wetsuit? - Triathlon Week

auntfiz · 04-23-2003, 01:36 PM

I'll be doing my first tri on May 17 and the swim is in a mountain lake. The website says the water will be in the low 70s. Should I wear a wetsuit? If so, can I rent a scuba-type wetsuit or do I need a tri- specific wetsuit?

Robert G. · 04-29-2003, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by auntfiz
I'll be doing my first tri on May 17 and the swim is in a mountain lake. The website says the water will be in the low 70s. Should I wear a wetsuit? If so, can I rent a scuba-type wetsuit or do I need a tri- specific wetsuit?

auntfiz,

70s is pretty warm for a wetsuit, but you certainly can wear one if the event allows. Some events don't allow wetsuits over a certain temp.

You probably can't swim in a diving wetsuit, it's too bulky and constricting, but you could try a "shorty" (a sleeveless wetsuit) if the water will really be that warm.

I would recommend swimming a few times in open water with a wetsuit before you try it. It feels very different with a wetsuit on, and it may take a little bit to get used to the feeling. At first you may feel that it is too tight around the arms and chest, but you get used to it very quickly.

- R