If I have to wear a wetsuit in order to do an event ...
Former Member
...would you rather I just don't show up?
I've found my tolerance to cold water is just not that great - I think around 68 degrees is my breaking point. I've done a few 500M swims in triathlons at around 65 degrees and my experiences were completely miserable to the point that I won't do it again - especially over much longer distances. I don't even feel safe doing it.
I have my eye on a few races in Lake Michigan which is what I have been really looking forward to having grown up swimming in this lake all my life. This feels like the real deal and something that I would have thought was right in my element until I realized my tolerance is not what it used to be. But it looks like the chances of the lake being over 70 will be slim unless I catch a sudden heat wave.
I have absolutely no desire to wear it if the water is warm enough. And I have no interest in the bouyancy/speed factor from it. In other races on inland lakes I have overheard some derogatory comments towards wetsuit wearers, although these were more justified because the temps were in the low 70s. It does seem like cheating. I recently swam a 1500M in 26 minutes so I doubt I will be stealing any awards (some of them I think have seperate divisions anyway). But I feel like I would be cheating myself and it wouldn't make me feel better if all the real open water swimmers were ripping on me.
Former Member
Just swam a two mile race this last weekend where the majority of entrants, (mostly tri's) wore wetsuits. No one noticed, complained, smirked, or otherwise were nasty. (With or without a wetsuit I was sure to be at back of pack) As the race had with and without catagories, we all just seemed to have a good time. Wear one if you want, nobody really cares when there are two catagories.:cheerleader:
Don't know if this will help but. . .
I've NEVER regretted showing up and doing a swim of any kind whether it be OW or pool swimming. Even my *failures* helped me grow. I've only regretted NOT showing up for a swim.
A little off topic, but my hubby and I will most likely be living in a third world country next year in which there will be NO SWIMMING available to me. With our upcoming move, I found it crazy to think that I just won't be able to go across the street to the local pool or lake for a swim! Boy am I quickly realizing how ez I have it here in the states. So. . . I say GO. We never know what will happen tomorrow. And if you need the wetsuit (b/c hypothermia is no laughing matter). . . WEAR IT. That's what I'd do.
So Herb, I would rather you GO!
What's the point if we can't make fun of the guy's dressed up like seals? I guess that's not a problem swimming near Charlevoix... I can't think of too many better places to swim wetsuit or no wetsuit. You planning on doing the Harbor Springs swims this weekend?
Didn't make it after last weekend's blowout with the boys on Beaver Island, but it looks like I'm heading to Traverse city this weekend along with a family camping trip. Temperature about 64 right now from what I see. A couple sunny days ahead but it looks like it is most likely wetsuit for me.
Bring it and make the final decision on whether to use it or not at the race. I was right on the edge myself on a race last saturday (water temp was low to mid 70s I'm guessing), and opted to wear it. Mid race I felt hot and seriously considered taking it off and handing it to a kayaker, but kept it on until the end.
