Proper Wetsuits - Triathlon Week

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

I'm new to the triathlon world. I've only done one, training hard for
a few more. I'm confindent in all 3 segments. However, I'm have a
bit of a "fear factor" with my wetsuit. I CAN'T BREATH! Does the
type of wetsuit solve or at least help this problem. I don't have
much in the way of cash. I'm an avid dirtbag outdoor
person...unemployed of course! So, I'm using a Bodyglove wetsuit. I
put cuts in the chest to allow the suit to expand and then patched
those areas to keep water from flowing in. My first tri damn near
killed me on the swim because of my wetsuit. I can easily swim the
distance in a pool. I'm going to start swimming in the pool with my
wetsuit on (I'm sure to much of the laughter of everyone else..but I'm
used to that!). Any thoughts?

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Mojo) wrote:

> I'm new to the triathlon world. I've only done one, training hard for
> a few more. I'm confindent in all 3 segments. However, I'm have a
> bit of a "fear factor" with my wetsuit. I CAN'T BREATH! Does the
> type of wetsuit solve or at least help this problem. I don't have
> much in the way of cash. I'm an avid dirtbag outdoor
> person...unemployed of course! So, I'm using a Bodyglove wetsuit. I
> put cuts in the chest to allow the suit to expand and then patched
> those areas to keep water from flowing in. My first tri damn near
> killed me on the swim because of my wetsuit. I can easily swim the
> distance in a pool. I'm going to start swimming in the pool with my
> wetsuit on (I'm sure to much of the laughter of everyone else..but I'm
> used to that!). Any thoughts?

Um, swim without a wetsuit? You don't HAVE to wear one. A tri wetsuit
will make you faster, but a surfing wetsuit will probably slow you down.
Of course, if the water is too cold for you, make do with what you've
got.

--Harold Buck

"I used to rock and roll all night,
and party every day.
Then it was every other day. . . ."
-Homer J. Simpson

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

Sounds like your suit may be a bit on the small side if you had to cut slits
in it. I have a $99, poor fitting bodyglove full suit that I abuse for
training and much to my surprise, I swim faster in it than I do in my $300
perfect fitting suit specifically made for Triathlon. Generally a specialty
suit would be faster and more comfortable.

What are you fearing in the suit? It would be difficult to drown in one
with the added buoyancy. It's sort of like paddling a boat while lying on
your belly.

Ken @ Kauai

"Mojo" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:98aba128.0406241649.399c1a5e@posting.google.c om...
> I'm new to the triathlon world. I've only done one, training hard for
> a few more. I'm confindent in all 3 segments. However, I'm have a
> bit of a "fear factor" with my wetsuit. I CAN'T BREATH! Does the
> type of wetsuit solve or at least help this problem. I don't have
> much in the way of cash. I'm an avid dirtbag outdoor
> person...unemployed of course! So, I'm using a Bodyglove wetsuit. I
> put cuts in the chest to allow the suit to expand and then patched
> those areas to keep water from flowing in. My first tri damn near
> killed me on the swim because of my wetsuit. I can easily swim the
> distance in a pool. I'm going to start swimming in the pool with my
> wetsuit on (I'm sure to much of the laughter of everyone else..but I'm
> used to that!). Any thoughts?

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

Yeah, thanks. I live in the Sierra's and the water is generally
pretty cold. I've thought about not wearing a suit (ah, wetsuit that
is) but I think the cold water would zap my energy too fast.

