Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:31:44 GMT

Frankly, in the early season, or when in doubt, I'll grab a neo cap before I'll grab a wetsuit. And I love my wetsuit. No shame for wearing a neo even among the purists for early season. Heck unless you are planning a marathon swim, wear it training. It is easier to do an interval workout in OW. In a race your going all out so warmth is not such a factor.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

debaru — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 08:05:50 GMT

If you don't already do it, remember to splash water on your face before you put your face down. I went out for another swim at the same lake today, and didn't experience any problems with the temperature of the water on my face this time. I started out with my Xterra Volt wetsuit, but had difficulty getting enough air due to how tight the chest is on me. I bought the largest women's suit they had (I'm 5'7" and 165 lbs.) and it fits me really well everywhere except my chest). I have pretty broad shoulders and a bit of a swimmers back and although, I'm not huge in the bosom department, I am a bit larger than average. I'm wondering if a guys wetsuit would work better for me. Anyway, after swimming for a third of a mile, I ditched the wetsuit to see whether or not I could handle the water temperature without it -- and lo, and behold, it was totally awesome. No trouble breathing at all. :applaud: Swimming without the wetsuit is the way I would rather swim anyway. So, it turns out that I don't need a wetsuit at all. I'm guess I'm not as big of a wimp as I thought I was. I think I kind of pysched myself out a little since I live in Arizona and I don't seem to tolerate cold weather as well as I did when I lived in northern California 10 years ago. I can't wait to get back out there again next weekend (sans wetsuit, of course). :D Thanks for the tips, everyone.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

orca1946 — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 01:14:33 GMT

Bu all means , let's bring more people into our sport - BUT a separate division for races .

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

debaru — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:52:33 GMT

I'm not Bob, but this is a fairly consistent problem for me at low water temps. I do head-up BR or sidestroking or BK and get the face adjusted to colder temp gradually. Small dips rather than face plant. Hey, I need all the help I can get. Your advice is more than welcome :). I will be taking a different approach this coming Saturday. I'm going to try 10 to 15 strokes of FR followed by 5 BR at first, and will make adjustments until I get good and warmed up.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

ViveBene — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 06:59:34 GMT

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:00:11 GMT

If you don't already do it, remember to splash water on your face before you put your face down.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

debaru — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 06:17:59 GMT

Many people share this experience, including me. Dropping your face in the water is at first very challenging. Some people are more prone to "ice cream headaches, but with a neo cap on this should not be a problem. May I offer the following from Lawrence of Arabia, one of my favorite movies: Potter: Oh, it damn well hurts. Lawrence: Certainly it hurts. Potter: Well, what's the trick, then? Lawrence: The trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts. Thanks for the advice, Bob. I have an opportunity to try it again this weekend at the same lake. This time I'll be swimming with a bunch of other people, so hopefully, this will help me. I find it easier to push through something tough while swimming if I have company. I guess I just need to perservere and not wimp out. :afraid:

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:07:33 GMT

Bob, I have a question for you. You live in a colder climate, so I'm hoping you might have some advice for me. I was testing my wetsuit in 53 degree water at a local lake this past weekend, and found I was plenty warm, but I really struggled with the cold water on my face. I had two caps on, and used ear plugs, so my head was fine, but I had a really hard time keeping my face in the water. The cold was unbearable to me. When I workout at the pool, my face gets pretty warm, so I'm hoping that if I just keep on swimming and get warmed up that this will offset the cold. Is this something I just need to push through and at some point during the swim it won't bother me? Many people share this experience, including me. Dropping your face in the water is at first very challenging. Some people are more prone to "ice cream headaches, but with a neo cap on this should not be a problem. May I offer the following from Lawrence of Arabia, one of my favorite movies: Potter: Oh, it damn well hurts. Lawrence: Certainly it hurts. Potter: Well, what's the trick, then? Lawrence: The trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:23:04 GMT

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

debaru — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:43:17 GMT

I think you will be amazed how quickly you warm up once you get going. Bob, I have a question for you. You live in a colder climate, so I'm hoping you might have some advice for me. I was testing my wetsuit in 53 degree water at a local lake this past weekend, and found I was plenty warm, but I really struggled with the cold water on my face. I had two caps on, and used ear plugs, so my head was fine, but I had a really hard time keeping my face in the water. The cold was unbearable to me. When I workout at the pool, my face gets pretty warm, so I'm hoping that if I just keep on swimming and get warmed up that this will offset the cold. Is this something I just need to push through and at some point during the swim it won't bother me?

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 06:04:17 GMT

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

debaru — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:53:09 GMT

My OW practice season starts next month and the lake will most likely be in the mid/upper 60's. I'm gonna TRY to just swim in my B70 10K and hope I'm warm enough. I've never really swam in anything colder than mid/low 70's so it will be interesting! They are limiting the practice sessions to 45 minutes as well so I think I can do it...we'll see! I'm sure you'll be fine. :) I wanted to try my new Xterra Volt in the pool, but it would have voided my warranty. So, in an effort to acclimate to colder water temps, I started swimming (sans wetsuit) in the outdoor pool at my gym 3 weeks ago when the water was 73 degrees. My gym turns off the heater between December and March, so I know it was much colder at some point. The heat had been on for about a week when I swam. I found 73 pretty refreshing, not too cold, but it did take me a bit longer to warm up during my workout. Last weekend the water temp was at 77, which felt really warm. It's amazing what a difference a couple of degrees can make.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:57:08 GMT

