[Boyerdavea]

Question for all you experienced triathletes. I am going to do my second triathlon and the one I am looking at is in open water.<br><br>
Do I need to get a wetsuit? I don't have one and don't want to spend the money for one quite yet. I just bought me a bike a few months back and don't want to sink more money in already.<br><br>
Give me your opinions with advantages and disadvantages. Thanks

 

[Flounder]

How far is the swim portion?<br><br>
I'm not a tri-guy, but if it is a 1/2 ironman I sure would invest the money if it were me. 1/4 mile I would not.

 

[theia]

1! It also will depend on (a) how strong a swimmer you are, and (b) water temperature. Also check the race's website to see if wetsuits are allowed. You might be able to rent or borrow a wetsuit for the race, too. If you do plan to wear one, make sure you train in it a few times before the race to get used to it, to make sure it fits right and doesn't irritate your skin, etc.

 

[theia]

Hey, all. Just a quick note to let you know that the wonderful Rich has created a new multisport forum! So now these sorts of questions can go there. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[RunAsics]

I don't tri but DW does. Water temp is the biggy according to her - she's a very strong swimmer and always wears one when it's legal (temps typically don't get close to the 78F breakpoint). The extra buoyancy is a nice energy saver.

 

[Boyerdavea]

thanks all. I will have to wait then till I find the tri I am going to do. I am assuming if I do a Sprint or OLY it wouldn't be needed.

 

[RunAsics]

Of course your may not need one but my observation is that >90% of athletes at the Sprint & Olympic tri's I've been to with friends and DW wear wetsuits. Note that you can always rent one for the week from your local sports/tri stores.

 

[juliemboyle]

My first tri was a sprint in late July, water temps in the 70's so didn't wear one. Last year I did an early June Oly and got one.....water temps were 58! For me it depends on the temps.

 

[4boysmom]

I did a sprint tri in September. I did not wear a wetsuit. Water temps were fine--same as I had been training in all summer. I hear they will make swimming easier. But, given the time it takes to get out of a wetsuit, not sure if it's worth it.