Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Former Member — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 07:48:17 GMT

Caps can be really hot. If you're happy without one and you don't find your hair is getting wrecked by pool chemicals, I say more power to you! Does wearing a cap actually help with improving hair damage? If so, I might consider it. I am male and swim without a cap during practice. I always have. During meets, postals, and OW swims, I will wear them. I don't wear them because I overheat in practice. If the pools were cooler than they are, maybe I'd wear one, but it is a habit now. Try putting ice cubes in your cap. I have no idea who long they'd last. Maybe it's worth a shot.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Former Member — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:47:50 GMT

My team practices at a college with a fabulous, cool pool, set up for long course after swim season. During swim season we swim in a therapeutic (very warm) pool. Even in the cool pool I'm too hot for a cap. Thanks for the support for swimming without a cap. But a cap with big holes. A Lycra cap with holes. I bought one, never used it. I might try that. Of course, does a cap with holes still cut down time? I'm so glad I posted this question. I love our USMS community.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

sunruh — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:13:10 GMT

i wear a cap to help keep me warm (in a cold pool). usually take it off when i get hot.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Former Member — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:30:09 GMT

Here in Taiwan you have to wear a cap in the pool at all times. It keeps stray hairs out of the filters and helps to keep the water cleaner. It also goes some way in protecting you hair from the harsh chemicals. I can't say that I have ever felt overheated from wearing a cap but that maybe just because I am used to it. But if you feel it it is making you uncomfortable, by all means don't wear it. However, if you are looking to shave a few hundredths of a second off your 50M time then maybe you should reconsider. For training I don't wear a silicone cap. I don't like them because they pull on my hair and they tear easily. I wear one of these. Much more comfortable to wear and they last for ages. Have had my current one for almost a year now and no signs of wear and tear. The material is light so you shouldn't overheat so easily.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Former Member — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:18:38 GMT

You could also put ventilation holes in your cap, a la swimsuit addict: forums.usms.org/entry.php

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

orca1946 — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 10:46:45 GMT

I only wear a cap at state or Nats. For open water thay make you wear one.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Glenn — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 10:46:34 GMT

If wearing a cap is uncomfortable, you are right, don't wear it. You'll go faster not having to worry about a cap than the very small advantage a cap might give you.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Elaine Krugman — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:47:56 GMT

You could also put ventilation holes in your cap, a la swimsuit addict: forums.usms.org/entry.php Hey, I think I'll try that with one of my freebie caps and see how it works. Thanks!

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Bobinator — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:10:01 GMT

If you want or need to wear a cap try a Lycra cap, they are much cooler. The down side to Lycra caps are they do not protect your hair from the chlorine, but the good thing is that they keep the hair out of your eyes and maybe make you a little more hydro-dynamic!

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

ourswimmer — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 08:05:16 GMT

You don't have to assume you are slower; look at the clock. Getting too hot also can slow you down, especially in a 5-minute or longer race. Lots of men skip the cap. If it works for you, why not?

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Former Member — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 15:55:10 GMT

No, you aren't the only one. Ditch it.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Former Member — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:56:21 GMT

ekw, yes, the chemicals are a challenge on my hair. I condition 2 or 3 times after swimming. It's worth it.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

Former Member — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 14:51:35 GMT

Caps can be really hot. If you're happy without one and you don't find your hair is getting wrecked by pool chemicals, I say more power to you! I think in many open water races caps are required for safety reasons, but the water will be cooler there.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

mcnair — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 10:55:33 GMT

Open Water events will require a cap for safety (helps kayakers keep track of swimmers strung out all over the lake); and if Lake Eerie is anything like Lake Michigan, you'll appreciate preserving some of that heat. I rarely wear a cap myself... only for meets, or time trials... because in your average pool it is too hot for long hard swims.

RE: Caps make me too hot. Anyone else?

hnatkin — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 09:59:55 GMT

Maybe you're just swimming in a warm pool. I'm pretty intolerant of warm water so if they temp goes above 82 I ditch the cap as well. But not for a meet. Generally pool temps go up in the summer because swim team is not in season so I end up verging on blonde in the summer from the chlorine!