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)?
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Former Member
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..
I'm from Colorado and did the USMS 10K OW Championship in Indiana this year. Water was 85F, which was not a benefit for me. I was able to swim but felt like I couldn't race as I just became to warm. However, many of the locals and folks who trained at the event site or OW in the area seemed much better adapted.
I'm curious on what you think the water temps will be for the USA/USMS OW Championships in Ft. Meyers, FL on June 10-12, 2011 will be? I'd like to do the race but if it's going to be over 80F again it may difficult to get excited about. www.openwaterfestival.org/
It would be interersting to get some science behind this, maybe USA/USMS swimming & UST (triathlon) need to pony up a grant for a little research in the area.
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..
I'm from Colorado and did the USMS 10K OW Championship in Indiana this year. Water was 85F, which was not a benefit for me. I was able to swim but felt like I couldn't race as I just became to warm. However, many of the locals and folks who trained at the event site or OW in the area seemed much better adapted.
I'm curious on what you think the water temps will be for the USA/USMS OW Championships in Ft. Meyers, FL on June 10-12, 2011 will be? I'd like to do the race but if it's going to be over 80F again it may difficult to get excited about. www.openwaterfestival.org/
It would be interersting to get some science behind this, maybe USA/USMS swimming & UST (triathlon) need to pony up a grant for a little research in the area.
