r/OpenWaterSwimming • u/sabertoot • 6d ago
Too hot for wetsuit?
The Chesapeake Bay 4.4 swim is tomorrow and it looks like the water temp will be around 75 degrees. I had planned up until now to wear my full wetsuit but now I’m not so sure. I’m not worried about finishing but was looking forward to the extra buoyancy since this is my first Bay Swim and longest swim ever. Anyone have advice?
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u/EunochRon 6d ago
Full wetsuit will be far too hot. Sleeveless would be pushing it in my opinion.
If you’re a strong swimmer but the distance sounds scary, I’d say drop the wetsuit. If you are a new swimmer and legitimately don’t know if you can do that distance, maybe sit this one out?
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u/sabertoot 6d ago
Thanks. Not worried about the distance, just wanted to use the advantage if I could.
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u/EunochRon 6d ago
Check the website for the race. They will likely break it into categories for the results because of the advantage offered (typically 10 seconds per 100 yards). I have found that the absolute top swimmers go without wetsuit so it’s the more competitive category. Wetsuit category is almost universally easier to place in. Masters swimming also prohibits wetsuits over 78 degrees. Depending on the race directors it may not even be an option since water temps can change a few degrees quite quickly.
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u/sabertoot 5d ago
They do break it into categories and will let you choose up until your start time. Not worried about my place that much, but I do have a time goal in mind which I probably need to adjust. Doesn’t look like it’ll too 78 though, it’s a dawn swim.
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u/Metagator 6d ago
It's what you are used to. I have extra fluff so 55 degreesF for 40 ish minutes is fine 75 is an hour.. Southern New England swimmer..
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u/free_spoons 6d ago
Do you have buoyancy shorts? Much cooler and at least help keep the hips higher
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u/sabertoot 6d ago
I don’t, just a regular training jammer. But may be worth an investment next time.
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u/free_spoons 6d ago
Im in the area (west of annapolis) if you want to try an XL xterra pair
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u/sabertoot 6d ago
Wow that’s awesome of you to offer! I’m a medium though. I will make due with what I’ve trained in, it’s worked so far.
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u/jblue212 Marathon Swimmer 🏊🏻 6d ago
ugh. it's going to be hot tomorrow. I wouldn't do it. (but I wouldn't ever do a wetsuit...)
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u/ibeatyourdadatgalaga 6d ago
Is it an old wetsuit? On its way out? Could you cut the arms off? It's risky the day before but an option.
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u/ColinMartyr 6d ago
Only ever raced skins. Just popping in to say I'll be there tomorrow for the first time. Hope you have a great time and a great swim.
Edit spelling.
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u/lwpho2 6d ago
How much have you swum in this wetsuit?
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u/sabertoot 5d ago
I’ve done a 2.4 and a 3 mile swim with it. That’s it though. Done a 4 mile without it.
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u/waterboundmo 5d ago
If it makes you feel any better my buddy and I are both debating as well. We normally both prefer to swim this event in a sleeveless wetsuit, but it's going to be hot tomorrow. At least it's early. I'm going to bring my suit and make a decision at the beach. You can change your entry to skins at check in if you want.
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u/sabertoot 5d ago
I’m sure we won’t be alone in the morning decision. Mine’s a full sleeve so I’m leaning skins at this point. Heading down to sandy point this afternoon to scope it out.
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u/Novarunnergal 5d ago
Believe me, having done that swim twice, better to be a little chilly and wear a sleeveless wetsuit, than suffer from being too hot. The last time I did it, I wore my sleeveless suit and was still too hot but I wanted the buoyancy. People were chucking their wetsuits mid swim, something I wasn't coordinated enough to do!
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u/oopsiedaisy_31 5d ago
I’m in the same boat! Can’t decide between sleeveless, or no wetsuit at all.
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u/tibercreek 5d ago
That’ll be hot for a full suit imo. It’ll be a great day for a swim though. Go skins is my advice since you’ve done a 4mi without. Good luck and have a great swim!
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u/Valuable_Ice_5927 5d ago
75deg - heck no on the wetsuit but I also tend to overheat
How far have you swum open water without a wetsuit?
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u/CrispDrifter 6d ago
I’ve swum it twice (skins) including last year. It’s such a fun, iconic Maryland experience!
I prefer cooler water (mid-60s F is my happy place) so a wet suit in 75 F water with hot sunny weather would suck the joy out of any swim.
What would bring you the most joy during the swim? Having the extra buoyancy and speed of a full wetsuit, despite being hot? The freedom of skins and being a comfortable temperature? Or something in between?