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?
Parents
Former Member
If competing in a FINA sanctioned meet, wetsuits are not permitted. The use of grease is at the discretion of the referree.
Wetsuits for swimmers/triathletes are now incredibly scientifically designed. More and more new stlyes emerging. Now there is much more shoulder movement and flexibility around the shoulder and back area for better swimming technique, and less chaffing as a result.
Too often I see new triathletes relying on the buoyancy factor of the suit. Many times swim training is the least most trained and technique and triaining specificity is not adequate. Understanding how balance and swimming efficiency is achieved is also missing.
A wetsuit does add buoyancy and therefore changes the angle the hand will enter the water. Head position and balance is also affected.
Head position and body balance is affected with sighting, and in rough water. A wetsuit may help keep you float better, but it cannot alter and help with body balance and efficiency in technique.
Perhaps that is why many proficient swimmers who don't wear wetsuits do so well in these swims. (And think of the transition time saved;)
It is important that a person who has chosen to wear a wetsuit trains a lot in it. I have seen preventable injuries from inadequate training in the equipment they will use on race day.
"To motivate, add water"
"Fear is a reaction, courage is a decision"
If competing in a FINA sanctioned meet, wetsuits are not permitted. The use of grease is at the discretion of the referree.
Wetsuits for swimmers/triathletes are now incredibly scientifically designed. More and more new stlyes emerging. Now there is much more shoulder movement and flexibility around the shoulder and back area for better swimming technique, and less chaffing as a result.
Too often I see new triathletes relying on the buoyancy factor of the suit. Many times swim training is the least most trained and technique and triaining specificity is not adequate. Understanding how balance and swimming efficiency is achieved is also missing.
A wetsuit does add buoyancy and therefore changes the angle the hand will enter the water. Head position and balance is also affected.
Head position and body balance is affected with sighting, and in rough water. A wetsuit may help keep you float better, but it cannot alter and help with body balance and efficiency in technique.
Perhaps that is why many proficient swimmers who don't wear wetsuits do so well in these swims. (And think of the transition time saved;)
It is important that a person who has chosen to wear a wetsuit trains a lot in it. I have seen preventable injuries from inadequate training in the equipment they will use on race day.
"To motivate, add water"
"Fear is a reaction, courage is a decision"
