i’m a middle of the packer age grouper and plan on doing the st croix half for the first time…i have no shot at qualifying for hawaii or placing… that being said can you wear a wet suit and still have your name in the results??? did anybody wear a blueseventy point zero 3 swim skin last year and is anybody planning on wearing the new version this year??? the point zero 3 plus
thanks
I was there last year and didn’t see anyone in a wetsuit but… just read the athletes guide on their website:
The water temperature will be 80 degrees F. Wetsuits are allowed for safety reasons. However, athletes who choose to wear wetsuits will not be eligible to win awards or to qualify for any Ironman slots.
I’m wearing a .o3 this year at St. Croix.
The televised broadcast from last years race shows lots of people wearing the speedsuits but couldn’t tell the brand/model, didn’t see any wetsuits though. I’ll be in the Xterra .02 suit this year.
From a safety stand point if you’re uncomfortable with the swim go with the wetsuit and enjoy the day.
do the speedsuit and don’t waste the time taking any kind of wetsuit.
If you’re not comfortable in the ocean without a wetsuit, you might think about bringing your wetsuit and speedsuit. Swim in the speedsuit in the days before the race and if you’re not feelin’ it you’ve got the wetsuit. With 80 degree water and a wetsuit I can imagine that overheating may be a concern.
Did this race last year and I’d say 75% of the people had speedsuits on. Didnt see any wetsuits. I would think you’d overheat in a wetsuit, but do whatever you’re most comfortable with. I highly recommend the practice swim they hold on Friday. FWIW, I found the swim very comfortable as it is not a mass start and the water is slightly more buoyant than in a lake.
I was in the same position as you. I raced there 2 years ago and just wore a swim suit. The ocean adds buoancy (sp?!) which makes it comparable to swimming freshwater in a wetsuit. And if you’re scared of the fish, don’t worry about it. I didn’t see a single one during the swim!
Plus, the water is warm, so you’ll be toasty enough without one.
Best of luck. Enjoy & Have fun. And the St. Christiansted Brew Pub on the boardwalk is great for good food & beer post-race!