After years of watching women with long hair (and men with a full head of hair) struggle to get their caps on, I realized that those of us who are follicle challenged are at a severe disadvantage. Even a cursory examination makes it obvious that those heavily haired heads have more insulation. In fact the R-value of any insulation is expressed as the thickness of the material divided by the thermal conductivity. Assuming all hair has the same thermal conductivity, then the R-value of a full head of hair is greater than the R-value of those few strands left standing.
In cold water OW swimming hypothermia poses a real risk. Failure to stay warm can result in a swimmer abandoning the swim. Since all athletes should be able to compete with a level playing ground, I propose that in any OW race where the water is below 70° F, swimmers without a full head of hair should be permitted to wear a wig under their cap as insulation. In the alternative, if all competitors agree, the heads of the haired ones can be shaved.
Parents
Former Member
Very funny, I like your logic.. I happen to be of the long haired female version. I will not be shaving my head, so, go ahead...have your wig! BUT, if you choose that option, then I insist it should be worn the entire Race day. So then you too can experience the "pleasure" of wet, cold, heavy mass, dripping down your back, shoulders and stealing your warmth as the cold winds continuously evaporate H2O molecules slowly, while you have your post race snack, and wait around for the awards ceremony. Tip: It will help to bring a few shirts to change into and few towels to dry off the "wig".. lol :)
P.S. If you swallow H2O in OW practices, is it dead give away that you are novice? :)
Very funny, I like your logic.. I happen to be of the long haired female version. I will not be shaving my head, so, go ahead...have your wig! BUT, if you choose that option, then I insist it should be worn the entire Race day. So then you too can experience the "pleasure" of wet, cold, heavy mass, dripping down your back, shoulders and stealing your warmth as the cold winds continuously evaporate H2O molecules slowly, while you have your post race snack, and wait around for the awards ceremony. Tip: It will help to bring a few shirts to change into and few towels to dry off the "wig".. lol :)
P.S. If you swallow H2O in OW practices, is it dead give away that you are novice? :)
