Do I really need a wetsuit?

Lots of companies rent wetsuits for ~$50 per race.

In my mind, it depends on the water. For a short course, in warm water, in a small lake, in California, a wetsuit is probably not a need. One thing you can do is skim the race reports from your races and see how they describe the swim.

For me, I have two olys - Rev 3 Wisconsin Dells, in Lake Delton, and the Chicago Triathlon, in Lake Michigan..

Lake Delton is bath-water warm right now, and wasn't pro-wetsuit-legal last year. For that race alone, I would probably have not bought a wetsuit. It's also a time-trial start, which helps.

Chicago, on the other hand, in Lake Michigan . . . 3-4' swells, plus the possibility of the water being pretty cold, plus the scrum of the mass start - those reasons contributed to my wetsuit purchase. We also have Ohio Beach, which is a 1/2 mile long swimming lane in shallow water, and almost always full of triathletes. I've been out there a few times, and that departure from the boredom of pool swimming is great. Open water is a very different animal.

I was able to buy a nice Blue Seventy Fusion for less than $300, and the xterra on the banner is around $200.

Another thing to consider is that wetsuits are different; they make you float differently, the constrict a bit, and take some adjustment. My wife, a strong swimmer, had a miserable time the first time she went out in one; the later times, no problems. There is an adjustment phase, and Rule #1 is not to do anything different on race day.

You may be able to rent one for a day from a shop, or borrow one from the guys in the tri club, and then go play in the water. I'm a cruddy swimmer, and I love mine - it takes a lot of stress off, with the buoyancy.

I would say it is not worth it if you are doing just 150-200 meter swims. If you are sensitive to cold water then you might want to invest into one. Maybe even a sleeveless one that De Soto or other companies offer.

Another option is just getting the Wetsuit pants from De Soto, it will keep you warmer and will help your buoyancy.

If you have to stop and tread water or resort to breast stroke frequently, the wetsuit will make those motions more difficult.

Yes, get a wetsuit.

If helps you float, and go faster period.

Go to wetsuit warehouse and buy the neosport Sleeveless sprint edition model.

I sold off a blue seventy I had after getting this, and I happen to think it is much better.

This wetsuit is $99, and light as could be. You can find coupon codes too.

Also it easy to get on and off.

Problem solved.

I had this same question back when I was starting out. Is a wetsuit all hype? No.

Get one.

Also, with the short format (200 meter) swims, you will spend more time taking the wetsuit off then swimming . You also dont need it in the pool.

I disagree with that statement. With a wetsuit you float. You won't even have to tread water. And many people do breaststroke with wetsuits on.

Found out that DeSoto is nearby where I work. I can rent a wetsuit and go to the local tri club OWS practice.