LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?

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2009-06-11 2:42 PM

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Cypress, TX
Subject: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?

Hi everyone.  I just needed some recommendations in regards to a wetsuit for the LongHorn IM this October.  I am signed up for this Tri and was wondering if a wetsuit is needed.  I know it depends on the water temp that day, but if one is needed should it be full sleeve or sleeve less?

I have never used a wet suit, just my tri jammers and top for Olympic Tris, and just jammers for sprints.  I have had close encounters when I wish I had a wetsuit since the water has been cold; but they were sprints so I figured I could handle it for the short distance.


Also, has anyone done this race?  How was the swim?  Thanks.

2009-06-11 2:47 PM
in reply to: #2211310

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Alpharetta, Georgia
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Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?
Wetsuits were (surprisingly) allowed last year. I wouldn't count on it, but would bring it just in case.
Personally I'd go with sleeveless since it will likely be on the warm side.

PS - also if you so a search on threads including "LONGHORN" you will find hundreds of race reports where you can read peoples' experiences on the swim and the rest of the race! Plus the Race Talk thread for this year and years past. Good stuff.

 
 

Edited by lisac957 2009-06-11 2:49 PM
2009-06-12 9:38 PM
in reply to: #2211310

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Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?

In 2007, the water temps were too high for wet suits. In 2008, they were allowed. For 2009, the race is a few weeks later in the year (end instead of mid October). Whether or not wet suits are allowed will be a toss-up until a week or so before the race. However, it's very unlikely that you will need one, even if they are allowed. If you have a wet suit and would like to use it, bring it just in case. If not, don't worry about it. If they're allowed, either style will be fine....you'll see a lot of both types.

2009-06-12 9:40 PM
in reply to: #2211310

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Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?
Last year it WAS wetsuit legal.  I don't really know how, but it was.  I luckily had packed mine just in case.  And I was smart enough to bring a shorty one.  Short legs and sleeveless.  It was PERFECT.  Not too hot, and enough buoyancy to count.  :-)  A lot of people didn't even bring theirs, since they KNEW it wasn't going to be wetsuit legal . . .


ETA:  To answer your other question.  The swim is great.  It's out on Decker Lake, and it was flat as glass last year.  A triangle pattern, and it was a little short last year.  I want to say it was counter-clockwise, keeping the buoys on your left. 

Edited by kmill23 2009-06-12 9:42 PM
2009-06-13 8:32 AM
in reply to: #2211310

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Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?

As stated before, they weren't allowed two years ago.  The water temp was so high it was hot swimming in just shorts! 

2009-06-13 5:43 PM
in reply to: #2215093

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Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?
I'd guess it'll be wetsuit legal, as the race is 3 weeks later than last year. I'd be prepared for both, though


2009-06-13 6:08 PM
in reply to: #2211310

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Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?
"Is a wetsuit neccesary?" is a question with a different answer for different people.  I can't imagine it being cold enough there even three weeks later in the the year to actually warrant a full wetsuit, although there are buoyancy benefits to be had from one. Personally, if it was wetsuit legal and all options were available to me, I'd go with a shorty or a sleeveless depending on the water temp.

I did the Longhorn two years ago. THE swim was great. MY swim was a different story.

And I will be back to take my revenge on that course.

I will. Oh yes. I will.

2009-06-15 3:20 PM
in reply to: #2211310

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Cypress, TX
Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?
This is great!!  I really appreciate all the feedback.  This site rocks.   I will plan for swimming in jammers as usual, but will bring one just in case.
2009-06-15 9:33 PM
in reply to: #2211310

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Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?
I did this race last year. I didn't wear a wetsuit, and I thought the water temp was perfect. In fact, I think I would've been really uncomfortable if I did wear it. It's pretty warm out there, but not as hot as Phoenix, so don't panic. Great race! Enjoy it!
2009-06-15 10:04 PM
in reply to: #2211310

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Elite
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the desert
Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?

Just to echo what others have already said, the water wa plenty warm last year (Keith must have tied a bag of ice to the thermometer).  I was totally fine without one, although there were plenty of folks wearing them.

Go with whatever you're comfortable with.

2009-06-16 9:12 AM
in reply to: #2211310

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Surprise, AZ
Subject: RE: LongHorn IM 70.3 Austin - Wetsuit?
I raced longhorn last year in a fullsleeve wetsuit and got too hot. The only reason I wore it was for the speed advantage. I have swim in 78 degree water before and I thought that water felt is was over 78. I was very grateful the course was about 300-400 yards short otherwise I would have been boiling. Hopefully since it is later in the year the water will be a bit cooler otherwise I would suggest not to wear the fullsleeve at least.


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