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.
Parents
Former Member
Two additional things:
1) Right before it is your turn to jump in, lean over the boat and splash some water on as much of your body as you can without getting everyone else wet. I find that this helps prepare for the plunge and, for whatever reason, keeps the shock of jumping into the water down.
2) Once you are done, get back in the boat as fast as possible, even if you are feeling good. You are still losing body heat.
Enjoy it - I did the Manhattan race last weekend as a relay and had a great time - a special day with special people.
Two additional things:
1) Right before it is your turn to jump in, lean over the boat and splash some water on as much of your body as you can without getting everyone else wet. I find that this helps prepare for the plunge and, for whatever reason, keeps the shock of jumping into the water down.
2) Once you are done, get back in the boat as fast as possible, even if you are feeling good. You are still losing body heat.
Enjoy it - I did the Manhattan race last weekend as a relay and had a great time - a special day with special people.
