Subject: thermal top/suit for cold weather pool swims? OK, it's my annual "OMG I'm going home in a few weeks and I'm gonna freeze in the pool," thread. Basically, I usually end up swimming OUTSIDE in temps of 30-50 degrees F. Supposedly the water is 80 degrees, probably more like mid-70's most days. I'm skinny and used to the tropics, and freeze anytime I stop between sets. Added to this are back issues which make me seriously tighten up when I'm cold plus still getting over an arm injury where again, the muscles tend to tighten and fatigue more quickly if I'm cold. I'd like to get something with sleeves so I could keep my arms warm as well and get a little compression there. Would probably also use the product for OWS in water that's too warm for a wetsuit, like swimming or snorkeling on vacation, but not competition. Last year I invested in an AquaSphere Aqua Skin sleeveless wetsuit that's designed for both pools and open water; sort of a "wetsuit lite". It works pretty well for Oregon summers (which are like spring elsewhere--usually mid 40's to 50's when I swim)--keeps my back and core warm, but doesn't fit quite right--too wide in the calves and thighs so water gets in there, which causes some drag and limits the warming effect. I looked into getting the full sleeve model for winter, maybe a size smaller, but am having trouble finding any products currently available. Seems it is a British company and the skins are hard to find in the US. Any recommendations for how to find this or something similar as a full wetsuit or, alternatively, some kind of warm top that I could wear over my regular suit in a pool? I'm thinking a thinner neoprene as opposed to a polyester rash guard type shirt. It needs to be form-fitting like a wetsuit so there isn't drag. After almost two months off normal swimming, the last thing I need is extra drag on my arms LOL. Any suggestions/links much appreciated! |