Of all the open water swims around the world, is there a race where there is a maximum allowable water temperature? If so (or if not), what is the scientific information or medical guidelines for a maximum allowable water temperature for open water swims (non-wetsuit)?
Interesting question. I think the responses will be different based on where people live and train. I live in the Sarasota/Bradenton area in Florida and I train in the Gulf all summer where water temps get into the upper 80s with air temps in the mid 90s. Hot conditions, but we adapt. Even some of the outside pools in the area that aren't chilled can get into the upper 80s during the summer. Training in those conditions is tough and not very enjoyable but a must if you want to train all summer long.
We had someone visting our area from San Diego. They did an OW training swim with our masters group a few weeks back and had a hard time in the hot water. He just wasn't use to it.
For me, the concern is always how cold the water is. The coldest 5k I did had water temps of around 69-70, which for me was pretty cool. For many of you, that's more like bath water. Anything below 65 would make me nervous since I have no experience in that cold of water.
Interesting question. I think the responses will be different based on where people live and train. I live in the Sarasota/Bradenton area in Florida and I train in the Gulf all summer where water temps get into the upper 80s with air temps in the mid 90s. Hot conditions, but we adapt. Even some of the outside pools in the area that aren't chilled can get into the upper 80s during the summer. Training in those conditions is tough and not very enjoyable but a must if you want to train all summer long.
We had someone visting our area from San Diego. They did an OW training swim with our masters group a few weeks back and had a hard time in the hot water. He just wasn't use to it.
For me, the concern is always how cold the water is. The coldest 5k I did had water temps of around 69-70, which for me was pretty cool. For many of you, that's more like bath water. Anything below 65 would make me nervous since I have no experience in that cold of water.
