I organized a swim recently and we had non-wetsuit and wetsuit categories. I'm fine with accommodating wetsuits for open water swimming. However, the challenge comes up in the awards portion. Should wetsuit swimmers be entitled to the exact same type of awards as non-wetsuit swimmers? The problem this poses as an organizer is that suddenly you need to purchase twice the number of awards to accommodate a separate division (wetsuit), even though everyone's swimming the same race.
What might be fair for next time (learning as I go) is to award the top 3 male/female non-wetsuit swimmers for each event, but just the #1 male and female in the wetsuit category for each event. They at least get acknowledged for their efforts.
Curious if anyone else has thoughts on this.
Former Member
The '08 olympic 10k was held in a rowing basin, and '12 will be in the serpentine. neither venue does justice to the phrase "open water". i doubt that any major network will have complete live coverage. the serp is a bit chilly, so i expect that wetsuits will be worn.
Can I "like" this comment? next they'll be putting a bloody lane line in.
the serp will likely be under 60 degrees.
i doubt they will be wearing briefs... pros don't like being chilly.
The UK, despite being the birthplace of "channel rules," does have a tradition of wetsuited pro OW swims, e.g. the British Gas Great Swim Series. So it wouldn't surprise me if the Olympics are wetsuited, though it would disappoint me.
Chaos, don't you think the '12 Olympics will follow FINA and not allow wetsuits in the 10K?
the serp will likely be under 60 degrees.
i doubt they will be wearing briefs... pros don't like being chilly.
the serp will likely be under 60 degrees.
i doubt they will be wearing briefs... pros don't like being chilly.
it's really that cold even in summer? I was in london over summer 08 and saw people swimming there but just couldn't bring myself to get in. So much duck and goose poo and slimy stuff.
The '08 olympic 10k was held in a rowing basin, and '12 will be in the serpentine. neither venue does justice to the phrase "open water". i doubt that any major network will have complete live coverage. the serp is a bit chilly, so i expect that wetsuits will be worn.
Chaos, don't you think the '12 Olympics will follow FINA and not allow wetsuits in the 10K?
OK, hope this settle things re: wetsuits in the Olympics. I asked someone who would know, and he pointed me to the FINA bylaws, section 8.
In particular, section 8.4:
From June 1, 2010 Open Water swimwear for both men and women shall not cover the neck, extend past the shoulder, nor shall extend below the ankle. All Open Water swimsuits shall comply with the FINA Criteria for Materials and Approval Procedures.
In other words, they can wear textile bodysuits, but not wetsuits.
Evmo - the link within your link 29 page FRSA pdf seems to allow neoprene caps, but its probably mute as I expect the serps will be in the upper 60's.
i've swum in the serp only twice.... 9/3/10, and 9/20/09. both times the water was below 60.
looks like in order to "search within a thread" you need to be registered, which i am.
just emailed a friend who is a board member of the serp club.... i'll post his response when i receive it.
