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Swim skins

0A5PN
over 1 year ago

I'm going to be swimming in Greece in the Aegean Sea in June, and doing a river race in MD this May.  I'm not interested in speed - but protection from sea lice, jelly fish (not likely this time of year) and anything else that might be in my vicinity.   I was planning to swim the May race with a sleeveless wet suit - I purchased a long sleeve one for Greece, but now I see that the water temps may be too warm for a wet suit so I am looking at swim skins. 

My question- for swimming 1.5-2 miles in the morning and afternoon, considering comfort and bio needs- would you recommend a swim skin that is sleeveless and short legged (up to knee) - or a full body long sleeve, long leg pant?  And any recommendations of lower cost options/locations to consider? 

Thanks -   

Parents
  • 0 over 1 year ago

    When we swim, we're invasive species in a habitat already stressed to the limit by us humans and by our pollution. We long distance swimmers call attention to the aquatic world when people watch us out there.  We have a platform to send a message of respect for the environment.  We should uphold the highest standards possible to protect the beach, the water, the creatures and their habitat. 

    Your concerns are totally valid, but they have a much lower-impact solution.   I researched Dan's well-intended suggestion.   Given this product kills or repels living creatures, as suspected, "Safe Sea" should be renamed: SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL TOXIN.  It contains too many active and inactive ingredients to list here.  You do not want to introduce this toxin to the sea and it's residents, not to mention yourself.  Of course it's a human carcinogen.  There is no free lunch.  But we can do way better than this to mitigate our impact.

    Coincidentally, like Dan, I swim longish distances in Narragansett Bay in the hottest parts of the summer, with water in the 70's. I do just fine in a a full wet suit, a Mugiro neck protector (for abrasion protection but it also covers the entire neck from sun), swim cap, ear plugs, & goggles.  So little skin is exposed, jellies have simply not been a problem.  I make a simple paste of zinc oxide powder & a bit of shea butter for a tiny area of exposed face and the back of hands.  I never get sunburned or stung.  Super comfortable temperature-wise.  My wet suit is a thick one for cold water!  So it would be even cooler if I had a thinner gauge. 

    I advocate that we swimmers step up and be proactive with our community of swimmers and beach users to do everything we can to honor the waters and beaches and the environment in general as it's all one.   Enjoy your beautiful swims - 

Reply
  • 0 over 1 year ago

    When we swim, we're invasive species in a habitat already stressed to the limit by us humans and by our pollution. We long distance swimmers call attention to the aquatic world when people watch us out there.  We have a platform to send a message of respect for the environment.  We should uphold the highest standards possible to protect the beach, the water, the creatures and their habitat. 

    Your concerns are totally valid, but they have a much lower-impact solution.   I researched Dan's well-intended suggestion.   Given this product kills or repels living creatures, as suspected, "Safe Sea" should be renamed: SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL TOXIN.  It contains too many active and inactive ingredients to list here.  You do not want to introduce this toxin to the sea and it's residents, not to mention yourself.  Of course it's a human carcinogen.  There is no free lunch.  But we can do way better than this to mitigate our impact.

    Coincidentally, like Dan, I swim longish distances in Narragansett Bay in the hottest parts of the summer, with water in the 70's. I do just fine in a a full wet suit, a Mugiro neck protector (for abrasion protection but it also covers the entire neck from sun), swim cap, ear plugs, & goggles.  So little skin is exposed, jellies have simply not been a problem.  I make a simple paste of zinc oxide powder & a bit of shea butter for a tiny area of exposed face and the back of hands.  I never get sunburned or stung.  Super comfortable temperature-wise.  My wet suit is a thick one for cold water!  So it would be even cooler if I had a thinner gauge. 

    I advocate that we swimmers step up and be proactive with our community of swimmers and beach users to do everything we can to honor the waters and beaches and the environment in general as it's all one.   Enjoy your beautiful swims - 

Children