Q&A with Coach Dobko

Duane will answer your questions each week about triathlon swimming. If you would like to submit a question, please e-mail Duane at duanesworlddobko@gmail.com. Read the past questions below this one.

March 22, 2010

Q: Is a full sleeve wetsuit always faster than a sleeveless? If yes, then why would anybody buy a sleeveless wetsuit?

A: It is true in an ideal world that a full sleeve wetsuit will be faster than a sleeveless.  However, they cost a lot more money and the difference is not that great.  At best, you can expect an additional 1% improvement in a full-sleeve wetsuit versus sleeveless.  Furthermore, a full-sleeve only makes you faster if the fit is perfect.  If it’s not just-so, a full-sleeve wetsuit may actually make you slower than sleeveless. 

It is much more difficult to find an ideal fit in a full-sleeve wetsuit because it must fit your entire body shape.  If your arms and/or legs are shorter or longer than most people your height, you may have great difficulty in finding any full-sleeve wetsuit that fits right.  If this is the case, a sleeveless wetsuit may be the best option.  Hope this helps!

Past Questions

March 8, 2010
How do I incorporate breathing into my freestyle stroke?

February 22, 2010
What can I do to improve swimming endurance?

February 8, 2010
Will wearing a pace watch on my wrist make my swimming slower?

February 1, 2010
I did a triathlon race where someone ripped off my goggles and I couldn’t find them. What should I do if this happens again?

January 25, 2010
Would I gain anything if I did all my swim training in my wetsuit?

January 19, 2010
I gulp down lots of water when I swim, and find myself choking. I seem to be fine in the pool, but do it all the time during an open-water race. What’s going on?

January 11, 2010
Are some pools “faster” than others and should I care as a triathlete?

January 4, 2010
Should I use my mouth and/or nose to exhale while swimming freestyle?

June 1, 2009
I have a question about a David Thompson workout. On his website, he refers to goal 50's, with a one minute send off. You refer to his 50 yard workout, but with the 2 minute send off. Are these 2 different workouts?

May 18, 2009
Does covering yourself in body oil make you swim faster?

May 4, 2009
Sometimes my arms will go numb when I start to get up to 500 yards of continuous swimming. Why?

March 9, 2009
Why do some swimmers shave their head and others do not?

March 2, 2009
Would I be a faster swimmer if my fingernails grow really long?

February 23, 2009
How come most fast swimmers and triathletes look as thin as a rail? Is it not helpful to be a little on the heavy side when it comes to swimming?

February 10, 2009
I’m a race director. What simple things can I do that is often overlooked regarding swim course design in triathlon?

February 2, 2009
I keep swallowing water whenever I swim. It happens all the time and is extremely frustrating. Is there something I can do to make this go away?

January 19, 2009
What's the purpose for hypoxic training for triathletes?

January 12, 2009
When is the best time to work with a coach, before you get in shape (and develop bad habits), or after you get in shape (and can work harder)?

January 5, 2009
Do you have any simple ideas to improve my flutter kick?

December 15, 2008
How do I keep my wetsuit from filling with water?

December 8, 2008
I do most of my workouts alone, and time myself. When somebody times me with a stopwatch or I swim in a meet, the times are always slower than what I go in practice. What gives?

December 1, 2008
I would like to cut the legs of my wetsuit a bit to make it easier to remove in transition. Is it necessary to seal or perform any special procedure on the part of the neoprene that was cut?

November 24, 2008
How much should I be incorporating a pull buoy into my workouts?

November 17, 2008
I am in my early 20s and come from a running background. My swim is decent but needs work and I have no competitive swimming experience. What do I need to do to make it to the pros?

November 10, 2008
I was doing the swim at Ironman Wisconsin 2008, and had to take an emergency whiz in the middle of the race, but couldn’t go. Any suggestions?

November 3, 2008
I constantly get water up my nose while swimming. Any suggestions?

October 27, 2008
I sometimes have back problems when swimming that I don’t see in running. Is there a reason for this and is there something I can do about it?

October 20, 2008
How can I work on the timing of the kick? If I try and think about it, I cannot concentrate on my arms enough.

October 13, 2008
What is the most challenging part of a triathlon swim for a beginner?

October 6, 2008
Do you have any advice for open water/ocean swim with only speed suits allowed? My previous IM’s have all been wetsuit legal but I am doing IM Hawaii this fall.

September 29, 2008
I have a hard time keeping my goggles on without water seeping through. Any tips?

September 22, 2008
Is there any benefit to me for learning flip turns?

September 15, 2008
I would like to wear my watch and heart rate monitor during the swim portion of a triathlon. How much will it slow me down?

September 8, 2008
Do you have any tips on how and when I should take off my wetsuit?

September 1, 2008
I would like to try drafting during the swim, but I feel like I'm constantly swimming with people slower than me because I am so awful at starts. Any advice?