Up To The Minute Swim Info From NA Sports

June 6, 2008
As many of you are already aware there has been great deal of
speculation regarding the swim at this year's event focusing on cold
water temperatures. Due to a record snowpack in the Bitteroot
Mountains, which is the source for Lake Coeur d'Alene, we anticipate
that the water on race day will be colder than normally encountered. In
order to ensure the safety of our athletes, NA Sports is going to make
the following changes to the standard Ironman swim rules for this event
only:
1. At temperatures below 60°F wetsuits are MANDATORY.
2. Neoprene booties (aqua sox, swim sox etc) will be allowed below
60 F°. ABSOLUTELY NO FINS.
3. We encourage athletes to consider a neoprene hood worn under the
issued swim cap for additional warmth. NA Sports will continue to
closely monitor the water conditions and always reserves the right to
make changes as we deem appropriate with athlete safety the primary
factor in our decisions.

Thermal Socks

I have decided to treat the cold water sitchyashun in the time-honored approach to age group triathlon: there is no problem that cannot be solved (at least psychologically) with shiny new stuff.

Gear, baby.

I've obtained a new, full sleeve wetsuit, a goofy neoprene cap, the thermal shirt mentioned in the post immediately below, and the fetching little booties pictured above. I ordered them here.

I will be the only swimmer to DNF in 50 degree water because of overheating.