Had my first open water swim up in the frozen north. It was simply wonderful to be outside and swim free!! ( no admission costs!!)
I was the only swimmer in the group (14 of us) without a wetsuit but the water temp , 68 or 19, and was surprisingly warm. We did a 80 min workout and I was toasty warm the whole time.
I noticed that focusing carefully on the smaller details of my technique has certainly paid off. And a bonus, with the clear water I could check to see those tell tale bubbles around the hand in the pull and could make corrections.
A great workout. Back in the lake tomorrow. Once acclimatized to this temp, I will move to a cooler lake and adapt to that. I know not all waters are this delightful temperature !
Looking forward to the open water season.
Parents
Former Member
I have read (maybe in Penny Dean's book?) that salt water feels about 5 degrees warmer at the same temperature reading - something about the consistency of the fluid, I think. I do know that I have spent a longer time(a few hours) in 55 degree ocean (on a warm day) than I probably could in a lake- my coldest was 52 degree water and forty-something air but only for 50 minutes or so. There is NOTHING like watching the New England seasons change from in the lake. I'll do anything to stay out of the pool! It's great to hear there are others out there...
By the way 2go 2H2o - I appreciate your non-wetsuit mentality. I saw in another post that you use an aquablade for open water. Do have particular reasoning behind this or do you just like the fit of the suit? I am always looking for info- thanks.
I have read (maybe in Penny Dean's book?) that salt water feels about 5 degrees warmer at the same temperature reading - something about the consistency of the fluid, I think. I do know that I have spent a longer time(a few hours) in 55 degree ocean (on a warm day) than I probably could in a lake- my coldest was 52 degree water and forty-something air but only for 50 minutes or so. There is NOTHING like watching the New England seasons change from in the lake. I'll do anything to stay out of the pool! It's great to hear there are others out there...
By the way 2go 2H2o - I appreciate your non-wetsuit mentality. I saw in another post that you use an aquablade for open water. Do have particular reasoning behind this or do you just like the fit of the suit? I am always looking for info- thanks.
