I’m lucky and live on Lake Huron here in Michigan. I’m planning on purchasing a wetsuit in May and am wondering if using a wetsuit is somewhat like race wheels on the bike. I know using it in a chlorine pool should be kept to a minimum, but what about open water training? I’m thinking of trying to do an open water swim once a week or once every other week.
Thanks
–Sax
better slightly moist than dried out. Ever heard of dry rot. Buy it use it. You are more likely to out grow it than wear it out…
Now a speed suit that is a different matter.
I think it’s wise to get used to wearing your wettie as much as possible…assuming all your races are wetsuit-legal. You will feel a different sense of bouyancy and regardless of the quality of the suit, some minor restriction in your range of movement…a well-fitted wetsuit should be tight. The best suits are so flexible you can barely feel a difference, but it’s there. Where I’m from I can’t get by in the open water without one…not because I’m a crap swimmer (quite the opposite), but I’m badly effected by water temps and the quality of my open water sessions suffer without one. Go for it…
wet suit no wet suit the biggest differences are your velocity while training will probably be higher in a wet suit and your body position will probably be worse without it.
Other then that, the same principles apply to your training although if OW you might want to do intervals based upon time vs distance.
I almost never do an open water swim without my wetsuit. I’ve always thought that the more time I spend in it, the better it is. Plus, I rarely ever have a swimming partner, so the wet suit becomes my life preserver. Take time in your swim to check for boats every couple of minutes…the propellers can really mess up a wetsuit…
Take time in your swim to check for boats every couple of minutes…the propellers can really mess up a wetsuit…
Propellers can also do a number on your arms, legs, back, head, etc 