login
66 degree water temps
-
No new posts
 2009-06-24 10:18 AM |
Master  2042   Albany, NY |  Subject: 66 degree water tempsI have a sprint race coming this Saturday, with a half mile open water swim. The typical lake temp for this time of year is 68-70. I do not own a wetsuit and had not planned on using one for this race. I know most people are fans of the wetsuit... but I have been a swimmer all my life and have had trouble adjusting to the idea of "needing" or even wanting a wetsuit. Especially since I have only done sprints up to now (first Oly in Aug). So, yesterday the race director emailed us saying that the current lake temp is 66 and they are strongly suggestng wetsuits for those athletes not comfortable at that temp . My question for you all is do you think it's unsafe for me to swim without a wetsuit in this temp? I really don't want to scramble around to try to rent or buy one with 3 days till race day. And I wouldn't even have time to try it before the race (big no-no). I would say that I am a strong swimmer and not prone to panic in an open water swim. Based on my times in past sprints, I'm expecting to be in the water for about 13 minutes. I know it will be cold. I'm ok with that. I just don't want to be unsafe. Thanks! |
| 2009-06-24 10:20 AM in reply to: #2239453 |
| over a barrier | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps 66 really isn't that cold. You'll be fine, a little crisp at first without a wetsuit. |
| 2009-06-24 10:33 AM in reply to: #2239462 |
Master 2042 Albany, NY | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps Thanks! That was my initial thought when I registered for the race... I think the note from the race director just has me freaking out. |
| 2009-06-24 11:10 AM in reply to: #2239453 |
Master 1376  Chicago | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps It will be cold at first, but you'll get used to it. I'm not sure where you live, but a lot of places rent wetsuits for the day (even Fleet Feet rents them). |
| 2009-06-24 11:58 AM in reply to: #2239453 |
Veteran 378 The Cold North | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps My race 2 weeks ago in northern Ontario was 60 degree water temp. There were several people not wearing wetsuits for the sprint race. It was cold, but they adjusted pretty quickly. |
| 2009-06-24 12:01 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Expert 735 Chatham, Ontario | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps Wetsuits do add some buoyancy, but if you are OK with the temp, then I say go for it! And, its one less think you need to do in transition. |
| 2009-06-24 12:37 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Master 1440 | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps Hey me too. Mine is in Lake Erie, Near Evangola NY Good luck on yours. Remeber our motto is "Two belly buttons" Verga |
| 2009-06-24 12:38 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
 Master 1324 Rochester, NY | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps The danger of cooler water temps is hypothermia. But if you're a good swimmer, you won't be in the water long enough to get hypothermic. A longer race I might be a little worried, especially if you're not much of a swimmer. 56 degrees I'd be a little worried for you. 66 for a half mile, you'll be fine. |
| 2009-06-24 12:40 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Master 1472 | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps I raced one of my first sprints without a wetsuit in 61 degree water. Cold at first but to be in the water for 10 minutes it wasnt bad. You should be fine at 66, but everyone is different as to what they can tolerate. |
| 2009-06-24 12:56 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Iron Donkey 38643 , Wisconsin | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps If you're like me with a toothpick-built body with no body fat, then "I" would wear a wetsuit. That's too cold for me. If you can handle it, then go for it and fly through the swim. |
| 2009-06-24 1:02 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Champion 8766 Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps You should be fine. I STRONGLY recommend getting in the water to warm up though. If you warm up in the water for 5-10 minutes then get out and get back in for the start it will feel MUCH warmer the second time around. |
| 2009-06-24 1:13 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Expert 687 Cambridge, MA | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps 66 is doable. Ditto on the ^^^ recommendation to get in before the start. Otherwise you're likely to waste a few minutes trying to adjust to the temp at the start. An extra silicone swim cap is a good idea, too. You can wear one under the cap for your wave and it'll make a noticeable difference in retaining your body heat. Some people like earplugs in cold water, which do help, but I can't stand em-- they make me feel like I've lost some equilibrium and like I'm swimming in the dark. I think it's definitely worse to go in a wetsuit without being used to wetsuit swimming, particularly if you're a good, confident swimmer. You'll find it slightly restrictive and get the sense that you have to work against the suit's buoyancy to keep your limbs working where they should in the water since you already have what I think of as 'natural buoyancy'. A good fitting suit and some time to adjust will give you the benefit of the suit's speed, but if you don't have time to get in the water with it a few times, I'd say it's more of a nuisance than anything else. |
| 2009-06-24 1:14 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps If cold water does not bother you... you will be fine. As for me, I wouldn't do it. I am swimming July 11th in 70 degree water and I'll be wearing a wetsuit. This Texas gal does not like water colder than 80 degrees. |
| 2009-06-24 1:20 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
| 1072 | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps I have actually done an 800 meter swim in 60 degF water without a wetsuit and survived it. (16 minutes in the the water). Couple of things I was told that helped me get through it. Besure to wear earplugs to keep the cold water out of your ears, helps with balance getting out of the water. I doubled up on the swim caps to keep from loosing as much heat through your head. And don't forget to breath out with your face in the water. That may sound obivious, but I have heard of people forgetting to breathe out with their head under water and getting out of breath trying to breath out as well as in with their head out of the water. Be prepared to handle being a little unsteady coming out out of the water and in T1 or at least I was. Nothing came easy, I had to focus hard to get my bike stuff on and get ready to ride the bike. After a minute or so, I was fine. |
| 2009-06-24 3:01 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Master 2042 Albany, NY | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps Wow, thanks everyone for the great advice. I feel much better. In general, cold water doesn't really scare me. Especially for a half mile. The race director just had me wondering if maybe I shouldn't be scared... I will remember by ear plugs (which I had hoped to remember anyway since my ear has been bothering me) and an extra cap. And will force myself in the water for a nice brisk warmup. I really didn't want to resort to a wetsuit either since I have never worn one. Nothing new on race day, right? My excitement for my first race of the season, turned panic, has turned back to excitement!! Thanks! |
| 2009-06-24 3:08 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Pro 5011 Twin Cities | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps It might be a scosh brisk at first, but a wetsuit certainly isn't necessary--esp. if you are a strong swimmer. |
| 2009-06-24 3:33 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Extreme Veteran 3177 | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps Water temp at my Oly last weekend was 66 the day before and then it rained all night. There were several people doing the Oly distance who did not use a wetsuit and many more doing the spring who didnt. of those doing a tri-a-tri there was only 1 with a wetsuit. I think you would be fine. Just give yourself a little time to acclimate to the water. |
| 2009-06-24 4:25 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
Elite 4564 Boise | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps I did my first race (1 mile swim) last year without one in ~63 water. As a former swimmer who was fortunate enough to swim in a world class pool on a regular basis, I swear they kept that water temp around 65 and it made it easier for me to now get into colder water without a wetsuit. |
| 2009-06-24 4:31 PM in reply to: #2239453 |
| 25 | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps I'm also a swimmer (doing my first tri this weekend). I'd say at that temperature you should be fine. I've swum short ocean swims down to 60. Good luck! |
| 2009-06-25 2:36 AM in reply to: #2239453 |
Master 2665 The Whites, New Hampshire | Subject: RE: 66 degree water temps Tip I got from someone on here - wrap those chemical hand warmers around your bike handlebars. Might also throw one in your helmet, especially if there is a breeze or you have hair. It'll help pour some heat into your body, and you can easily stash them in a jersey pocket if they get too warm, then ditch them in T2. |
|
|
|
View profile
Add to friends
Go to training log
Go to race log
Send a message
View album
CONNECT WITH FACEBOOK