Next month I will be swimming Lake Tahoe with a relay. Expected conditions are 55 - 60 F and wind and chop, with no wetsuits allowed. Fortunately we will be swimming only 1/2 hour shifts separated by 2.5 hr (6 person relay.) Also, there will be a boat that I hope is big enough to see with by bad eyes and close enough to pull my frozen carcass out of the water.
But I am very nervous. I am a pool swimmer who likes his water 79 +/- 2 degrees, and this will be my first serious open water experience (without fins, mask, and snorkle in the Carribean). Is there a chance of cardiac arrest if I don't prepare correctly? Will it help if I hop in the Pacific ocean a couple of times (the temperature is comparable right now, I think.)? Or will I only be making myself uncomfortable? Am I better off not knowing what I will get into?
I know (in theory) about earplugs and cap, but what is the grease that I hear people talking about? What kind and where should it go? I don't have a lot of insulation. Will those big(ish) mask/goggles keep my face warmer?
Is it better for the boat to hang on my breathing side, where I can see it, or well ahead of me where I can lift my head up to sight it (no drafting allowed, of course). I know I wander if there is no line under me while I swim.
My brain tells me that an in-shape swimmer will not become (seriously) hypothermic after only 30 minutes, but I would like someone with experience tell me that, too.
Philip,
Sounds like a great event. Here are a few thoughts:
Yes ear plugs and a swim cap (silicone is best) will help to keep you warmer. Grease -used by almost everyone because of its long history of being caked on every English Channel swimmer will not really help -once it gets cold it remains cold -and right on your skin. It can be useful for areas that rub - so I'd use a little.
The BEST thing you can do to prepare is to "hop in the pacific" a few times (or as much as possible!) -don't worry if it is only for a short time at first, you will find that it gets easier each time.
During the event have some warm fluids on the boat. I would also keep the boat next to you if possible (making sure the exhaust fumes don't blow your way) so you can see it while breathing naturally. Looking up and ahead can cause neck problems.
Have fun!
Philip,
Sounds like a great event. Here are a few thoughts:
Yes ear plugs and a swim cap (silicone is best) will help to keep you warmer. Grease -used by almost everyone because of its long history of being caked on every English Channel swimmer will not really help -once it gets cold it remains cold -and right on your skin. It can be useful for areas that rub - so I'd use a little.
The BEST thing you can do to prepare is to "hop in the pacific" a few times (or as much as possible!) -don't worry if it is only for a short time at first, you will find that it gets easier each time.
During the event have some warm fluids on the boat. I would also keep the boat next to you if possible (making sure the exhaust fumes don't blow your way) so you can see it while breathing naturally. Looking up and ahead can cause neck problems.
Have fun!
