I think allowing wetsuits do increase participation which is great. And there are definitely swimmers that are fast enough that you would think could go without one, but sometimes low body fat is an issue. For example in 2008 the winner of my age group at USA Triathlon Nationals said that swimming in the bay without a wetsuit was dangerous for him because of heat loss. He was first out of the water in my AG. He also went onto win the World Championships. Low body fat is essential in reaching elite status in triathlons.
In 2009 I swam 2 races put on by Waterworld. First was the Alcatraz Swim with the Centurions. I was 17 out of 87 swimming in what they call skins, but was 32 out of 273. Clearly the 15 wetsuit folks were fast enough to skip the wetsuit, but they chose to wear one and that's fine. But I think most would have not swam it if they couldn't wear one.
I also swam their Alcatraz Touch And Go (TAG) double crossing. I was 4 out of 7 in their skins division and 7 out of 17 overall. Frankly I was surprised anyone swam in a wetsuit but that was their choice. The fastest swimmer, who wore a wetsuit, did not get the big trophy being handed out that day.
I think allowing wetsuits do increase participation which is great. And there are definitely swimmers that are fast enough that you would think could go without one, but sometimes low body fat is an issue. For example in 2008 the winner of my age group at USA Triathlon Nationals said that swimming in the bay without a wetsuit was dangerous for him because of heat loss. He was first out of the water in my AG. He also went onto win the World Championships. Low body fat is essential in reaching elite status in triathlons.
In 2009 I swam 2 races put on by Waterworld. First was the Alcatraz Swim with the Centurions. I was 17 out of 87 swimming in what they call skins, but was 32 out of 273. Clearly the 15 wetsuit folks were fast enough to skip the wetsuit, but they chose to wear one and that's fine. But I think most would have not swam it if they couldn't wear one.
I also swam their Alcatraz Touch And Go (TAG) double crossing. I was 4 out of 7 in their skins division and 7 out of 17 overall. Frankly I was surprised anyone swam in a wetsuit but that was their choice. The fastest swimmer, who wore a wetsuit, did not get the big trophy being handed out that day.
