wet suits

Tri-Tracy,
I am going to be out at Saguaro or Canyon Lake at least 2-3 times in March if you want to join me.  That is going to be one of the best ways to prep for OWS since you can't get into Tempe Town Lake unless there is an event going on.   Watch the forum for an OWS thread soon. 

Lisa

Awesome! I would love too! Can you give me what days/time you plan to go? I want to make sure it fits into my schedule (I work weekend nights 3pm-8pm). I will arrange it so the swim is first piority.

I am off work on Mondays and Tuesdays. Wed, Thurs, Fri work 6am-11am.

I have been swiming in the Pebble Creek 50yard indoor pool. I don't live there but my parents do. If you like to join me I can get you a pass.

Will I need a wetsuit? It will be my first open water.

Tracy

This is exactly what I was hoping for! Thank you so much!

Hi!  I don't know exactly when it is going to fit yet but we will make it work.  Are you on Facebook?  There is a group that coordinates local OWS there and I think they are planning to be out on March 11.  You will want a wetsuit in March as it will still be cold.  I have no idea what size you are but I have an old one you could borrow if it fits.  Send me a message (PM) on here and we can talk specific details. :>D

Lisa

Edited by Javamom 2011-02-27 7:57 PM

I know it slows down T1 a little bit, but it has always been my opinion that in OWS the wetsuit provides more benefit than downside, so if the event is wetsuit-legal, I will gladly wear one.  The buoyancy and ability to stay on top of the water with less effort is a huge bonus.  And in a sleeveless you gain the shoulder flexibility, so your arms stay stronger.

I even wore one at last year's Las Vegas Half IM Triathlon, and the water temp had to be right at maximum (78), and was like bath water.  But even then, to stay on top of the water I swam better than expected, and managed to not overheat in my sleeveless.

Just my 0.02.

Thank you for the info. So, I went looking at wetsuits today and tryed on a BodyGlove half/sleeve and over the knee. I love the feel and free movement that it gave me ( was a small and need medium 7/8). Was easy to put on and take off. But, still confused. The 3/2mm, 5/3mm and etc...

Then not sure if I need a full, half sleeve, sleevless etc...

Any suggestions?

Full will keep you covered for any race and water temp.

Sleeveless would be a good second wetsuit for races where the water temp is manageable.

Half sleeves - I have not seen too many of these out on the course.  From what I have read and experienced, the issue with sleeves is not in the forearms and upper arms, but with the shoulders and flexibility for rotation.  A half sleeve would have the same issues as a full sleeve, and your forearms would still feel the cold.

Better to go full (in my opinion), and pick up a sleeveless as a backup (when you are ready to spend).

As far as thickness measurements, just keep within USAT guidelines (most all current wetsuits on the market are ok) and you are good to go.  To be honest, I do not even know what the thickness measurement is on my wetsuits.

BlueSeventy
19
Orca
Xterra
Tyr
2XU

All good brands - make sure your BodyGlove is not made for surfing - I hear they have different attributes.

Thank you. Thank you!

Going to purchase the Vortex 3 Fullsuit Wetsuit- Women's from Xterra and use the BT code 50% off.