Does USMS have a "position" regarding wet suits in open water swims? I've read in triathlon magazines that some oppose wet suits as these make a swimmer more buoyant than he or she would otherwise be. With a wet suit, I might be more encouraged to swim those events in colder water. But in terms of insulating against colder temperatures, how much does a wet suit really help?
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Former Member
Originally posted by Perkunas
But in terms of insulating against colder temperatures, how much does a wet suit really help?
That's exactly what the wetsuit is for. A good one helps a great deal preventing heatloss.
On that note, I don't use one, and I don't swim in cold waters either.
I've used wetsuits for other things, like waterskiing, diving etc... slightly different type than swimming wetsuits, but they certainly do help you with staying warm.
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Former Member
Originally posted by Perkunas
But in terms of insulating against colder temperatures, how much does a wet suit really help?
That's exactly what the wetsuit is for. A good one helps a great deal preventing heatloss.
On that note, I don't use one, and I don't swim in cold waters either.
I've used wetsuits for other things, like waterskiing, diving etc... slightly different type than swimming wetsuits, but they certainly do help you with staying warm.