Here is the newest deal from Xterra. Click on thumbnails

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

debaru — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:58:43 GMT

Word is from the triathlon community that the Xtera suits are the ones to have. I may try one for the May 1st swim at Saguaro Lake (water will probably be 68-70F) and see if I like it better. Don't know if I will buy one or not but it is a purchase I am contemplating. I bought the entry level Xterra Volt (sleeveless) wetsuit specifically for use in the Arizona OW series. A great deal for $99 bucks. I tried it out at Canyon Lake this past weekend, and it performed beautifully, keeping me nice and warm. My arms were slightly chilled since it a sleeveless wetsuit, but the biggest problem I had was dealing with the cold water on my face. The lake temp was 53 degrees! Brrrr! Hopefully, things will warm up a little by May 1.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Doug Adamavich — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 03:42:43 GMT

I rented a Blue Seventy full body wetsuit for two events in Arizona this year. It helped keep me warm (the events were in early May and November) and was a marginal help in my performance. I don't particularly enjoy wearing them but when the water is in the low-70s I will wear one. The other three events (in June, September, and October) I wore my Blue Seventy Nero Comp shorty. Word is from the triathlon community that the Xtera suits are the ones to have. I may try one for the May 1st swim at Saguaro Lake (water will probably be 68-70F) and see if I like it better. Don't know if I will buy one or not but it is a purchase I am contemplating. Allowing wetsuits definitely allows for greater participating in open water events. In Arizona, the five open water events we have have separate divisions and start times for wetsuits, along with separate scoring and awards. They are the best-attended sanctioned masters competitions within the LMSC (well over 200 swimmers on average) and bring in a lot of triathletes and OW-only swimmers. It works well here and everybody seems happy with the series.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

bcampesi — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 02:43:07 GMT

Hello all, Thank you for all your responses. I now have a better idea what I will be looking for. I hope to start swimming some OW events soon (With or Without wetsuit)... Thanks again P.S. That xterra deal looks good...

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:24:25 GMT

Hi all, I was looking at some wetsuits out there, and I am wondering how I can say if they are good for swimming or if they are more for diving/surf/etc...For example, I have seen the following, and I am not sure if any of these will be good for OW swimming: www.swimoutlet.com/.../14109.htm www.swimoutlet.com/.../11895.htm www.swimoutlet.com/.../19378.htm www.swimoutlet.com/.../19357.htm www.swimoutlet.com/.../12257.htm www.swimoutlet.com/.../12258.htm Maybe now a days all wet suits are made for any of these aquatic sports including swimming? If you have any recommendations that will be great. I do not want to spend a lot of money on this. Thanks and regards Bernardo Sorry I veered off the topic as well. I looked at the wetsuits you listed. All are surfing suits as far as I can tell. Not Suited for swimming. No matter what wetsuit you buy, make sure that it was specifically designed for swimming. Swimming specific wetsuits are not to be used for other sports. They are built for flexibility. And remember the most important rule in picking out a swimming wetsuit: the best wetsuit is the one that fits you the best. I got a March 9, 2009 email from Xterra offering both a Vortex 3 Fullsuit & Sleveless at 50% off ($199 & $149 respectively) using the coupon code FAST. While these are entry level suits I think they will work for you. The more demanding you are about flexibility the more it is going to cost you. They have a chart on their website for fitting and have a good return policy. Make sure you don't damage the wetsuit trying it on. DO NOT put it on like it was a diving or surf wetsuit. See their website for directions. Good luck.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 13:31:58 GMT

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:34:45 GMT

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.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 09:01:00 GMT

I think you agree wetsuits offer a competitive advantage. I simply ask that events maintain two categories... I think this is USMS policy today. I am aware several associations continue to disallow wetsuits... I don't understand why one would discourage participation. I am conflicted regarding wetsuit use, but open water swimming needs as many participants as possible... I have completed a handful of alcatraz sharkfest swims, hosted by envirosports, and am convinced some proportion of 'no wetsuit' entries choose to wear wetsuits on race day... some of these 'competitors' wind up in the event top ten for 'no wetsuits.' I took offense to cantwait4bike to imply the wetsuit was some sort of innovation that you either accepted or you were a crazed luddite... two categories render the debate moot

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:44:15 GMT

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.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:45:15 GMT

I wear Desoto Speed Bottom (cut to just below knee) and Desoto First Wave top and found that flexibility of having a two piece is great. If legs are tired from biking or running, can use the bottom in open water practice. If arms sore from swimming or lifting, then can just use top. If water under 60F, use both!! E=H2O is right about bringing more people into the 10km venue with wetsuits, but remember just like in Biking with UCI/USAC, swimming with FINA/USMS is still back in the 1960's compared to the triathlon ITU/USAT. Kinda like Formula 1 compared to NASCAR....high tech versus red neck couch potatoes. :D 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.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

cantwait4bike — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:50:01 GMT

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:13:44 GMT

I own both a full suit (Vendetta) and a sleeveless (Vector Pro X2) that I wear for the triathlons I compete in (I can't bear to give up the speed advantage in the races). They are both great. The Vendetta is very flexible in the upper body and I only bought the sleeveless for warmer water triathlons. They only sell online direct to the customer. I've had good experiences with their customer service. Look for sales. They have them often and I bought both of my suits for 50% off http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/ I also believe that if people wearing wetsuits in OW races will bring more people into the sport then all the better. They just have to have a separate division for them.

RE: Wet Suits - How to say it is for swimming

Former Member — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:55:14 GMT

There are NO wetsuits that are good for swimming...