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In June I'm doing the great north swim - 1 mile in lake Windermere. Wetsuit is required.
I know zero about wetsuits. I know i need a suit of the triathlon/swimming kind.
I can hire one for a season but would consider buying if somebody can give any advice/recommend me something not too expensive.
Also, how much more difficult is outdoor swimming compared to the pool?!
Okay you need a tri wetsuit before people start suggesting you can use others, they are designed to be more stretchy and flexible around shoulder area. Wiggle currently have a few tri suits cheap ie under £100. When I bought mine I bought the cheapest one I could fine which for me is great, only use it 3-4 times a year so I didn't feel the need to splash out hundreds of pounds. It needs to be tight but not constricting. If it feels snug it fits. Plastic bags on feet for ease of putting on, buy some glide on to rub on calves and wrists to get out of it....not vaseline as it damages material.
Open water is quite different from a pool as you may well not be able to see the bottom, this with having to 'sight' can cause panics as it is very strange. Try swimming in pool with eyes shut every 8 strokes look up and sight something at end of pool, clock on wall for example as you will be needing to spot the buoys. Still very different but gives you some idea.
Good luck it is a great feeling. How far are you doing?
Thanks for that. Swim is just (i say just ! ) a mile.
Need to step up the pool time tbh as its only 5 weeks away.
I will have a look on wiggle. If I can get something around the £100 mark then I'd prob take the plunge and buy one.
I guess I can always send them back if I don't get it right size wise
Yup could always buy 2 to try them on at same time and send one back. How Dar can you do in pool? I am sure distance will be dine it is just the skills of learning to sight and discovering which way you naturally pull. Dependant how confident you are in OW too, ie not bothered about squelchy bottom, nor bothered about dark, murky grey pool. Good lyck you will love it .. and soon be doing triathlons???
Yup could always buy 2 to try them on at same time and send one back. How Dar can you do in pool? I am sure distance will be dine it is just the skills of learning to sight and discovering which way you naturally pull. Dependant how confident you are in OW too, ie not bothered about squelchy bottom, nor bothered about dark, murky grey pool. Good lyck you will love it .. and soon be doing triathlons???
M_C - have you been to any of the local swimming lakes yet this season?
TSY no, haven't had teh chance to go to Cotswolds outdoor park as a trek. Where would you go? Looking at Berinsfield or Croughton, trying to get some for bicester tri club. Need something local.
Hi
Open water swimming is really different to the pool but not really more difficult.
Sighting so you swim in straight line can be practiced in a pool but wearing a wetsuit will make you more buoyant which can affect your leg kick. The cold water on your face also plays havoc with your breathing when you start.
I would definitely practice at least one open water swim before the event just to get a feel for it. Make sure your wetsuit is snug though, a baggy wetsuit will fill with water and make your swim unpleasant.
I've gone from being really nervous in open water to loving it (doing the Great East swim for the 3rd year).
Good luck
have a look at tritalk forum to track down an open water venue or google local tri clubs. Well worth trying wetsuits before buying/committing to one. Def DEF worth a session or more at open water, pretty different to the pool.
Had first open water swim of season this morning, so so cold!
You in the north east?
Good open water swim spot is Ellerton near Catterick. You can turn up any time, pay your £3.50 and off you go. As a several courses marked out.
A good time to go is on a Tuesday evening when Durham tri club train there.
I find open water swimming easier than pool swimming.