca/videoplay
Holy moley Kurt I'm not arguing, I am bantering.
"By irrelevant, I am referring to the results not the person. Right now, I don't believe any USMS or USS sanctioned swims allow a wetsuit to be considered for awards. So in most competitions I've seen, the fastest swimmers swim without one, making the results of the wetsuit division rather meaningless"
Wrong.
"I believe there is no way wetsuits are allowed at the Olympics (unless you are talking about triathlon)."
I don't know. Perhaps someone with more knowledge than you or I will fill our gap.
I prefer to not wear a wetsuit. If the water is below 65 (18.3 to my Euro friends) I wear the rubber.
Very very few people can swim in water in the mid 50s.
