The local swimming pool's heater broke down. They cancelled all lessons and classes. Thoughtfully they posted a sign at the door to warn people of the cold water . . . 78°
Greg,
Hes the water probably is low 50's , but where we measure is near "cold springs". With the wetsuit it is manageable, but its the other things that discourage, like cold air, wind and chop that you get this time of year.
...but why do people swim in very cold water if they are not trying to acclimatize for a cold water race or swim? I always feel that it's better to go for a 2 hour swim with a wetsuit on than to go naked and have to get out after 30 minutes because I am cold.
Our water temp here in SoCal doesn't get below mid-50s, so I'm not sure if you'd consider that "very cold water," but here are my reasons for going naked:
1. I don't like wetsuits. I love the way the water feels against my skin sans intermediary neoprene.
2. I get a great workout quickly; the water does much of the work for me.
3. Bragging rights.
Of course, if I was training for a long swim, I'd want to go the 2 hours. But as long as there's none such in the offing, I'll take the shorter swim.
-Daniel
I know this will make me sound like a wimp, but why do people swim in very cold water if they are not trying to acclimatize for a cold water race or swim? I always feel that it's better to go for a 2 hour swim with a wetsuit on than to go naked and have to get out after 30 minutes because I am cold.
I'm too fat for my wetsuit. For practical purposes, I suppose, I'm already wearing one :)
Mine is Long Island Sound, too - I think the water is still above 50 (barely)...I went both days last weekend without the wetsuit. Yesterday I swam, but broke down and wore the wetsuit. Even so, when I first started swimming I felt as though I had been hit in the torso and it was extremely uncomfortable. After a minute or so I got used to it and the swim was fine except for the annoyance of wearing the wetsuit.
I'm going to continue swimming until December, I think. I have vague plans of doing at least one more swim without the suit, but I am having some motivation problems in that area right now.
I know this will make me sound like a wimp, but why do people swim in very cold water if they are not trying to acclimatize for a cold water race or swim? I always feel that it's better to go for a 2 hour swim with a wetsuit on than to go naked and have to get out after 30 minutes because I am cold.
It can make a big difference. In 2008 I raced more triathlons than open water and weighed 168 (very light for me). A couple of the swims were in 60° water including one that I was in the water for almost 2 hours. I definitely felt cold when I got out of those. In fact in the longer one I experienced getting cold inside for the first time as warm blood rushed to the surface. A very weird feeling. Last year I only did OW races and my training was limited by injuries. I bloated up to 192. I swam in one race at 57° and again was in the water for almost 2 hours. When I got out I was not cold at all. Fat does make a huge difference. Next year I'll be racing on the lighter side early in the season and then putting on some insulation for a Catalina attempt in September.
getting cold on the inside is horrible, isn't it? Fat doesn't help you feel any more comfortable but I guess it does help with the insides. I don't think I've ever swum in cold water "lean" hehehe