Harold Buck <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message news:<[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].giganews.com>...
> In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Mojo) wrote:
>
> > I'm new to the triathlon world. I've only done one, training hard for
> > a few more. I'm confindent in all 3 segments. However, I'm have a
> > bit of a "fear factor" with my wetsuit. I CAN'T BREATH! Does the
> > type of wetsuit solve or at least help this problem. I don't have
> > much in the way of cash. I'm an avid dirtbag outdoor
> > person...unemployed of course! So, I'm using a Bodyglove wetsuit. I
> > put cuts in the chest to allow the suit to expand and then patched
> > those areas to keep water from flowing in. My first tri damn near
> > killed me on the swim because of my wetsuit. I can easily swim the
> > distance in a pool. I'm going to start swimming in the pool with my
> > wetsuit on (I'm sure to much of the laughter of everyone else..but I'm
> > used to that!). Any thoughts?
>
>
> Um, swim without a wetsuit? You don't HAVE to wear one. A tri wetsuit
> will make you faster, but a surfing wetsuit will probably slow you down.
> Of course, if the water is too cold for you, make do with what you've
> got.
>
> --Harold Buck
>
>
> "I used to rock and roll all night,
> and party every day.
> Then it was every other day. . . ."
> -Homer J. Simpson

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

> "Mojo" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> news:98aba128.0406241649.399c1a5e@posting.google.c om...
> > I'm new to the triathlon world. I've only done one, training hard for
> > a few more. I'm confindent in all 3 segments. However, I'm have a
> > bit of a "fear factor" with my wetsuit. I CAN'T BREATH! Does the
> > type of wetsuit solve or at least help this problem. I don't have
> > much in the way of cash. I'm an avid dirtbag outdoor
> > person...unemployed of course! So, I'm using a Bodyglove wetsuit. I
> > put cuts in the chest to allow the suit to expand and then patched
> > those areas to keep water from flowing in. My first tri damn near
> > killed me on the swim because of my wetsuit. I can easily swim the
> > distance in a pool. I'm going to start swimming in the pool with my
> > wetsuit on (I'm sure to much of the laughter of everyone else..but I'm
> > used to that!). Any thoughts?

I had the same problem in a too small wetsuit, even though it was a
Tri suit, and even though it was sleeveless. Someone more
knowledgeable can confirm that Tri wetsuits have different thicknesses
and use materials in different places to help with the chest
expansion. If you let it go on you may develop a psychological problem
with the water altogether. The sense that you are drowning is a big
turnoff, for me, personally.

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

Thanks for all the feedback. I've been doing a little more research.
I'm wearing a 4mm suit in a size large. Wrong mm and wrong size. I
should be in a XL or XXL. I found a shorty 1mm and 2mm for $60. It's
called Camero (??) from Austria. Not sure if it's any good or not,
but will give one a shot and see how it goes.

I'm not afraid of drowning. I think its more the "Look at that fool.
Look how outta shape he is. Can't hardly finish the swim! What is he
doing in a triathlon?" Being new, I'm still learning and still a bit
self conscious.

Thanks again,

Mojo

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Ironic) wrote in message news:<38f527b7.0406250732.5d4589c7@posting.google. com>...
> > "Mojo" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> > news:98aba128.0406241649.399c1a5e@posting.google.c om...
> > > I'm new to the triathlon world. I've only done one, training hard for
> > > a few more. I'm confindent in all 3 segments. However, I'm have a
> > > bit of a "fear factor" with my wetsuit. I CAN'T BREATH! Does the
> > > type of wetsuit solve or at least help this problem. I don't have
> > > much in the way of cash. I'm an avid dirtbag outdoor
> > > person...unemployed of course! So, I'm using a Bodyglove wetsuit. I
> > > put cuts in the chest to allow the suit to expand and then patched
> > > those areas to keep water from flowing in. My first tri damn near
> > > killed me on the swim because of my wetsuit. I can easily swim the
> > > distance in a pool. I'm going to start swimming in the pool with my
> > > wetsuit on (I'm sure to much of the laughter of everyone else..but I'm
> > > used to that!). Any thoughts?
>
> I had the same problem in a too small wetsuit, even though it was a
> Tri suit, and even though it was sleeveless. Someone more
> knowledgeable can confirm that Tri wetsuits have different thicknesses
> and use materials in different places to help with the chest
> expansion. If you let it go on you may develop a psychological problem
> with the water altogether. The sense that you are drowning is a big
> turnoff, for me, personally.

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

I have a Camero full and it is very supple rubber, well made and
comfortable. Never tried their shorty.

