Wetsuit questions

[Iris616]

Hi,
I have some questions that I couldn't find answers to by doing a search in this forum. I apologize in advance for repeat beginner questions.

I'm training to do the Finger Lakes Triathlon in Canandagua NY in Mid September. I think I'll want a wet suit, but can any one suggest a site that will give me average water temps for that lake?

Also, it seems from reading other threads that the first time in a wetsuit can be intimidating or disconcerting. So, do I rent one for a weekend sometine before the race just to get the hang of it?

Finally, if anyone has done this race, do you think a wetsuit is needed?

Thanks.

[Veronica]

You can wear a wetsuit if the water temp is below 78 degrees. Every tri I have done has listed what they expect the temp to be on their web site.

I bought my suit, pretty much at random, from REI because I could return it with no hassles. Fortunately, it seems okay. It always seems a little weird how high it comes up when I first put it on, but I get over that. Trisports also has what sounds like a reasonable return policy. I didn't want to rent after reading about people urinating in their suit. Yeah, I know sometimes you have to go... I'm wussy about some things.

I grew up swimming outside in lakes and rivers, so the OWS hasn't bothered me, other than I have a hard time staying in a straight line. I never swam regularly in a pool until I joined my college swim team.

I would definitely swim outside in your suit before your event, especially if you have any trepidation about the swim.

V.

[Iris616]

I didn't want to rent after reading about people urinating in their suit. Yeah, I know sometimes you have to go... I'm wussy about some things.

V.

Ewww. I would have never thought of that! Thanks for the tip.

I've checked the event website, but can't find anything about water temp, not even for last years race. I'll go back and look again.

[flash]

Hi!

If you're planning to race in a wetsuit, and aren't experienced at swimming in a wetsuit, then YES, I think it would be a good idea to either borrow a wetsuit that is similar (style and fit) to the one you are planning to rent, or rent the suit a little in advance of your race so you can try it out and get comfortable with the idea. There are two reasons...

#1 - Depending on the suit & the fit, some people need to test drive the suit a couple of times to become accustomed to the feeling of the snug neoprene against their neck. Some people never get used to that and feel panicky because of the "thing" around their neck. Some people never even notice it. I can relate to both, b/c my first wetsuit felt like it was strangling me & I hated swimming in it; my newer one has a supersoft neck opening & I don't even notice it.

#2 - Your body position in the water is quite different with vs without a wetsuit, and depending on the suit (style, composition, and fit), their can be more resistance on your shoulders (when you are bringing your arms forward in the recovery phase of the stroke) &/or you can use slightly different muscle groups with the suit on vs. off &/or you may change the way (&/or the amount) that you kick.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun & enjoy your race

[Iris616]

Flash-Thanks for the info. You were very helpful.

But, oh boy, do I have a lot to learn!

[rocknrollgirl]

Wear one if they allow it, and practice before, absolutely....

[eclectic]

I am by far not experienced but I did do my first tris last summer in water that was very, very coooooold brrrrrrr.

If you decide to invest in a wet suit really check out the different brands. I found the fit is much different depending on the brand. I got a 2xu because I am wider hipped and smaller chested and the way the sizing went I was in the middle of the size. Other brands I was at the top or the bottom between med and lg.

As all others said - practice in it and getting it off. The best advice I had was to take it off right upon leaving the water before all the water drains out. Much quicker.

If the water is really cold - consider ear plugs also. Without them I was very dizzy getting up - with them - no problem.

Hopefully by this time of the year the water won't be too cold

Good luck!

[tygab]

chances are very good that your race will still be wetsuit legal, because as far as I know even ponds around here (northeast) rarely go over 78. I would plan to be racing with one but if you can manage it do some open water swims with and without so you have a feel for the differences.

As for brands, I think it's whatever you feel best in. I ended up with a 2xu.
and for my one and only race so far (soon to change) I found it was much easier to pop out of at the transition than I'd feared/imagined. maybe because I'd practiced on bone dry land!