Why not use Vaseline? I have used it for most of my ocean swims, including a few marathons.
If you want to go a little thicker, then you can whip up a batch of “Channel Grease” or if you get to Dover you can buy it at the local pharmacy (I forget the name). To mix your own, use a 50-50 mix of Vaseline and anhydrous lanolin. Heat both to the melting point, stir well and cool.
Note, that channel grease is more effective in cold water swims (65F and below), it tends to melt away in warmer water.
I've used BodyGlide I got at a runner's store for a few open water swims. Works ok. However, scent-wise, leaves much to be desired, and was hard to soap off.
I’m with David, Vaseline or other grease have no effect on maintaining body heat in the water the only benefit is to prevent chaffing, which is a real concern for ocean (salt water) swims.
And grease does little or nothing to prevent sun burn.
If you plan on doing a long ocean swim, I suggest a liberal coating of high SPF (50) water proof sunscreen applied all over, followed by grease applied only to friction points (underarms, neck, thighs). If your swim is over 6 hours, I’d suggest reapplying both.
In my opinion, people who smear grease all over only have a lot of post race clean-up.
in my opinion, neither vasilene nor anhydrous lanolin add much insulation factor. (i swam with 50/50 mixture applied liberally last sunday at brighton beach... 61 degree h2o and a windy 25 mph, mid 50's air temp)
it does prevent chaffing (a common side effect in salt water swimming) and on such a windy day, attracts a good amount of blowing sand!
Lisa,
In most open water swims wetsuits are not allowed for official times and setting records. The vaseline is used to help maintain body heat and keep you warmer during the swim.
I have found grease on my shoulders keeps me a little warmer in the start on very windy cool days (water temp below 60 F). I use aquaphore which is mostly vaseline with a little lanolin alcohol, it seems to last longer than vaseline alone. If its nots windy-chafe points only, in windy winter swims a little on my shoulders too. For shorter swims a heavy does of bullfrog chidren's sunscreen is greasy enough that i dont' need anything else as long as i get it under the edges of my suit!
Lanolin was the favorite of Abou Heif he said it kept him warm. I used a little vaseline anywhere where I could have friction from my swim trunks, under arms, neck, shoulders and chin.
On the news today a Candian Swimmer and Waterpolo player who was visiting Maui was attacked by a shark. Kyle Gruen, 29, of Vancouver, Canada, was about 30 to 40 feet offshore when a shark grabbed his left side, according to his twin brother
George,
How is the shark attack victim doing? I did hear about it on the news, but never heard a follow-up.
Lord, what a terrible, terrible thing.
Donna
