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A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once
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Spiridon Louis
Apr 21, 09 18:29
Post #1 of 37
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A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once
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It's always been wetsuit legal when I've done it (the past 5 years or so). Temp in the Bay is currently 78.1. They always seem to find a "cool spot" to measure, but still, they can only fudge it so much. I know there are some people who
depend
on a wetsuit for that swim. Somewhere, someone is panicking.
WillNJ
Apr 21, 09 19:02
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Spiridon Louis]
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Wait, you mean triathletes might have to swim unaided?! I LOVE non-wetsuit swims personally... Swimming in a wetsuit is like an all-downhill bike route...
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willmillertriathlon.blogspot.com
David in FL
Apr 21, 09 19:15
Post #3 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Spiridon Louis]
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There'll be a lot of purple there........
.......the magic thermometer will come out. ;-)
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt
ericM40-44
Apr 21, 09 19:18
Post #4 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Spiridon Louis]
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I'm a bad swimmer, but I really wish RDs and organizing bodies would stop coddling us. Is it so hard to expect someone to be able to complete the whole race in order to call themselves a finisher?
I wonder how much better at swimming I'd be if I knew I wouldn't be able to wear a wetsuit.
LazyEP
Apr 21, 09 20:03
Post #5 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [WillPA]
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Here! Here!
When I become King of all triathlons, all competitors wishing to use wetsuits will have to put them on AFTER the start. It will be LeMans type start with all those addicted to neoprene having to run to a spot, put on their rubber floaties and then start the swim.
Sean Phelps
Those who can tri. Those who can't du. Those who won't cycle.
Chubbly
Apr 21, 09 21:19
Post #6 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [LazyEP]
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I think wetsuits are fine, if you carry it with you the whole race.........
masterslacker
Apr 22, 09 4:44
Post #7 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [WillPA]
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Definitely wetsuits are great for us non-swimmers...it limits our damage in the water so we can rock our strengths(bike/run).
jaretj
Apr 22, 09 4:56
Post #8 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once
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After you guys put on a tri or an open water swim, let us know if your opinion on wetsuits has changed.
When you are responsible for hundreds of lives in the water, you'll understand why race directors stretch the rules a little bit.
jaretj
WillNJ
Apr 22, 09 5:06
Post #9 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [jaretj]
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I have to say, if the wetsuit is making you significantly safer in water, you probably don't belong there. I know it won't happen, but it would be great if people could recognize their limits swimming. I am constantly amazed that people who KNOW they have trouble swimming a certain distance will still put themselves at risk by trying it. Swimming is the only portion where this can get you in trouble. Not being able to complete the bike or run doesn't put your life in danger like swimming does. I know wetsuits aren't going away because the masses love them, but there's no doubt they give far more of an advantage to non-swimmers and I think it's a bummer when they're allowed at temperatures that are clearly above the cutoff. (I'm thinking of Nation's Tri last year...bathwater-like Potomac and you should have a heard the cheer that went up when they announced wetsuits would be allowed. And yes, I wore one, too. I'm certainly not giving up and advantage that everyone else has...)
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willmillertriathlon.blogspot.com
FLA Jill
Apr 22, 09 5:11
Post #10 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [WillPA]
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It's too warm for wetsuits here for ocean swims from mid-late May to late October, and not only can't I remember anyone having to make a serious swim rescue but we also get very few kayak-hangers outside of extreme water condition situations. We've got a lot of slower swimmers, but those slow swimmers still know and respect the Gulf and understand how to handle swimming in it. I'd say 80%+ of the locals do their first triathlon in races where the floaties aren't allowed, and it's like no big deal they can't use them.
simplyred
Apr 22, 09 5:22
Post #11 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [LazyEP]
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In Reply To:
Here! Here!
When I become King of all triathlons, all competitors wishing to use wetsuits will have to put them on AFTER the start. It will be LeMans type start with all those addicted to neoprene having to run to a spot, put on their rubber floaties and then start the swim.
I second that!
support crew
Apr 22, 09 5:37
Post #12 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Chubbly]
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I think wetsuits are fine, if you carry it with you the whole race.........
As long as you run carrying your bike, you may have a deal....
Support Crew
This information contained herein has been assembled for your assistance and convenience. It is believed to be reliable, however, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All opinions shown are subject to change without notice.
JustJulian
Apr 22, 09 6:01
Post #13 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Spiridon Louis]
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Excuse my ignorance, which race is this?
"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS
David in FL
Apr 22, 09 6:03
Post #14 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [JulianInEngland]
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St Anthony's in St Petersburg, FL.
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt
JustJulian
Apr 22, 09 6:05
Post #15 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [David in FL]
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Thank you. I was going through iconic race in my head but didn't think of St. Anthony's as "A" and it seemed way too early for Alcatraz!
"How bad can it be?" - SimpleS
(This post was
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jaretj
Apr 22, 09 7:19
Post #16 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [WillPA]
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Personally, I don't need a wetsuit, I'm a fairly decent triathlon swimmer.
