Nekkid in the deep waters

Thanks for the advice, Kiwi and Lake Master. Especially the tip about ear plugs. It makes perfect sense that the cold water would affect the vestibular apparatus but it's not something that would have occurred to me on my own. I like to try things that take me out of my comfort zone and this will qualify. I'll certainly let you know how the race went once I return home.

I only wish that I could swim in a crystal clear lake, however Texas doesn't see it that way. I swim in spring fed rivers that have a constant temperature of 72 degrees year round. The need for wetsuits is non-existantant, and swimming against the current only magnifies stroke deficiencies. We do train in the lakes with a visibility of a few inches to a few feet. Th eneed for a spotter (kayaker) is greatly increased tdue to the conditions. With chop from the surrounding boats, the swimmer has a hard time seeing over the waves at times. The need for safety changes from hypothermia to being eaten by a rotor.

Your advice made my cold water race enjoyable. Beach patrol had water temp at 65. I took your tips to heart and wore the silicone ear plugs and two caps. We started in waist deep water. I got wet to my neck prior to the start and had the anticipated shortness of breath due to the cold. It lasted for the first 200 yards or so. Hands and feet felt tingly but never numb. I didn't feel cold the entire swim and was not chilled once I exited the water. Others were shivering uncontrollably so I felt fortunate. On average, swimmers were more than 10 minutes slower than their mile pool times and that was swimming with the current. I'm guessing it was more like 1.5 mi. rather than the advertised 1 mi. so we definitely got our money's worth! I was very surprised how comfortable 65 degrees felt. My only post race side effects were achiness in my sinuses and a dull headache for about 8 hours post-race. Small price to pay for my first cold water swim and a great experience. So thanks for the help. It really made a difference.

Been out training in the lakes and having a great time. I have several close lakes to choose from, so each day I can choose calm vs waves! Getting plenty of wave practise in the afternoon winds. Any ideas as to how to stop the legs from being whipped around with the waves? I am thankful for all the abs and core training I do, but it was still difficult to keep them in a good balance position at times. It is difficult to kick and stay in the rhythm of the waves. Sighting is also harder, but my training partner and I plowed our way through 8kms yesterday. Slow going, but had a ball mixing up our stroke to keep our balance and efficiency in the big chop. We needed more anchorage in the front of the catch, and at times almost had to swim catchup in order that we didn't go backwards when the waves were breaking over us. Other drills were also used when the waves kept bashing into our recovering arm. Keeping a straight line was fun, and today I can tell my right arm had to do more work than the left!! Our 10km is this weekend on Sunday, and I am most excited about 4 USMSwho are participating with the Canadian swimmers in the event. 3 of these USMS swimmers also did the 26km or 16.25 mile marathon down the same lake last year. The lake is a beautiful 72 degrees, and the GPS'd 10km or 6.2 miles is a fantastic swim. Weather should be a bit cloudy and therefore calm. The Marathon will take place on Aug 13th. Anyone up for this scenic cruise?? IT's a most wonderful swim and not nearly as 'long' as it sounds. Kiwi

Originally posted by 2go+h20 The Marathon will take place on Aug 13th. Anyone up for this scenic cruise?? IT's a most wonderful swim and not nearly as 'long' as it sounds. Kiwi Do you have a link for that? Thanks. -LBJ

LBJ, I don't have a link. The 26km or 16.25 mile swim is on Aug 13th 2004. It is on Lake Cowichan, which is located on Vancouver Island British Columbia, Canada. You can fly to either Nanaimo or Victoria, or you can drive and take a ferry from Vancouver or from Seattle to Vancouver Island. The lake is approximately 90 mins from Victoria and about the same or a little less from Nanaimo. Wetsuits permitted. Water temp is 72, Expected Air temp 69-75. For those who would like information regarding this most amazing event, please email me at. iamkiwi2004@yahoo.ca

When I lived in La Tuque Quebec as soon as the river ice broke we would swim from Real Lavoie's backyard up the Bostannais river to the water fall about 3 miles. The snow and Ice was still on the side of the river and it was cold, your hands became rigid and your jaw was almost frozen. We swam up current at the side of the river to avoid the current, when we swam back from the waterfall it was right in the full current. You can see Real and an old George on my web site under Todays Workout www.swimdownhill.com

Originally posted by 2go+h20 LBJ, I don't have a link. The 26km or 16.25 mile swim is on Aug 13th 2004. It is on Lake Cowichan, which is located on Vancouver Island British Columbia, Canada. Thanks - This sounds great, but I was hoping it was closer to PA than it is. I'm afraid that my race budget for the year is more than tapped out, so a trip to beautiful BC has to wait. I'll put it on the "possible" list for next year. If I hit the lottery between now and 13 August, however... -LBJ

Want a swim close by... Traverse du Lac St Jean http://www.traversee.qc.ca/ 1k, 2k, 3k, or 32k I swam the lake from Peribonka to Roberville Quebec 31k several times. George Park www.swimdownhill.com