Advice on purchasing my first wetsuit
I competed in my first tri (sprint) last summer, and after training this past Fall & Winter I've set a goal of competing in 4 sprints & 1 Olympic. I'm looking at purchasing my first wetsuit and with all of the brands and styles (springsuit, longjohn, fullsuit, fastskin swimsuits, etc.,) available, I have no idea where to begin.
I'm 6', 175-185 pds (depending on diet, training, & strength workouts), athletic build (broad shoulders, narrow waist), and will compete in Minnesota tri's where summer temp can vary from 55 degrees to 90 plus. I truly enjoy competing in tri's so I don't mind investing in a good wetsuit. I've read where wetsuits can cut your time by up to 30%, but I also have fears of helplessly flopping around the transition area in a comical attempt to change out of my wetsuit. Any advice you may have would be greatly appreciated - Thanks!
flopping...
You won't flop around the transition if 1st: you practice a couple of times before the race (open water swim and race-water-exit simulation with removal of the rubber suit) and 2nd: if you lubricate (sport slick, body glide, somoebody told me, PAM cooking spray but I never tried) Make sure the lubricant is especially at wrists and ankles, and that it is neopren safe (not sure about PAM and certainly no vaseline)I usually sit down and pull it off inside out - that's fastest for me - but you need to try/practice yourself.
Last, not least - the zipper is in the back (Oooh! Can one be so stupid - yes I can - I tried on the wrong way in the shop and almost panicked for I had trouble getting out)
Greetings
Sylvia
PS I compete in an Xterra full body - long arms, long legs and all. Usually around Chicago but I don't know how this compares with MN. They told me that the more coverage the higher the effect with buoyancy - yet, I am not sure, Physics tells me, having the wet suit around trunk and legs should do more than the arm part...Maybe all the arm part does is reducing some more friction...
wetsuits for racing in MN
as a former MN resident, and having raced many of the Midwest Events series, i think you can easily use a sleeveless suit on most courses you race. There will be a handful of events that do not allow wetsuits, but rarely will you need a full length suit. Gear West is a great resource either by phone 952.473.0093, website www.gearwestbike.com, or go out to Long Lake for a visit. there are guidelines with each wetsuit company for which suit fits most body weights and heights, but you will always benefit from trying the suit on for size and feel.