60 degree water - not so bad

I've done open water races in CA that were that cold--wetsuitless. I've surfed in water in the upper 40s with a full suit and booties. Lynne Cox has done long swims in water below 32 degrees.

How cold is too cold? I guess it depends...

Hence the "IMO". Wasn't trying to prove anything, just giving others a point reference. 

I've read that salt vs. fresh water makes a difference too (cold salt water is supposed to be more bearable).  Can't remember why though.

Still Water freezes at 32 degreees, I am guessing that anything below that is too cold!  Lynne Cox is NUTS! Or she has frozen her epidermis so many times she is numb to any feelings or sensation. 

I swam on Saturday in 60ish fresh water in a full suit and was toasty warm. Had to let some cold water in through my neck at one point. Makes me rethink my full suit choice.

My coach and his minions were out there in only speedos. The minions are getting ready for a relay crossing of the English Channel. He's getting ready for a DOUBLE crossing and has been swimming in the same lake for a month already. He's nucking futs!

Acrtually, sea water freezes below 32 degrees. Depending on salinity, it can be as low as ~28F.

The water temps in the Kinetic Half last month were around 53. I was in full on panic mode in the week leading up to the race. I wore a full ws and neoprene cap and it was not bad. The trick was getting into the water early, getting water into the suit and letting it warm up.

Peeing in a wetsuit in 50 degree water is like stepping into a sauna.