staying cool in wetsuit ?

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2009-09-12 12:13 PM

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Subject: staying cool in wetsuit ?
I'm swimming in a 2 mile open water charity event next week. The water temp is around 78 degrees. I would like to use my recently purchased wetsuit for the obvious reasons, however I'm concerned about getting to hot. It is a xterra john suit and I anticipate being in the water for about an hour. I would greatly appreciate any insight into weather or not I should use the wetsuit for this event or any tips on staying cool in a wetsuit in warmer waters.
Thanks John

2009-09-12 1:26 PM
in reply to: #2402232

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Subject: RE: staying cool in wetsuit ?
I don't think you'd get to warm in the john style suit but if you do just tug on the neck or the arm opening and get some fresh water to "flush" the suit we do this with full dive suits and it works well.
2009-09-12 2:20 PM
in reply to: #2402232

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Subject: RE: staying cool in wetsuit ?
Check with the rules for the event to see if they have a temp cutoff to allow wetsuits.  In most triathlons, it's 78 degrees.  FWIW, in my full suit, I'd cook at that temp.

2009-09-12 7:51 PM
in reply to: #2402232

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Subject: RE: staying cool in wetsuit ?
I'd recommend not wearing it. I've come to the conclusion that about 75 is as warm as I can deal with a wetsuit and even then for 1/2 hour or 45 minutes max. 78 and an hour, not a chance.
2009-09-12 7:56 PM
in reply to: #2402342

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Subject: RE: staying cool in wetsuit ?

TriMyBest - 2009-09-12 2:20 PM Check with the rules for the event to see if they have a temp cutoff to allow wetsuits.  In most triathlons, it's 78 degrees.  FWIW, in my full suit, I'd cook at that temp.



A lot of OWS events do not allow wetsuits.  Some do and they don't rank you if you do wear a wetsuit.  At least that has been my experience.

Best to check the event's rules though.

2009-09-13 11:40 AM
in reply to: #2402232

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Subject: RE: staying cool in wetsuit ?
I cannot tolerate a wetsuit at that temp. I took my Helix for a test at a 78F pool, did 2000m straight swim, thought I would die several times. No amount of flotation help will offset the buildup of heat for me.
Up to 72F is what I am comfortable in the wetsuit, after that swim skin becomes the next weapon of choice. 

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