I've done all my swimming in a pool, but will be spending time at the Jersey shore. I'd like to do my daily swims in Barneget Bay, and am trying to find information on open water suits. I've been in the Speedo web site, but didn't find anything. My guess is there are different thicknesses based on the water temperature, but not sure. Any suggestions on where to go for information?
I just wear a regular suit. I think most ppl do.
I agree. If the water's real cold, naturally a wetsuit and neoprene cap would work. I doubt, though, that the Jersey shore will be cold enough to warrant a wetsuit now.
There is no such thing as an "open water suit." There are swimsuits and wetsuits. Wetsuits come in different thicknesses. It's probably not cold enough, and you probably won't be swimming long enough, that you would want a wetsuit.
Just wear your ordinary suit. If you think the water will be cold, add a latex or silicone swim cap if you don't usually wear one. For added warmth, try earplugs. I am a new convert. After earplugs, your next warm step is a neoprene cap under your latex swim cap.
Don't forget vaseline or Bodyglide (or similar products). Salt water is very abrasive. You'll need it around the neck, shoulders, and armpits.
A rashguard shirt may protect against sun as well as give a little warmth.
I've found that poly suits are slightly more abrasive than lycra in salt water, but that's a women's suit(straps), of course. Men may not notice a difference.
Try looking at the www.blueseventy.com website. blueseventy - and their competitors - have been focusing on open water for some time now.
We took note of the type of swimsuits that the world's best open water swimmers wore at the 2009 World Swimming Championships that were held in the Mediterranean Sea off the western coast of Italy. Not only do these swimmers' livelihoods depend on their performances in the open water, but also they swim dozens of open water races every year all around the world in all kinds of conditions, so we figure that their choice of swimsuits was important to note.
The most popular swimsuits were the blueseventy types (www.10kswimmer.com/.../swimsuit-competition-at-world.html).
In addition, there are other manufacturers like TYR that make swimsuits with certain advantages for open water swimmers. See the gel pack pounch in the TYR swimsuit here: www.10kswimmer.com/.../gel-packs-or-drinks-what-to-take.html.
Without a wetsuit, I suggest one use silicon earplugs and a silicon cap to retain body heat. Also, if you can getting use to cold water it is better than a wetsuit.
Hi, Frank,
I like to wear the old long sleeve swimsuits (yengfa and speedos can still be found) They work well in open water and do provide warmth. The suits also protect from the sun. USMS has a list of approved swimsuits and Speedo FS pro full and fastskin II full are on this list.
Laura 33
