New to OW swims longer than what's in an Olympic tri and am registered for 2 this spring. I'm worried about frying my back and legs. What is a good sunscreen/block that stays put for a couple of hours? Thanks in advance. You guys are so inspiring (and funny in places).
In Steven Munatones OW Swim book, he suggests that if you apply sunscreen before getting marked, the ink might run when you get into the water. I can't say that I've ever had a problem with the number running off, though; usually the number stays on for a few days after the swim. Make sure they use a fat marker
I had exactly this problem at the 2012 La Jolla Rough Water Swim. Prior to being marked, I had slathered on the sunscreen and as soon as the gal started marking me, you could see the ink breaking down. She asked me if I had sunscreen on, to which I said "Yes". She grabbed a bottle of what smelled like Windex, sprayed and wiped off all of the numbers (arm, hand, back) and marked me again. I reapplied sunscreen when everything was dry and the numbers still faded a bit, but they were readable. I guess it might depend on what type of marker is being used. The ones they were using appeared to be big, flat Sharpie markers.
Oh, I almost forgot. I use Bullfrog gel. Smells awful, but works really well. Not a hint of a burn even during a 2-mile OW swim. :D
In Steven Munatones OW Swim book, he suggests that if you apply sunscreen before getting marked, the ink might run when you get into the water. I can't say that I've ever had a problem with the number running off, though; usually the number stays on for a few days after the swim. Make sure they use a fat marker
I had exactly this problem at the 2012 La Jolla Rough Water Swim. Prior to being marked, I had slathered on the sunscreen and as soon as the gal started marking me, you could see the ink breaking down. She asked me if I had sunscreen on, to which I said "Yes". She grabbed a bottle of what smelled like Windex, sprayed and wiped off all of the numbers (arm, hand, back) and marked me again. I reapplied sunscreen when everything was dry and the numbers still faded a bit, but they were readable. I guess it might depend on what type of marker is being used. The ones they were using appeared to be big, flat Sharpie markers.
Oh, I almost forgot. I use Bullfrog gel. Smells awful, but works really well. Not a hint of a burn even during a 2-mile OW swim. :D
