Wetsuits in FL

The answer really depends on your water temperature tolerance and what part of Florida you are racing in. I don't like cold water (under 73) (I live and race mostly in the Keys), but most of my races have been that temp and above so I just use, as most people in Florida do, the sleeveless suit. I did purchase a long sleeve for a race where the water was below 70 in January and it was almost a disaster. Too constricting for me and honestly, probably not necessary.

Thanks. I live in SW Florida. Racing in the gulf and bay. I don't want to spend on 2 suits. Sleeveless seems to be the right choice.

Thanks!

Mike

Most of my training is in pools and I have little access to open water so I have a wetsuit pretty much for racing purposes. I did St.A's a couple of years ago without a wetsuit and rather wished I had brought it, but this was the only race I did where I wished I had. So I think for the early/late season races you might wish to have a wetsuit. I know that XTerra was having a sale on sleeveless wetsuits for $109

Temperature is not only consideration in sleeves/no sleeves. Sleeves are faster and more buoyant typically. Sleeves offers more protection against jellies. I live in Panama City (north FL panhandle area) and I use sleeves. I raced Ft. De Soto couple years ago in Tampa area down there and wore wetsuit. IT was chilly. Other than that, it's really personal preference. DO NOT BASE this decision simply because the sleeveless is few dollars cheaper than the full. All things being equal, I prefer sleeves.

I have a longsleeve. If its cold enough for a wetsuit, it's cold enough for sleeves. If it's not wetsuit legal, it's not for everyone, if that makes sense....still drinking my coffee. The long sleeves give me more options to wear it, IMO. Guess it really just depends on your comfort level. I'd rather be warm than cold any day.