Great Chesapeake Bay Swim on Sunday.

I agree. I am a supporter of using wetsuits to open up our sport to more people, but mid 70's? Yikes. There should definitely be a separate division. From USAT rules: 4.4. Wetsuits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. So even for the super skinny 78° is considered hot.Not only separate divisions but equal awards as well. For years I was thinking of doing this race however until they make separate and equal divisions, I will not. If and when I go east to race open water it will likely be NYC Swim event. I know that wetsuit use in triathlon have exposed many people to open water swimming, far more then without, however I wish the sponsors of the Chesapeake swim would recognize the growing movement of English Channel rules swims. But then why would they care, they sell out every year. FYI – The Ironman corporation has already adapted to the new International Triathlon Union (ITU) rules of competitors can wear a wetsuit up to and including 76.1F which is a little lower then 78. USAT is expected to follow but not until 2012, apparently they want to keep there wetsuit company sponsors happy as long as they can. Athletes can still wear a wetsuit up to 83.8F but won't be eligible for awards, after that no wetsuits allowed.

I agree. I am a supporter of using wetsuits to open up our sport to more people, but mid 70's? Yikes. There should definitely be a separate division. From USAT rules: 4.4. Wetsuits. Each age group participant shall be permitted to wear a wetsuit without penalty in any event sanctioned by USA Triathlon up to and including a water temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water temperature is greater than 78 degrees, but less than 84 degrees Fahrenheit, age group participants may wear a wet suit at their own discretion, provided however that participants who wear a wet suit within this temperature range shall not be eligible for prizes or awards. Age group participants shall not wear wet suits in water temperatures equal to or greater than 84 degrees Fahrenheit. So even for the super skinny 78° is considered hot.Not only separate divisions but equal awards as well. For years I was thinking of doing this race however until they make separate and equal divisions, I will not. If and when I go east to race open water it will likely be NYC Swim event. I know that wetsuit use in triathlon have exposed many people to open water swimming, far more then without, however I wish the sponsors of the Chesapeake swim would recognize the growing movement of English Channel rules swims. But then why would they care, they sell out every year. FYI – The Ironman corporation has already adapted to the new International Triathlon Union (ITU) rules of competitors can wear a wetsuit up to and including 76.1F which is a little lower then 78. USAT is expected to follow but not until 2012, apparently they want to keep there wetsuit company sponsors happy as long as they can. Athletes can still wear a wetsuit up to 83.8F but won't be eligible for awards, after that no wetsuits allowed.