I have a Nineteen Riptide SL (armless) and have a few questions. Is it out of the question to think about using an armless suit given the 60 degree temps or is full suit the only answer? Are there any wet suit rentals at the Expo or is this something that should be taken care of now? Orange County rentals?
I have a sleeveless suit as well. I used it at IMAZ last April with a water temp of 62. I suppose it depends on the person but I’m planning to use the same suit in Oceanside and I think it will be OK.
MMMMM, interesting. Agreed on the comfort as it’s all relative. I grew up in Michigan and was jumping in the lake shortly after thaw! Granted it was not a mile swim though.
I swam the other day at La jolla and water temp was 55 to 57, long sleve is your call.
(You gotta be comfortable with being uncomfortable!.]
see you there
Scott, the water temp today for my swim was 54. I was comfortable but I had a full suit and neoprene cap. I still say full suit is the call.
I have swam that race 4 years in a sleeveless. Last year I added a hood, which was nice. If you have a sleeved one, I would wear it. It is cold, but not impossible with a sleeveless. It is a question of comfort levels.
Are there any wet suit rentals at the Expo or is this something that should be taken care of now?
I need a different suit and would like to rent one locally… anyone have an answer for this one?
I ended up renting one from Xterra.com. It arrived today, nice suit. Xterra USAT full suit, perfect condition. Email Glynn at glynn@xterrawetsuits.com and see what he can do. He was super nice in assisting me. Given it’s Wednesday you still may be able to get one, or maybe they can bring one as they are in La Jolla. Scott
If Xterra can’t help you out, let me know as I’ve got an extra full suit I could loan you depending on your size. Its a M/ML sized 2XU C2.
i believe Nytro in Encinitas rents wetsuits…www.nytro.com. My understanding is that they will not be at the Expo this year…however, they are only about a 20 min drive south from the race location.
you may want to give them a call…
Don’t let water temp be your only consideration. It is likely that the air temp will be about the same as the water temp at the swim start. Most of the DNF’s in the race come in the first miles on the bike from hypothermia. If you are very lean I would put on a jacket or other cover up for the bike. The few seconds it costs you in transition will be easily saved on the bike.
I’ve got an extra long-sleeve suit for anyone else who is vertically impaired too (5’7"). If you’re interested, shoot me a PM or e-mail.
Brad Culp
Editor, Triathlete magazine
bculp@competitorgroup.com
I have an extra full suit ms/m. I’m 5’8" 145 slight build, fits me well. The only problem is it has a rip between the knee and ankle. It has duck tape on it but should work fine.
PS: I agree with Gary on the hypothermia thing.
Thanks everyone for the replies and offers.
I’ve been using a blueseventy (size ML) for a couple years now and am concerned it may be a bit too snug this time around.
Just put it on and jumped in the pool - seems okay, but I’ll keep my eyes open at the expo for any possible alternatives.
I may need to do a bikram class or two before Saturday to lose the “winter coat”.