I agree that there are many people that don't belong there, as a race director how would one determine who does and who doesn't? Should he just look at everyone and say to certain people "You are doing the duathlon."
jaretj
M~
Apr 22, 09 7:22
Post #17 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [simplyred]
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In Reply To:
In Reply To:
Here! Here!
When I become King of all triathlons, all competitors wishing to use wetsuits will have to put them on AFTER the start. It will be LeMans type start with all those addicted to neoprene having to run to a spot, put on their rubber floaties and then start the swim.
I second that!
And then all you swimmers will still get passed on the bike. It will just take us an extra minute or so to do it. ;)
hjghost
Apr 22, 09 7:30
Post #18 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Spiridon Louis]
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Meh - I'm kind of hoping it isn't - dealing with the wetsuit is a pain in the ass (although as a 27 min-ish Oly swimmer it definitely helps my time). Do they make the call on race morning or the day before?
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If it's a YMCA pool, the lightning wanders around the locker room naked for an hour, then uses the blow dryer on its junk. -lunchbox
sebemfo
Apr 22, 09 7:46
Post #19 of 37
(3223 views)
Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [LazyEP]
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In Reply To:
Here! Here!
When I become King of all triathlons, all competitors wishing to use wetsuits will have to put them on AFTER the start. It will be LeMans type start with all those addicted to neoprene having to run to a spot, put on their rubber floaties and then start the swim.
BEST idea I've heard in a long time! love it!
Yeah, I've been to 3 races now where the water was way too warm for wetsuits in the days leading up to the race. Then magically, the temp drops the morning of the race. The first two times I didn't bring my wetsuit to the race. When the gun sounded, I spent the next 20-30mins cussing the race director while in my head "everyone is passing me right now". The 3rd time I knew better and brought it anyway. Thankfully I wear a sleeveless because it was pretty hot out there!
kiwi.
Apr 22, 09 8:27
Post #20 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [WillPA]
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Wait, you mean triathletes might have to swim unaided?! I LOVE non-wetsuit swims personally... Swimming in a wetsuit is like an all-downhill bike route...
If you're going to ban wetsuits why don't we ban disc wheels as well? What about running shoes?
You can swim fine without a wetsuit, but you can also ride fine without a disc wheel. What's the difference?
Chubbly
Apr 22, 09 8:36
Post #21 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [kiwi.]
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If you're going to ban wetsuits why don't we ban disc wheels as well? What about running shoes?
You can swim fine without a wetsuit, but you can also ride fine without a disc wheel. What's the difference?
Yea, that is right! You tell him Kiwi!!!
Why don't you just ban paddles and fins as well? Then we will see how well you do
dargi
Apr 22, 09 8:37
Post #22 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [kiwi.]
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Couldn't agree more!
Wetsuits also provide a bit of safety. I was kicked in the head and blacked out for a few, who knows what would have happened if I was not wearing a wetsuit!
WillNJ
Apr 22, 09 8:39
Post #23 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [kiwi.]
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I think the issue we're discussing using them when the temperature is not appropriate. Wetsuits are meant to provide warmth not speed, but with technology today they do both. I don't think they should be banned, but when it's warm enough to go without, I would love the rule to be enforced. (By the way, there ARE some races where disc are banned...) You don't need a disc or even running shoes to prevent hypothermia... you do need a wetsuit when it's cold enough...
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willmillertriathlon.blogspot.com
kiwi.
Apr 22, 09 8:46
Post #24 of 37
(3125 views)
Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [WillPA]
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In Reply To:
I think the issue we're discussing using them when the temperature is not appropriate. Wetsuits are meant to provide warmth not speed, but with technology today they do both. I don't think they should be banned, but when it's warm enough to go without, I would love the rule to be enforced. (By the way, there ARE some races where disc are banned...) You don't need a disc or even running shoes to prevent hypothermia... you do need a wetsuit when it's cold enough...
That makes more sense. Sure, enforce the rule when necessary. Wearing a wetsuit when its too warm is likely to slow some people down!
KonaShelley
Apr 22, 09 8:48
Post #25 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Spiridon Louis]
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How was the 78 degrees measured? I just got an email from someone who lives there and said the temp is currently 68. Either way i'll bring my wetsuit if I get to use it fine..if not that's cool too. We swim in pools all year long without one..soooooooo :-)
dr.tri
Apr 22, 09 8:54
Post #26 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Spiridon Louis]
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The H2O temp is inversely proportional to the number of wetsuit booths at the expo; the greater the number of wetsuit reps,the lower the reported water temp.
>
>
I got old once, did not like it, so I got young again.
(This post was
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by dr.tri on Apr 22, 09 9:05)
19Seventy
Apr 22, 09 9:09
Post #27 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Spiridon Louis]
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Without them, I'll bet it's a white knuckle ride for the RD and there is no way to filter out who "deserves" to be there and who does not. I never swam before tri and I would never sign up for a race that I couldn't swim sans wetsuit but not everyone feels that way. I am faster with one but what a PITA, I prefer non wetsuit races and here in AZ that actually happens at times.
