water temperature question/wetsuit

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2011-12-18 6:36 PM

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Subject: water temperature question/wetsuit

I know its a complex thing to figure out but just give me a general idea. Down here in Florida there is a popular lake swim (lucky's lake swim) will i freeze if its about 60 degrees out and I don't have a wetsuit. I am brand new to swimming and open water swimming is like a foreign language.

 

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2011-12-18 6:48 PM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit
jaelinfunk - 2011-12-18 7:36 PM

I know its a complex thing to figure out but just give me a general idea. Down here in Florida there is a popular lake swim (lucky's lake swim) will i freeze if its about 60 degrees out and I don't have a wetsuit. I am brand new to swimming and open water swimming is like a foreign language.

Thanks

I'm in FL and I can't stand water <73 for swimming in without a wetsuit.  Everyone is different though for cold water tolerance.   If its only low 60's for the daily high and has been for a few days, the shallow lake water temps will be in the 50's as they'll track the average daily temp pretty well in the winter with some hysteresis.

If you're new to swimming I wouldn't worry about doing Lucky's until you are ready for it as rules #1 - 3 are:

  1. There are no lifeguards or rescue boats you swim at your own risk.
  2. Even if others are swimming with you they may not be able to see or help you if you get in trouble.    
  3. There are no walls or lane lines to hang on to and the water is deep. "Saying I think I can make it before your swim does not cut it... you must know you can make it before you start"    

 

2011-12-18 6:52 PM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit
You will likely want a wet suit. I would also not swim by yourself if you are not a good/comfortable swimmer.
2011-12-18 8:33 PM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit
I mean I am a new swimmer but since i started I swim 1-2 miles a day so the distance is not an issue, i just don't own a wetsuit and don't wanna go out there just to freeze
2011-12-18 9:42 PM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit
Not to hijack, but I am in the same exact situation.  Except my predicted water temp is 69* for  an Oly tri with air temps probably around 80*. 
2011-12-18 9:56 PM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit
Get a wetsuit. At least be comfortable. Any chance you can go swim there prior to the event and see what your tolerances are? It's just something I would do.

2011-12-18 10:17 PM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit
Does the 60 refer to air temp, water temp, or both?
2011-12-19 2:44 AM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit
jaelinfunk - 2011-12-18 7:36 PM

I know its a complex thing to figure out but just give me a general idea. Down here in Florida there is a popular lake swim (lucky's lake swim) will i freeze if its about 60 degrees out and I don't have a wetsuit. I am brand new to swimming and open water swimming is like a foreign language.

 

Thanks



I just swam Lucky's Lake in early November. Water temp was 63. He's got a thermometer on the dock

Just about everyone was in a wetsuit. I was trying out a sleeveless, first swim in it, and that was a bit chilly (note: for ME) for about 100 or 200 yards. I would have been comfortable in a full sleeved suit.

Will you freeze? No. If you're vaguely temp sensitive you'll be cold the whole time, though.

In all honesty try it. Worst case you could swim to the first buoy and turn around and come back if it gets too much. He's got a hot tub in the greenhouse you can warm up with.

2011-12-19 2:46 AM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit
brigby1 - 2011-12-18 11:17 PM

Does the 60 refer to air temp, water temp, or both?


Cane Lake is right beside Orlando. 60 will be water temp but the air temp will be near that as well. Couple years ago in Feb I swam it and the water temp was 70.



2011-12-19 4:29 AM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit
thank you all very much, I think I'm gonna try to get a suit
2011-12-19 9:13 AM
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Subject: RE: water temperature question/wetsuit

Freeze? No, probably not if it's not super long. Depending on your tolerance, though, you will likely not be very happy about it :D.

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