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
I run a long/cold open water race and have looked at wetsuits with mixed emotions. I currently allow them in a separate category. (Thinking about getting rid of it). I don't wear tech suites and think they are a tremendous waste of money.
Safety
I don't find wetsuits add any safety factor; hypothermia can get you in 80 degree water. I’m more worried about sudden cardiac arrest (not due to cold). As for floatation, it only takes a little water to drown and lying face down in it works well. Since the wet suits are tight they supply few hand holds. People keeping watch are the only safety.
Attitude
As for the attitude that wetsuit wearers have to put up with at the beach. I guess it may be partly the result of people that have worked hard to endure the varied conditions of open water swimming, listening to someone brag about kicking ass while getting out of their 3 -5 mm of neoprene.
As for me, how can I expect to compete in all these warm water events (65+ degrees)? How can my needs be met by race organizers? My god heatstroke is a very real menace, along with dehydration, how can I be protected? what crutch can I lean on? Maybe I'll have to do it the old fashions way, train to the conditions and distance.
Sincerely
William Schulz
I run a long/cold open water race and have looked at wetsuits with mixed emotions. I currently allow them in a separate category. (Thinking about getting rid of it). I don't wear tech suites and think they are a tremendous waste of money.
Safety
I don't find wetsuits add any safety factor; hypothermia can get you in 80 degree water. I’m more worried about sudden cardiac arrest (not due to cold). As for floatation, it only takes a little water to drown and lying face down in it works well. Since the wet suits are tight they supply few hand holds. People keeping watch are the only safety.
Attitude
As for the attitude that wetsuit wearers have to put up with at the beach. I guess it may be partly the result of people that have worked hard to endure the varied conditions of open water swimming, listening to someone brag about kicking ass while getting out of their 3 -5 mm of neoprene.
As for me, how can I expect to compete in all these warm water events (65+ degrees)? How can my needs be met by race organizers? My god heatstroke is a very real menace, along with dehydration, how can I be protected? what crutch can I lean on? Maybe I'll have to do it the old fashions way, train to the conditions and distance.
Sincerely
William Schulz
