I've been competing for about 2 years. I'm in my late 50's, female, carry extra weight, and swim from 50's to 500 distance. Anyway, if I wear a cap- even latex- for a meet, I get too hot and am distracted.:bitching:
So I've quit wearing a cap, ever.:wiggle: (I've been hot for 20 years, so it's nothing new). I think I just did my 6th meet. Goggles are finally staying on for starts.
Is there any reason to wear a cap? I assume I'm slower- but I can focus better. My hairs short.
Am I the only one too hot to wear a cap?
By the way, late this spring I'm going to try open water, where the Lake Erie water should be nice and cool.
I'm new to posting, here goes.:)
Former Member
You could also put ventilation holes in your cap, a la swimsuit addict: forums.usms.org/entry.php
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.
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.
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.
