If a suit adds buoyancy, its cheating... fins and hand paddles aren't innovations that should be allowed simply because they improve performance.
I would like to see a wetsuit category in USMS open water events but am convinced wetsuits offer a competitive advantage.
It is not cheating if the rules provide for the use of them. If you are a "purist" and want to swim "naked" then by all means please do. I suspect people on this site prefer it. I also feel that it is only fair that if you do wear a wetsuit you should be considered to be in a separate event or division. If I find myself standing on the shore of an alpine lake which is 40 degrees and I have to decide whether I should just stand there or put on a wetsuit and jump in, my vote is for the wetsuit.
Having both worn them and not worn them in triathlons, I can assure you they will allow you to cover the distance in less time.
If a suit adds buoyancy, its cheating... fins and hand paddles aren't innovations that should be allowed simply because they improve performance.
I would like to see a wetsuit category in USMS open water events but am convinced wetsuits offer a competitive advantage.
It is not cheating if the rules provide for the use of them. If you are a "purist" and want to swim "naked" then by all means please do. I suspect people on this site prefer it. I also feel that it is only fair that if you do wear a wetsuit you should be considered to be in a separate event or division. If I find myself standing on the shore of an alpine lake which is 40 degrees and I have to decide whether I should just stand there or put on a wetsuit and jump in, my vote is for the wetsuit.
Having both worn them and not worn them in triathlons, I can assure you they will allow you to cover the distance in less time.
