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Non wetsuit legal races

new2703new2703
in General Training Discussions

 For races that are non wetsuit legal. What are my options?

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  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030

    You might want to edit your topic title.  Left off a 'N'.



    I'd go either tri shorts and no top or swim skin over tri shorts/top or tri suit. Race distance also plays a factor. WTC races make you wear a top for the bike and run so you'd have to factor in putting on a top.



    Tri tops generally have pockets and pockets are bad for hydrodynamics as they create drag. The swim skin will not only tighten things up but it also covers the pockets.

  • new2703new2703
    @ Bob. That's what happens when I type from phone. What type of suits did they use at this years Hawaii IM? Were those swim skins?
  • GMAN 19030GMAN 19030
    Yes, swim skins.
  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    John,

    I just usually go tri shorts.  The trick is getting the top on with a wet body, having a towel helps.  As for the swim skins I don't own one but there are WTC rules around the types/ones you can use as they were making them with neoprene to make them even faster.  I believe swim skin with neoprene is not allowed.  You would have to check your local races but I typically like to buy something that I can use at all my races.

    Gordon

  • ezellrhezellrh
    I did Louisville this year in just my tri-shorts. Took me forever to put on my jersey. For Texas and Louisville next year, I'm going to wear a skin over my entire kit. That way I'll save a minute and move from MOP to more MOP... seriously.
  • Michael ByertsMichael Byerts
    I think it depends on how long a race you are talking about. For sprint/olympic distance, DeSoto makes an excellent one-piece with no pockets that is designed to be swum in and left on for the entire race. I have a 2009 liftfoil that I wear for all races less than half-ironman. I believe there are other similar options from other manufacturers.
    http://www.desotosport.com/product/LF1
    If you are talking about a longer race where you might want the pockets, it's a question of cost/benefit. The swimskins on the market will speed up your swim, and prevent you from having to put a top on over a wet (and probably a little cold) body, saving you minute(s). But they cost ~$200 and up, which is pretty pricey for something you are only going to wear in the swim, and only in races that don't allow wetsuits.
  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    There's no reason you can't just wear your normal tri outfit that you would wear under a wetsuit, EXCEPT for the following disadvantages:
    - It's slower than an alternative - just like wearing a bad swim suit in a pool race is.
    - you can't put anything in your pockets (e.g., gel) and expect it to be there when you're done.

    If you buy the swim skin, you wear it just like a wetsuit, i.e., over the tri outfit. The good ones are made of a "faster" material than tri suits and don't have a pocket to scoop water. They can be bought tight enough to give you a bit of hydrodynamic shape.

    I bought the XTERRA one, and we had a discount at the time...I am pretty sure it was $175. I have worn it 3 times so far. Once I forgot to take it off and had a bit of a warm ride. :-) It's much easier to get off than a full wetsuit...just a few seconds, as long as you remember to do it. :-)
  • cgres123cgres123
    Good advice from above as always. I suggest you practice/ drill for better swimming cuz w/o a suit its a bit more ...challenging image
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