Hi everyone
I am semi new to open water swimming and can only count two open swims so far. both were one milers and the water was pretty calm, and more importantly the water was warm, in the high 70s. I am also a newer masters swimmer, and typically swim 3-4 x a week at 3,300 yards.
I signed up for a one mile swim in the Hudson in a week and I see that the water temperature is around 65 degrees. I am borrowing a friend's wet suit, a half sleeve and it comes down to the knees, but I have never swum in water that cold before.
Does any have any advice on whether i should attempt it or scrap it?
Amy
A lot coud depend on the air temp too. If it's a warm/hot day, the cold water might even feel good.
I'm a newcomer to open water swims myself. Last year, I did an ocean swim and the race info site recommended having a wetsuit b/c the water temp was around 65-70. But I asked the masters' coach what he thought, and he said it wasn't really necessary to have a wetsuit. He never wore one and said many didn't. He also thought it could cause more problems than not, if you're not used to wetsuits. I ended up not wearing one and was actually glad I didn't b/c it was so hot that day that the cold water was welcome.
True, there were some chilly pockets in the water, but mostly I didn't notice being uncomfortable. Besides the heat of the day, I also think it helped that (1) I was wearing two swim caps, the one the race provided and my own underneath; (2) I think the swimming itself kept me warm enough.
After the swim was over, it got so hot that it wasn't too long before I wanted to be back in the water!
A lot coud depend on the air temp too. If it's a warm/hot day, the cold water might even feel good.
I'm a newcomer to open water swims myself. Last year, I did an ocean swim and the race info site recommended having a wetsuit b/c the water temp was around 65-70. But I asked the masters' coach what he thought, and he said it wasn't really necessary to have a wetsuit. He never wore one and said many didn't. He also thought it could cause more problems than not, if you're not used to wetsuits. I ended up not wearing one and was actually glad I didn't b/c it was so hot that day that the cold water was welcome.
True, there were some chilly pockets in the water, but mostly I didn't notice being uncomfortable. Besides the heat of the day, I also think it helped that (1) I was wearing two swim caps, the one the race provided and my own underneath; (2) I think the swimming itself kept me warm enough.
After the swim was over, it got so hot that it wasn't too long before I wanted to be back in the water!
