Sleeves or No?

[Grog]

Most people I know who swim open water in B.C. (I don't!!) have long-sleeved wetsuits...

These are photos of a recent Vancouver Triathlon (sept 07):
http://www.pbase.com/markcreery/vancouvertri07

You'll find some sleeveless racers, but most people, including the leaders, wear sleeves it seems.

Perhaps you'd make it with a sleeveless, but you'll get more versatility out of a longsleeved I think...

[rocknrollgirl]

Our water is not nearly that cold and I have sleeves. I vote sleeves.

[roadie gal]

Besides keeping you warmer, the full sleeved suits actually make you faster. It's been shown a bunch of times. I think Slowtwitch has some articles about it.

On the other hand, I found full sleeved suits claustrophobic. So I wear a sleeveless.

I have a Promotion suit. In most reviews and articles they rate pretty highly, but are MUCH cheaper than a lot of "big name" suits.

[KSH]

On the other hand, I found full sleeved suits claustrophobic. So I wear a sleeveless.

See, I can't breathe when I have mine on, and it seems to me that it comes from the chest portion of the wetsuit.

When I get into the water the wetsuit tightens around my chest and I feel like I can't breathe.

The sleeves don't have anything to do for me when it comes to feeling like I'm being squeezed to death.

[jesvetmed]

Thanks everyone! Good to hear differing views. Sounds like I better go somewhere and try a bunch on, or at least guarantee the ability to return!

[KnottedYet]

i did Seattle Danskin in my $105 wetsuit without sleeves. I was fine and dandy for my open-water training in Lake Washington, the lake the race is in (began swimming in May). My friend did the training and the race without any wetsuit at all.

During Danskin itself I was quite warm. I like that my arms were free and didn't mind that the lower neck of my wetsuit (kayaking suit) scooped a little water. It was a worthwhile trade off to me not to have anything around my neck.

Try out some suits. I had an idea of the types of suits I like from scuba diving and kayaking and wearing wetsuits for shore work.

Mine is not the most efficient racing suit in the world, but it makes me happy, and that's all I really care about.

It's like bikes, try lots!

[Grog]

There is a probably a place near you where you can rent triathlon (not diving) wet suits. Rent a few and try them out!!