My point of view:
1. Noseclips
- Banning noseclips unfortunately gives the advantage to the genetically gifted athletes who can equalize without pinching their nose via BTV. Further, inverted descents without a noseclip will flood the sinuses and eventually flood the eustachian tubes, creating a significant risk for sinus & inner ear infections, and in some cases maybe even permanent damage. For these reasons I would say that nose-clips should be allowed.
2. Wetsuits
- Banning wetsuits does not create any of the above problems. There is no genetic advantage or disadvantage (the athlete can choose to put on some fat if so desired), and it has been shown that cold tolerance can be trained, and dietary changes have a big impact too. So I think wetsuits should definitely not be allowed.
In how many sports do we put rules against being genetically gifted? I wish they did it in other sports aswell, then maybe i could be an olympic marathon winner! Or even better; a well paid basketball star....