Tried my new wetsuit out at the Y. Water temp around 80. Works very well, but too
warm to do much of a workout. Question: What water temp would be the line for wetsuit
or no wetsuit? Is there a temp set by the event?
When I was training to do a half iron distance triathlon in 2009 I dropped down to 168 lb. I did a nearly 2 hour open water swim @ 60° along with a single and double Alcatraz @ 59°. I definitely felt cold after I got out. I was in great shape overall and pushed myself hard which generated a lot of heat. This year I did a 5 1/2 hour swim in 59° water and never got cold. I was 200 lb. I was swimming much faster, but arguably not in as good shape. I also barely noticed the 65° water on my Catalina crossing, or the 5° drop at the upwelling near the mainland, and I can assure you I was swimming slow.
As you might imagine, I think the extra fat helps. I do believe that as you get older you lose muscle mass so you can't generate as much heat. I also strongly feel that much of people's problems with swimming in cold water can be overcome through proper mental preparation. You need to learn the difference between feeling that the water is cold, and feeling that you are cold. The former needs to be identified and ignored. The latter needs to be addressed.
PS: I wore a wetsuit when racing in triathlons for the speed advantage. I was not going to give up the advantage that WS provide.
When I was training to do a half iron distance triathlon in 2009 I dropped down to 168 lb. I did a nearly 2 hour open water swim @ 60° along with a single and double Alcatraz @ 59°. I definitely felt cold after I got out. I was in great shape overall and pushed myself hard which generated a lot of heat. This year I did a 5 1/2 hour swim in 59° water and never got cold. I was 200 lb. I was swimming much faster, but arguably not in as good shape. I also barely noticed the 65° water on my Catalina crossing, or the 5° drop at the upwelling near the mainland, and I can assure you I was swimming slow.
As you might imagine, I think the extra fat helps. I do believe that as you get older you lose muscle mass so you can't generate as much heat. I also strongly feel that much of people's problems with swimming in cold water can be overcome through proper mental preparation. You need to learn the difference between feeling that the water is cold, and feeling that you are cold. The former needs to be identified and ignored. The latter needs to be addressed.
PS: I wore a wetsuit when racing in triathlons for the speed advantage. I was not going to give up the advantage that WS provide.
