First, I know "cold water" means something different to everyone. I live in Florida, so cold water to me is anything below about 70 F. However, I have a question/comment about using/not using wetsuits in cold water swims.
For most triathlons, if the water temp is below 78 F, they allow wetsuits...I think it's more like 75 F or so for the pros. So, I'm wondering why so many OW swims don't allow or (for safety) require wetsuits?
There seems to be this purist mentallity that using wetsuits, no matter how cold the water is is just wrong. Maybe in some ways that is true, but putting 100s of swimmers in 60 F water for a 5k swim with limited safety boats seems dangerous. How many have actually swam in 60 F water for that long? How many actually know they can handle this water temp for that long? How many will recognize hypothermia symptoms and stop? How many can actually get help quickly if there is a problem? Sure, some of these races have the wetsuit division, but it's always considered not ranked and seems to have this "outcast" type feeling behind it.
Should football players not use pads because it isn't manly or pure? Should baseball players not use gloves to catch balls? No, because many will get hurt and it is dangerous. Why is using or mandating wetsuits not the same for water temps that are say below 65 F...or some number anyway? They provide safety to the swimmer by preserving core the temperature and flotation if someone has a problem with the cold water. Yes, they do provide an advantage in the water because of the flotation and being more streamlined, but if everyone is in a suit, it doesn't really matter. And, the reason for wearing the suits is because the water is cold, not because they want to go faster, like the how the tech suits are used.
Anyway, just some thoughts and questions for the group.
Dave
Parents
Former Member
Since there haven't been a large number of drownings in OW races attributed to water temperature, I'd suggest that this is a somewhat moot issue. Apparently either the safety precautions are adequate or most people have enough sense to not get in over their heads. Or maybe it's just luck, but that is a huge amount of luck we are talking about. If a race director insists on dangerous conditions, then you should vote with your feet. If a person insists on putting themselves in danger by inadequate preparation, (s)he is an idiot, but as long as (s)he endangers no one else, oh well.
Regardless, OW swims have an historical basis in no wetsuits and it is part of the sport. That said, there are plenty of races that will allow wetsuits, so while one may be excluded from a specific race, one is not denied participation in the sport completely.
Also, some of us LIKE cold water swims (OK, this is the lunatic fringe), and requiring a wetsuit for a race is a bit too much "nanny-ism" for me, and I'd vote with my feet.
As to the purist mentality, we're adults and you shouldn't feel like you have to be one of the "cool kids."
I've never worn a wetsuit and likely never will, but the earth's surface is 70% water, so there is plenty for everyone to swim in, even the moral lepers who wear wetsuits.
-LBJ
:applaud:
Since there haven't been a large number of drownings in OW races attributed to water temperature, I'd suggest that this is a somewhat moot issue. Apparently either the safety precautions are adequate or most people have enough sense to not get in over their heads. Or maybe it's just luck, but that is a huge amount of luck we are talking about. If a race director insists on dangerous conditions, then you should vote with your feet. If a person insists on putting themselves in danger by inadequate preparation, (s)he is an idiot, but as long as (s)he endangers no one else, oh well.
Regardless, OW swims have an historical basis in no wetsuits and it is part of the sport. That said, there are plenty of races that will allow wetsuits, so while one may be excluded from a specific race, one is not denied participation in the sport completely.
Also, some of us LIKE cold water swims (OK, this is the lunatic fringe), and requiring a wetsuit for a race is a bit too much "nanny-ism" for me, and I'd vote with my feet.
As to the purist mentality, we're adults and you shouldn't feel like you have to be one of the "cool kids."
I've never worn a wetsuit and likely never will, but the earth's surface is 70% water, so there is plenty for everyone to swim in, even the moral lepers who wear wetsuits.
-LBJ
:applaud:
