I am planning on doing the CHesapeake Bay Swim in June. I noticed from previous pics that most wore wet suits. I know last year the water was one of the coldest (64) but normally hovers around 70 when the race is. Do they wear these do to jelly fish (someone said that). I have a wet suit as a "saftey net" but normally don't wear it unless the temp is under 60. Any thoughts from those that did it?
As a side note, this is double the mileage than I have done in 60 degree water.
Thanks
I did the swim last year without a wetsuit and maybe I'm not representative but I did not find the water bothersome for clarity or for temperature. 64 degrees is not cold water for an open water swim in mostly salt water, in my experience.
Regarding competitiveness, however, the time difference from wearing a wetsuit is substantial, and if you are hoping to place in your age group you need to wear one. Over 4.4 miles you really have no choice unless you are truly outstanding relative to your competition. I think the race is 90 to 95 % wetsuit competitors, with seemingly very few non-wetsuit swimmers.
It is a nice swim, well organized and worth doing. Have fun.
I did the swim last year without a wetsuit and maybe I'm not representative but I did not find the water bothersome for clarity or for temperature. 64 degrees is not cold water for an open water swim in mostly salt water, in my experience.
Regarding competitiveness, however, the time difference from wearing a wetsuit is substantial, and if you are hoping to place in your age group you need to wear one. Over 4.4 miles you really have no choice unless you are truly outstanding relative to your competition. I think the race is 90 to 95 % wetsuit competitors, with seemingly very few non-wetsuit swimmers.
It is a nice swim, well organized and worth doing. Have fun.
