Anybody that does ocean swims or open water swims, how do you deal with the cold water on your face?
I just did my first triathlon this weekend and I believe the water temp was 59 degrees, but could not free style more than a couple of seconds because everytime I put my face in the water, I just couldn't take the cold. I ended up doggy paddling and *** stroking the whole 400m and it took me 28 minutes.
(I was wearing a full length wetsuit so my body had no problems).
Parents
Former Member
I take a water thermometer with me to the event. If you can arrive a couple of days earlier to test out the water.
If you are not used to swimming in cold water, do not ever dive in. Many swimmers react to the cold water in what is called a vaso vagal response. Basically it causes hyperventilation. So get your giant stride entry down pat so that you can jump in without getting your head wet. Scull and tread water for a minute of two, then pop your face in and out pausing several seconds under. Wait and repeat until the water feels an even temperature and you are comfortable with the temperature. I have swum in FINA sanctioned events where you were allowed to jump in 2 minutes ahead. In one event, the water temp was 55. I jumped in at the 2 minute warning and was one of the 4 who did this (We were more seasoned open water swimmers). I treaded water for the first minute, then swam a few strokes to further acclimatize. When the gun went off, I was ready! The younger ones who didn't jump in until the gun went off regretted this. This was our National Championships and a couple of the coaches weren't quite up to speed on the challenge of open water.
We also wore ear plugs as they do two things. One is they do keep your warmth in and the second is that they prevent the cold water from getting into your ear and down into your vestibular apparatus in the ear. When cold water hits there it will make you dizzy and nauseous.
If you haven't worn earplugs, train in them. It is a different sensation and makes communication with your support crew more challenging!!
Hope you find some events.
Check at the Open Water Page on the site as well.
Kiwi
I take a water thermometer with me to the event. If you can arrive a couple of days earlier to test out the water.
If you are not used to swimming in cold water, do not ever dive in. Many swimmers react to the cold water in what is called a vaso vagal response. Basically it causes hyperventilation. So get your giant stride entry down pat so that you can jump in without getting your head wet. Scull and tread water for a minute of two, then pop your face in and out pausing several seconds under. Wait and repeat until the water feels an even temperature and you are comfortable with the temperature. I have swum in FINA sanctioned events where you were allowed to jump in 2 minutes ahead. In one event, the water temp was 55. I jumped in at the 2 minute warning and was one of the 4 who did this (We were more seasoned open water swimmers). I treaded water for the first minute, then swam a few strokes to further acclimatize. When the gun went off, I was ready! The younger ones who didn't jump in until the gun went off regretted this. This was our National Championships and a couple of the coaches weren't quite up to speed on the challenge of open water.
We also wore ear plugs as they do two things. One is they do keep your warmth in and the second is that they prevent the cold water from getting into your ear and down into your vestibular apparatus in the ear. When cold water hits there it will make you dizzy and nauseous.
If you haven't worn earplugs, train in them. It is a different sensation and makes communication with your support crew more challenging!!
Hope you find some events.
Check at the Open Water Page on the site as well.
Kiwi