Ken

"Mojo" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:98aba128.0406260031.3fd8bfd6@posting.google.c om...
> Thanks for all the feedback. I've been doing a little more research.
> I'm wearing a 4mm suit in a size large. Wrong mm and wrong size. I
> should be in a XL or XXL. I found a shorty 1mm and 2mm for $60. It's
> called Camero (??) from Austria. Not sure if it's any good or not,
> but will give one a shot and see how it goes.
>
> I'm not afraid of drowning. I think its more the "Look at that fool.
> Look how outta shape he is. Can't hardly finish the swim! What is he
> doing in a triathlon?" Being new, I'm still learning and still a bit
> self conscious.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Mojo
>
> [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Ironic) wrote in message
news:<38f527b7.0406250732.5d4589c7@posting.google. com>...
> > > "Mojo" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> > > news:98aba128.0406241649.399c1a5e@posting.google.c om...
> > > > I'm new to the triathlon world. I've only done one, training hard
for
> > > > a few more. I'm confindent in all 3 segments. However, I'm have a
> > > > bit of a "fear factor" with my wetsuit. I CAN'T BREATH! Does the
> > > > type of wetsuit solve or at least help this problem. I don't have
> > > > much in the way of cash. I'm an avid dirtbag outdoor
> > > > person...unemployed of course! So, I'm using a Bodyglove wetsuit.
I
> > > > put cuts in the chest to allow the suit to expand and then patched
> > > > those areas to keep water from flowing in. My first tri damn near
> > > > killed me on the swim because of my wetsuit. I can easily swim the
> > > > distance in a pool. I'm going to start swimming in the pool with my
> > > > wetsuit on (I'm sure to much of the laughter of everyone else..but
I'm
> > > > used to that!). Any thoughts?
> >
> > I had the same problem in a too small wetsuit, even though it was a
> > Tri suit, and even though it was sleeveless. Someone more
> > knowledgeable can confirm that Tri wetsuits have different thicknesses
> > and use materials in different places to help with the chest
> > expansion. If you let it go on you may develop a psychological problem
> > with the water altogether. The sense that you are drowning is a big
> > turnoff, for me, personally.

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

> I'm not afraid of drowning. I think its more the "Look at that fool.
> Look how outta shape he is. Can't hardly finish the swim! What is he
> doing in a triathlon?" Being new, I'm still learning and still a bit
> self conscious.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Mojo

I joined a tri club and started racing. I thrash around in the water and
stumble through the runs but fly through the cycling. My club, Hereford Tri,
have given me nothing but praise and support. A competitor that passed me on
a duathlon finish shook my hand for a good race.
In my years of MTB XC racing I never had that. In the years of TT, and MTB
enduro I have.
Triathlon is so demanding, spectators and competitors know this and just
seem to respect each others efforts. First, second or last in a race,
training let alone racing is hard, well done for perserving. The only people
that may critise are the ones that stand in the side lines just havent got a
clue about what or why we do it.
Seperate the negative influences from your current lifestyle, see about
joining in with any local clubs in your area, I am sure encuragement is all
you will get. A decent spell checker would also be rice.

Kent

> > > "Mojo" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> > > news:98aba128.0406241649.399c1a5e@posting.google.c om...
> > > > I'm new to the triathlon world. I've only done one, training hard
for
> > > > a few more. I'm confindent in all 3 segments. However, I'm have a
> > > > bit of a "fear factor" with my wetsuit. I CAN'T BREATH! Does the
> > > > type of wetsuit solve or at least help this problem. I don't have
> > > > much in the way of cash. I'm an avid dirtbag outdoor
> > > > person...unemployed of course! So, I'm using a Bodyglove wetsuit.
I
> > > > put cuts in the chest to allow the suit to expand and then patched
> > > > those areas to keep water from flowing in. My first tri damn near
> > > > killed me on the swim because of my wetsuit. I can easily swim the
> > > > distance in a pool. I'm going to start swimming in the pool with my
> > > > wetsuit on (I'm sure to much of the laughter of everyone else..but
I'm
> > > > used to that!). Any thoughts?
>

