Wetsuit wisdom?

Hi Swimmy! Yes, I am doing the 4.4 mile swim. I managed to sign up before it filled up - lucky! Last year was my first time, and I only made it half-way. The waves were very large and the current was very strong. I really hope we have better conditions this year! Did you finish last year? I was considering doing it without a wetsuit this year, just because I wasn't cold last year and the wetsuit makes me feel very encumbered. But we will have to see how it goes. I also don't like how high I ride - it feels really weird. I plan to do a few practice swims this year before the Bay Swim, and use the wetsuit. Hopefully I can get used to it. I did Reston last year, but won't do it this year because it's Memorial Day weekend, and my hubby and I will spend the weekend on our boat. I will probably do some practice swimming, though, off our dinghy. I will just have him dump me overboard and try to keep up. Maybe we can try to meet up at the swim. Good luck! Diana

we have group of 7 from our club in Rochester going to Chesapeake...one 1st timer and the rest repeaters....16th swim for one (you listening Jim??)

and can't wait for opportunity to wear my wetsuit again...in salty water no less.....man, am I riding high in the water...lotsa fun

Originally posted by matysekj 16? Try 18. Sorry, but my obsessive-compulsive nature just wouldn't let that one go. Swimming this event is definitely habit forming. There should be a warning label on the caps. Okay, 18 starts, but how many finishes and how many non-wetsuit swims? All, right?

So you finished the year of the great southern tide? Congratulations! That was one fun swim that year. Wasn’t that Fletcher Hank’s last year running the race?

I am in awe of all of you! I am just doing the 1 mile again this year. I have not worked up my nerve for a longer race yet. Maybe I will stick around after my race to watch you finish! Happy Swimming! Swimmy :)

I tested my new wetsuit today at an open water clinic in a lake. The water was 62 degrees....chilly. It was cold even with my wetsuit. Thanks again for the great advice everyone! Swimmy :)

Hi I did the open water clinic at the Reston lake on Sunday. I will be there next Sunday doing the 1 mile. You are daring doing both. Good luck. It was chilly. My face was freezing. The Chesapeake is only 60 degrees now. Let's hope for a heat wave! Swimmy :)

Hi Swimmy! Glad you were able to try out your wetsuit. Did you go to the clinic at Bonzai? I wanted to go, but was not able to. So 62 degrees, huh? Wow, that is quite cold. And it feels colder in freshwater (or so they say). I am hoping it will start warming up a bit before the Bay Swim. Gosh, only 3 weeks to go! Where has the year gone? It seems like just yesterday they were pulling me out at the two mile mark and I was making my vow to get across next year (between curses and a few tears, of course)! Now I am really looking forward to it. Are you doing Reston next weekend? I decided to do it, and even signed up for the one and the two mile swims. That should be a good workout! Take care and Keep On Swimming! Diana

Diana, I looked up your results. Looks like you did well. I was a little behind you....41:24. Congratulations on finishing both races. The water was not as cold as the previous week. It was a fun time. Good luck in the Bay! Swimmy :)