I'm slow in the water but I can relate to the swimmer mindset that the wetsuit is a crutch. I come from a cycling background and I see tri bikes in exactly the same way, extra speed granted without the fitness. Still if you want to keep up you've gotta join that club too. That's just racing.
In the end I'm ok with them fudging the numbers though, it would only take a small string of drownings to shut down the whole deal and make races stupid expensive from an insurance standpoint.
I Wear a Speedo
Apr 22, 09 9:13
Post #28 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [kiwi.]
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But I would also like to see it taken one step further, and drop the temp cutoff from 78 to 72, as it is for the pros. 78 is pretty comfy when you're swimming, as that's what the temp is at the pool we use. We get grumpy if it gets to 80 -- that's just too warm for a decent swim workout. There truly isn't a need for wetsuits until you get much lower, and 72 seems like a forgiving-enough cutoff.
That's unless you count the safety issue that many RD's cite, but I'd like to see a study on how much safer wetsuits really have made open water swims. I know a lot of the people who have died while swimming in triathlons were wearing wetsuits. I don't know that the odds of dying are any lower if you have on a wetsuit, but I'd like to see the numbers. It's just a huge, mental crutch, otherwise; and that seems contrary to what the challenge of the sport is supposed to be about.
swimlinz
Apr 22, 09 11:05
Post #29 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [I Wear a Speedo]
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Pro rules changed and now the cutoff is 68 degrees for under 3000m, and 71.6 degrees for any distance over. I think AG rules should follow suit and lower the max temp a few degrees as well.
LazyEP
Apr 22, 09 14:12
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [jaretj]
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Been there done that as a RD for a local event. That's why the Tri gods created lifeguards, kayaks, boats, open water swim clinics, etc.
And yet many RDs are happy dumping hundreds of cyclists onto roads that cannot handle the load and that are not closed to vehicular traffic.
We bitch & moan about the cycling skills of triathletes, yet seem to give the poorer swimmers a pass because of the wetsuit.
Part of this is market driven - why turn away a paying customer? However, do we allow wetsuits in pool swim triathlons?
If we're "stretching" the rules then they aren't really rules but more like fuzzy guidelines or suggestions. It is a triathlon - we're supposed to swim not float.
Sean Phelps
Those who can tri. Those who can't du. Those who won't cycle.
tomziebart
Apr 22, 09 17:59
Post #31 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [Spiridon Louis]
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Tampa Bay is a very big body of water. Where did you get the information on the temp. of the bay? It really does not matter because the USAT official will measure the water on race morning. Only then will you know if wet suits will be allowed. The RD has NO choice in this matter as the USAT official measures the water. Athletes may STILL wear wet suits if the Temp is over 78 degrees, but thier times would not be in the official results of the race. Z
jaretj
Apr 22, 09 18:32
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [LazyEP]
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So you know how scary it is letting people swim.
Yes there are kayaks, boats, lifeguards...But I sure felt better when I measured the water temp at 74 deg F. I could see why some RD's may stretch it up to 79 or 80.
jaretj
jaretj
Apr 22, 09 18:36
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [swimlinz]
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71.6 degrees...How do you measure with that precision considering the accuracy of most store bought devices is +/- 1.8 deg F?
jaretj
Mightygator
Apr 22, 09 18:42
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [tomziebart]
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You can get local meteorological observations on 6 minute intervals from the tide station just south of the airport near the start. Looks like a spike today.
http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/...logical+Observations
Google map location of tide station for reference.
http://maps.google.com/...amp;hl=en&tab=wl
swimlinz
Apr 22, 09 19:04
Post #35 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [jaretj]
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I thought that was a little odd too. I guess expect the head official to drop some serious dough on an expensive thermometer for pro races?? I agree though - most are not going to be that accurate.
Spiridon Louis
Apr 22, 09 19:31
Post #36 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [tomziebart]
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Temp reading here.
http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/egof.html
It's supposed to be the Pier. The email from St A's today says it is about 76. The fix is already in. :-) The plus for a nonwetsuit swim would be hearing everyone gripe and whine about it all day Saturday.
"
WATER TEMPERATURE UPDATE: 7AM TODAY =74 DEGREES. 6PM TODAY = 75.8 DEGREES
TEMPERATURES ARE A BIT LOWER THAN INITIALLY ANTICIPATED SO PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR WETSUIT OR NON-WETSUIT AS IT COULD GO EITHER WAY
.
ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE MADE ALL DAY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WITH CURRENT WATER TEMPERATURE READING."
maija
Apr 22, 09 19:43
Post #37 of 37
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Re: A's might actually not be wetsuit legal for once [swimlinz]
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I would get really cold swimming without wetsuit in 70 degree water. I don't swim that slow either, I am just prone to hypothermia and very lean.
If St. Anthony's is not wetsuit legal, not a big deal. When it is that close to the edge of wetsuit legal, it can get really hot in the wetsuit. The first 3rd of the race is perfectly comfortable then you just want out of the darn thing.
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