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

"Kent" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].uk> wrote in message news:<cbnh7n$uub$[Only registered and activated users can see links. ].pol.co.uk>...
> > I'm not afraid of drowning. I think its more the "Look at that fool.
> > Look how outta shape he is. Can't hardly finish the swim! What is he
> > doing in a triathlon?" Being new, I'm still learning and still a bit
> > self conscious.
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Mojo
>
> I joined a tri club and started racing. I thrash around in the water and
> stumble through the runs but fly through the cycling. My club, Hereford Tri,
> have given me nothing but praise and support. A competitor that passed me on
> a duathlon finish shook my hand for a good race.
> In my years of MTB XC racing I never had that. In the years of TT, and MTB
> enduro I have.
> Triathlon is so demanding, spectators and competitors know this and just
> seem to respect each others efforts. First, second or last in a race,
> training let alone racing is hard, well done for perserving. The only people
> that may critise are the ones that stand in the side lines just havent got a
> clue about what or why we do it.
> Seperate the negative influences from your current lifestyle, see about
> joining in with any local clubs in your area, I am sure encuragement is all
> you will get. A decent spell checker would also be rice.
>
> Kent
>
> > > > "Mojo" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
> > > > news:98aba128.0406241649.399c1a5e@posting.google.c om...
> > > > > I'm new to the triathlon world. I've only done one, training hard
> for
> > > > > a few more. I'm confindent in all 3 segments. However, I'm have a
> > > > > bit of a "fear factor" with my wetsuit. I CAN'T BREATH! Does the
> > > > > type of wetsuit solve or at least help this problem. I don't have
> > > > > much in the way of cash. I'm an avid dirtbag outdoor
> > > > > person...unemployed of course! So, I'm using a Bodyglove wetsuit.
> I
> > > > > put cuts in the chest to allow the suit to expand and then patched
> > > > > those areas to keep water from flowing in. My first tri damn near
> > > > > killed me on the swim because of my wetsuit. I can easily swim the
> > > > > distance in a pool. I'm going to start swimming in the pool with my
> > > > > wetsuit on (I'm sure to much of the laughter of everyone else..but
> I'm
> > > > > used to that!). Any thoughts?
> >

Thanks for the words Kent. Yeah, I noticed how encouraging everyone
was during my first triathlon. My first tri was a DISASTER!! I bent
the drop-outs on my front fork taking my bike off the car when I
arrived at the race. My goggles broke about 200 feet into the swim
(salt water) so I could no longer keep my eyes open in the water, I
helped a woman having a panic attack (she finally finished and kicked
ass!!)during the swim, my wetsuit was so tight my lungs couldn't
expand so I spent my swim cheering other swimmers on and doing the
breast stroke. I dropped my bike in the transition area and when I
got on it the chain was off. My number came off my jersey (the safety
pins came undone when I was leaning over the bike getting my chain
back on the bike) so had to stop and fix it. Made up a bunch of time
on the bike, passed lots of other racers, then the organizer/official
pulled up next to me on the motorcycle and asked if I was going to try
and finish the race or if I wanted a ride!!! "Am I doing THAT bad that
you think I need a RIDE??" I screamed! "No, you're getting a flat
tire!!" I was close enough to the end that I was able to ride it out!
All this, 5 months after having my knee rebuilt. Believe it or not,
I had so much fun I decided that I was going to do this a couple of
times a year!! It started out as a goal for recovery of knee surgery.
Anyway, all the while, I had other racers encouraging me. It was
great!

Mojo

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

In article <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>,
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Mojo) wrote:

> All this, 5 months after having my knee rebuilt. Believe it or not,
> I had so much fun I decided that I was going to do this a couple of
> times a year!!

Blowing out your knee a couple times a year is not recommended.

--Harold Buck

"I used to rock and roll all night,
and party every day.
Then it was every other day. . . ."
-Homer J. Simpson