Ocean swim

RE: Ocean swim

Former Member — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 13:22:17 GMT

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

RE: Ocean swim

Former Member — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 14:11:18 GMT

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

RE: Ocean swim

Former Member — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 06:29:50 GMT

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!

RE: Ocean swim

Former Member — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 14:53:37 GMT

Thanks for the reply. That makes sense. Does it help with sun protection or do you feel like it increases your chances of burning?

RE: Ocean swim

Former Member — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 13:43:52 GMT

Just out of curiousity (i know nothing about open water swims) - what is the vaseline for? :dunno:

RE: Ocean swim

fatboy — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 10:50:39 GMT

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.

RE: Ocean swim

Former Member — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 07:04:24 GMT

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!

RE: Ocean swim

Rob Copeland — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 03:30:01 GMT

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.

RE: Ocean swim

Muppet — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:29:07 GMT

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.

RE: Ocean swim

Rob Copeland — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 04:18:33 GMT

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.