Due to some unexpected finacial constraints I suddenly can not buy a Tri wetsuit. Went to my local scuba shop to see what I can get cheap. I am doing CDA June 29. Temp is to be about 70 degrees.Could I get away without a wetsuit? Since I have to go cheap can get a sleeveless for 65, but do not know what mm to get. They do not know what to recommend. My choices are 3, 5, and 7. I just read the rules and do not see anything but thought I read somewhere that the max. is 5mm.But all these thicknesses seem to much.I am completely clueless.Any suggestions? The shop can rent me a suit but they are diving suits,would they work.Would someone please tell me at least what mm to buy THANK YOU Ken
You don’t want a scuba suit. Scuba and tri suits are very different.
What size are you? I’m sure we can rustle something up. I have an old mens XL sleeveless Quintana Roo that’s just taking up space.
You may be able to rent a triathlon wetsuit for the race. There may be a wetsuit sponsor or expo exhibitor renting suits for the day.
Wow Thanks even if nothing fits,the offer itself is awesome. I beleive at the shop I was a large long. My size seemed to confuse her though. I am just a smiggion under 6 ft. Short torso long legs. Weight hovers at 180.Waist 34 chest 40,41(just measuered myself by tape,though I think by dress suit its a 42) 12percent body fat.Going buy my fit for my bike…Inseam 89cm-35inch…torso length 65.3cm-25.7in shoulder width 42cm-16.5 inch thigh 41.6cm-16.3cm. Buy the way training this week is better.I was getting real slow but my speed(relative) is coming back.This is my biggest build week. Just did a 5500yrd swim in 109.5min.Best yet.I think that comes out 78min for the 2.4. Tomorrow doing 112 with some major hills(1500ft climbs) then my longest run thursday.This week has me nervous. I am pushing my self to levels I have never been to. Thanks again Kathy…Ironclm…My e-mail is KenLuvsJody@aol.com and ph nu# 406-248 9908,If you think it might fit just tell me how to pay the shipping and what I could do for you,price ect… or whatever else. Thanks Again Ken
It’s not so much about thickness of the wetsuit (although there are WTC rule limitations - and USAT prevent the use of floatation devices), the real issue is the cut. A tri -specific wetsuit is design to be swam in… scuba suits are not. You are better off without a wetsuit than a wetsuit that is not designed/cut for swimming.
That being said… you can find an inexpensive tri -specific wetsuit if you look… from what I understand Promotion and Performance makes a reasonably priced wetsuit. You might post on the www. trinewbies.com discussion forum and find additional discounts from Promotion.
If you can choose between a sleeveless and a short cut (leg) wetsuit… take the sleeveless and stay with a long cut (leg) wetsuit. The biggest gain in speed and efficiency comes from “floating” the legs.
If that’s still not feasibility… you should be able to find one to rent. But, I would not waste money on a scuba wetsuit.
FWIW Joe Moya
If you get a wetsuit, congratulations, you’ll be faster almost definetly. If not, don’t fret, Seventy degrees is plenty warm, and you’ll have a faster transition time. Goodluck.
Gophers wear wetsuits.
If anyone can post specific links to buy a less expensive wetsuit that would work for a tri-newbie that would be great. I really don’t have $200 to spend.
Thanks Joe, what about nytro.com
The sleeveless ironman lowest model is 199, free shipping and 24.95 wetsuit care kit for free. Anybody else have any suggestions. Thanks in advance
KY Rocket
Ironman are good wetsuits… but the key is fit… will it fit… if it doesn’t fit, it’s worthless and a handicap. If you can find a wetsuit that is sleeveless and fits for the same price, that would most likely be a better deal. On the otherhand, a sleeveless is still better than no wetsuit or a non-tri specific wetsuit.
FWIW Joe Moya