my wife already shrunk so much training for this race that her wetsuit is too big on her. will probably buy a new suit for her and was wondering what the general consensus is. anyone know if the gulf waters would be too warm in a fullsuit?
I comfortable wore a full suit in 2002.
The website says the water temp should range between 68-72 degrees so it’s a tough call. I plan on wearing my fullsuit. I did an Oly in a lake a few weeks ago and they said the water was75-76 degrees. Once I got in it was about perfect, and I would guess closer to 72. Does she get cold easy? Feel that the fullsuit restricts her movement?
no real problem with the cold or restricted movement in the fullsuit (she has an aquaman bionik that she loves). she’s taking it to the pool this week to make sure it’s too big, but the zipper in the back looks all wavey and loose when it’s done up, so i’m pretty sure it’s going to take on too much water once she gets swimming.
I lived in PC from October through December 2002 (and worked at IMFL)…
I’m a Navy Diver (Reserves) and I’d recommend a full suit (faster and you won’t overheat).
My guess would be water temps closer to 72-75F, with about a 15% chance that the water’s actually over 78F on race day. (don’t worry, they’ll find a sub-78 reading in some part of the water) Last year, they had perfect conditions on race day, but a freakish, unseasonable humidity, and higher than average for November temperatures up until the day before race day.
If you get the humidity, it’s actually not a bad idea to come out of the water slightly chilly- the longer you have before you overheat on the bike/run, the better.