Seeing that gym pools are closed here for the foreseeable future, I'm left to swim at my own pool at home. Problem is I don't heat my pool so during the winter the water gets as low as high 40s.
I have a below 10% body fat so I get cold very easily, although I do enjoy the cold. I usually take dips in the pool throughout winter but these are usually neck deep for 5-10 mins which leaves me incredibly cold, shivering, and with fairly low blood oxygen levels according to my pulse oxymeter but a few laps of running around the pool warms we up quickly.
Pool is currently at 65 which I'm sure if laughable for you open water folks. Recently got a cold water cap so I'll be trying that tomorrow to see how I feel. Any tips on how to acclimate or adjust as the water gets colder? Will a wetsuit be worth it when the water dips into the 50s?
Is there an open water group near you? If so, some of them probably do cold water stuff. My local open water group does. I can't recall everything I've read, but generally it recommends a couple of things. Go out on your porch for your morning coffee in just your underwear (or similar minimal clothing in cool mornings for several minutes). Start taking cold showers, or at least finish the shower by turning it to cold water for a couple of minutes.
I found when I was getting in the cold water that swimming a little *** stroke to be able to start moving while not having to worry about hyperventilating was very helpful.
Is there an open water group near you? If so, some of them probably do cold water stuff. My local open water group does. I can't recall everything I've read, but generally it recommends a couple of things. Go out on your porch for your morning coffee in just your underwear (or similar minimal clothing in cool mornings for several minutes). Start taking cold showers, or at least finish the shower by turning it to cold water for a couple of minutes.
I found when I was getting in the cold water that swimming a little *** stroke to be able to start moving while not having to worry about hyperventilating was very helpful.
