Sleeved are almost always the better choice. That said, I have a sleeveless Xterra due to cost. And it is quite nice. My next suit will have sleeves (though that may be years from now).
Thanks everyone. Appreciate the help. I will be back with more new guy questions soon!
Id vote sleeveless. I live in the same area, and started racing two seasons ago in SC and GA. Curious which race it is. In any event id say youll have several races at the beginning/end where you can use it, and all will be just warm enough to be ok without if you want, but youll be in the minority and may as well take advantage of it. I have a full sleeve kiteboarding suit I wear. Its a 4/5 (fairly thick) and its definitely not doing me any favors with the restriction. Im going to go sleeveless soon and it should be more than warm enough around here.
Oh and , i imagine your race isnt 750m. More likely 400 or 600, but this still applies. UNLESS… Its in a pool. Then dont wear one. One last tip: zipper in the back! (my friend broke both of those last two rules in the same session!)
Most people swim faster in a wetsuit - usually 0 to 10% faster for a triathlete of above average swimming ability (i.e. ~1:30 min/100m).
Fixed it for you.
Sounds like everyone has convinced you already. Sprints are the only length I am competitive for an award so I will wear one if the swim is >500 yards because that is where I start to save time by wearing one. yeah, I am not a good swimmer. Bottom line, you will definitely not be the only one there wearing a wetsuit no matter what the distance swim is. I prefer the long sleeve for shorter swims and the sleeveless for longer swims (weaksauce shoulder muscles).
To:… I have a full sleeve kiteboarding suit I wear. Its a 4/5 (fairly thick) and its definitely not doing me any favors with the restriction
Thats because you are not in a “tri” full sleeve…You cannot compare that suit to why you someone should go sleeveless or not…
Cool!
I’d wear the wetsuit if the water is going to be cold or if you are significantly slower without one. Most people can swim faster with a wetsuit and, if you practice enough, will be able to get out of it in a couple seconds. My advice is to practice your transitions enough so that the time advantage you get wearing the wetsuit will be the same or less than the time it takes to strip out of it. Even if it ends up taking a few seconds longer, you will be a lot more comfortable and warm so that you are ready to hammer the bike and run. Besides, if the majority of the racers are also wearing wetsuits, you won’t be losing time to your competitors.
If its cold as heck wear one. If its not…dont. Take it with you and see if you are cold enough to wear one. If you are then like other posts said practice getting it on and off. For me I hate the dang things. Good luck!
I’d find out the distance of the swim. Some “sprints” are 400 or less. Some are a full half mile. That can make a huge difference.
thanks for all the help. the swim is 500…in a pond…in April. Think I am going to get a wetsuit since I know i have 4 other races I have signed up for. And based on the help here, I guess I will go with long sleeve. Welcome all comments. This sport is like a drug. I am 41, was not even running a year and a half ago, did three half marathons in 7 weeks, ran 18 yesterday and an hour on the bike this morning. Probably nothing for you all…but considering I would have been hungover on a couch and eating like crap…it is weird how killing yourself becomes addictive…and fun. I am hooked.
Adding another support for your wetsuit decision…
If this is your first tri and first OW swim in a group, you are bound to experience the bump and grind of the competition. Depending on your comfort in the water, wet suits provide a bit of protection and confidence to handle the physicality of the swim. Caution: some people get over aggressive during the swim. Be wary and don’t be that guy.