It’s taken a while, but now it’s done. The wetsuit has been worn. This was a totally new experience, and not as expected. I’ve been to the lake before, so expected the water to be cooler than the swimming pool. The temperature was 20oC, not quite as warm as the 22oC we had last week, but still well above the temperature of ice swims, so not expected to be a problem, as I was graduating from the short wetsuit to a full suit.
Getting into the suit was less of an ordeal than anticipated. There are many videos online showing how to do it, (Nineteen Wetsuits, Huub, Aquasphere and The Tri Shop – yes, I watched them all!!) and so there was not a problem. The videos show two basic methods – if you haven’t watched the videos yet, I’ll let you guess which method each one uses – I was surprised
- Plastic bags – for hands and feet
- Lube – Bodyglide and talc are the methods suggested alongside the “bodyglide vs Crisco” debate
At the moment I don’t have bodyglide or Crisco and the talc method looked as though it could be messy, but I had some on hand in case the plastic bag method didn’t work, it looks like such a crazy idea, but it works. So, come the Great North Swim, if I haven’t found any bodyglide, I’ll be the one with the plastic bags and the talc.
In the water a 2oC drop in temperature was more of an initial shock than anticipated. I think a little water went inside the wetsuit, so next time I’ll pay a little more attention to the neckline.
Swimming was different. Ok, it was difficult. Body position was fine, but sighting was hard work, perhaps my legs were floating too well. In retrospect, I think the water that entered the suit sat in the upper body, adding to difficulties, and highlighting the fact that being able to swim in a pool is not the same as swimming outdoors. This is a whole new ball game.
The Aquasphere wetsuit is an entry level suit hired for the Great North Swim from their swimshop. I was delighted when it arrived and thought I would keep it forever when I tried it on and it fitted well. Perhaps it will get better with practice. But now, I would like to try an elite suit to see what kind of difference it makes. Ok, so I’m not an elite swimmer and I’m just trying to swim. For next time, I’ll spend a little more time adjusting the neck and arms for shoulder flexibility.
As usual, I swam with my eyes closed. This was not such a good idea, since sighting was harder than in the shortie wetsuit, I went a little off course a few times and almost swam into the buoy once or twice(there was no wind, but I think the group lesson in the shallows were making waves – looks like I’ll have to sight more frequently to be aware of undercurrents).
This is going to take some getting used to. Wish me luck!
just Trying to Swim...and Run... 