Hi everyone, I am doing my first open water swim (1 mile) at the end of September in Rhode Island. I have never swam with a wetsuit before and have no clue what to purchase. I would like to use a shorty but am not sure if that would be warm enough. It looks like the water temp is right around 70 at that time. Also, would I have to get something like a triathlon wetsuit or would a dive wetsuit be fine? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rob makes a very good comment about fit and preference. Personally, having used both full body and sleeveless, I like the sleeveless because I find the full-sleeve too restrictive on my stroke.
Srcoyote also makes good points about water temperatures. It would be great if you could experiment and find out your range of acceptable temperatures. Pay close attention to the combo of air temp plus water temp. Typically, I've thrown a wetsuit on when the water temperature starts getting below 72, but I have swum in ocean races pushing the 70 degree mark without a wetsuit ... but the air temp was usually sunny and in the 80s.
I find water temperature acceptable ranges to be highly personal - I'm a bit of a cold wimp so YMMV.
Rob makes a very good comment about fit and preference. Personally, having used both full body and sleeveless, I like the sleeveless because I find the full-sleeve too restrictive on my stroke.
Srcoyote also makes good points about water temperatures. It would be great if you could experiment and find out your range of acceptable temperatures. Pay close attention to the combo of air temp plus water temp. Typically, I've thrown a wetsuit on when the water temperature starts getting below 72, but I have swum in ocean races pushing the 70 degree mark without a wetsuit ... but the air temp was usually sunny and in the 80s.
I find water temperature acceptable ranges to be highly personal - I'm a bit of a cold wimp so YMMV.
