I must say there is nothing better than an early morning swim as the sun rises over the water. I've been practicing open water swimming along the beach at my parents cottage in Rhode Island on the weekends. The water temp in the summer ranges 63-74º. Currently it's 71º- my body is comfortable but my legs are freezing. They cramp regularly, which never happens indoors. I think my body has become overly accustomed to my overheated Y pool. (Set a ridiculous 84-86º... yet still too cold for the Noodlers! :frustrated:)
I'm looking for a legskin that will provide a little warmth, compression, and protection. Basically I want a regular suit that goes to down to the ankles. There are obviously tech legskins, but I need something affordable and with longevity. I use a Orca wetsuit when the water is less than 66-68º. At 71º though, I'm overheated with it. It's really amazing the difference a couple degrees can make on your perception of temp and comfort level.
I'm not sure if I've ever seen what I'm looking for. I think it would be perfect for my current situation- temps too warm for wetsuits but still cold for jammers or briefs. The warmth and compression would help the cramping. I don't see any of the mainstream suit companies (Speedo, Tyr) making anything that meets my description. Does anyone know if a product like this exists? It has to be out there somewhere!
For now, I'm wearing a jammer OWS'ing. It helps with cramping in the quads but certainly not the calves. Normally, I prefer to rock the speedo, but my family refuses to be seen with me wearing them in public at the beach :bolt:- they find the jammer slightly more acceptable. Wearing my speedos elicits plenty of stares from all the beach-goers... mixed reactions from the girls. I put on board shorts when I'm done with my workout, but that 10 yard walk out of the water has evoked sneering, pointing, and giggling. I try to swim in the early morning to avoid all this nonsense. That said, my girlfriend doesn't mind seeing me in a speedo, she finds it "adorable" :D. :smooch: :ohyeah: