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How cold is too cold sans wetsuit?
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 2006-12-26 10:23 AM |
Master  1790    |  Subject: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit?I'm anxious to do more tris next year, and the first I had tentatively on my calendar is the Devilman sprint in New Jersey. Web site says water should be around 70 degrees. I don't want to buy a wetsuit yet because I'm still a long way from my goal weight and renting one seems silly for a sprint. How cold is too cold to go without a wetsuit? Swim is 0.6 miles, but will likely take me 25 minutes. |
| 2006-12-26 10:27 AM in reply to: #633168 |
Master 1641 Cambridge, MA | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? Here in the NE I've seen people compete at 65F without wetsuits, and for sprints, even colder. A neoprene cap and booties help make even chilly water tolerable. Save your wetsuit $$ for next year. |
| 2006-12-26 10:56 AM in reply to: #633168 |
Master 4101 Denver | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? Everyones tolerance for cold water is different. Mine is pretty low, but like Sunny said, I've also seen people swimming in 65*ish water without one. 70* will be cool without a wetsuit (cold for me) but tolerable. Once you get used to it and the gun goes off you probably won't even notice the temp but at worst it will give you incentive to swim faster. |
| 2006-12-26 11:34 AM in reply to: #633209 |
Elite 2915 New City, New York | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? Agree w/ above. I did Harriman in May last year in a sleeveless and neoprene cap. Water, 60 (reportedly) it was chilly on the exposed skin. Didn't see anyone w/o one. |
| 2006-12-26 12:45 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Expert 960 Highlands Ranch, CO | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? Did anyone see 60 minutes this weekend? A woman swam 1 mile in Anarctica with the water being about 32 degrees. So 65 would be hot for her. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/12/60II/main540357.shtml
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| 2006-12-26 1:17 PM in reply to: #633272 |
Veteran 203 Candler, North Carolina | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? sbreaux - 2006-12-26 1:45 PM Did anyone see 60 minutes this weekend? A woman swam 1 mile in Anarctica with the water being about 32 degrees. So 65 would be hot for her.href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/12/60II/main540357.shtml">http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/12/60II/main540357.shtml Years and years of training, and I'll bet she dies in a cold water swimming accident. Edited by paragon 2006-12-26 1:19 PM |
| 2006-12-26 1:27 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Champion 5345 Carlsbad, California | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? Here is my rule of thumb for surfing and training swims. I always wear a Wetsuit in a race if it is allowed so that I don't loose the speed advantage it provides. > 60 Degrees :Trunks all the way 56-60 Degrees: Spring Suit (Short Sleeves, and Short Legs) <56 Degrees: Full Suit My surf sessions usually last 2-3 hours and usually don't get too cold as long as I follow this guide. Of course, wind and air temps will also influence my decision. (But that would be another show) I would say 70 Degrees is definitely warm enough to trunk it  |
| 2006-12-26 1:32 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Extreme Veteran 465 | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? Coldest I did was 74 degrees last spring. I know to the body, 4 degress is a lot, but I believe you will be fine. What helped me was getting in the water and bouncing around, treading water, and warming up because it did at first take my breath away for a moment. Sounds obvious, but a lot of people were just standing in the water not moving during the pre race instructions. |
| 2006-12-26 1:34 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Champion 10471 Dallas, TX | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? Well, I am a total whimp. SCUBA Diving: Most people in Cozumel diving shorts/shirt or a bathing suit. I dive in a full 3MM wetsuit in 70F degree water. On top of the full wetsuit, I also wear booties and a cap... and, I start to shiver after about 15 minutes in the water diving. So, when it comes to tri's... if the water is going to be 70F degrees or below, I am sure as heck wearing a wetsuit or I am not swimming. I just know I will freeze if I don't. |
| 2006-12-26 1:46 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? As others have indicated, there are other reasons (increased speed, safety, confidence) to wear a wetsuit besides warmth. Renting is not that "silly," you can get one here for <$40 total: |
| 2006-12-26 1:49 PM in reply to: #633272 |
Pro 4675 Wisconsin near the Twin Cities metro | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? I didn't see the 60 Minutes piece, but I just finished reading her book "Swimming to Antartica". Pretty incredible. |
| 2006-12-26 1:56 PM in reply to: #633291 |
Master 1219 Sachse | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? paragon - 2006-12-26 1:17 PM sbreaux - 2006-12-26 1:45 PM Did anyone see 60 minutes this weekend? A woman swam 1 mile in Anarctica with the water being about 32 degrees. So 65 would be hot for her.href="http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/12/60II/main540357.shtml">http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/02/12/60II/main540357.shtml Years and years of training, and I'll bet she dies in a cold water swimming accident. I agree...that is out of control. --------------------- As others have stated, it really depends on you and how long you plan on being in the water. I have been in water about 49 degrees for about 70 minutes....and thought I was under dressed with 6 mm on my core, 5mm boots / hood / gloves, 3 mm legs and arms (diving). I think 70s would be ok for a short swim....in just shorts....If I was going longer, I would want something else...but I really don't like the cold. I have seen people play the "I am a tough guy" part...and end up hurting themselves. Just becareful......cold water can zap you pretty quick. I do not own a "swimming" wetsuit...I know there are some differences...but some of the ones you can get in Scuba (hyperstrech) will fit through a wide range of weight changes. I am not sure if the make any like this for swimming or not. Maybe you can look at something like a vest.. Kenny Edited by Ten9T6 2006-12-26 1:58 PM |
| 2006-12-26 2:25 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Expert 783 Spokane, Washington | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? I think 70 is definitely do-able, but the only caution I would have is to try to get a swim in before the race if possible. Especially if you haven't swam (swum?) in OW before. For cold water (don't know how cold I've been in, but even with my wetsuit) I get in and bob around a bit. Bobs, you know, what the kiddies do in their lessons where they bob completely underwater a few times? I find that even if my body is sort of used to the cold, the shock of getting cold water on my face and head will take my breath away all over again....which I DON'T need at the beginning of a race. Have fun! |
| 2006-12-26 3:37 PM in reply to: #633168 |
| Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? everybody is different, but for me 70 degrees in a sprint is no wetsuit. Oly or longer, I'd use a wetsuit (if legal) |
| 2006-12-26 5:57 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Extreme Veteran 321 Guelph | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? I am on the side of wearing the wetsuit whenever allowed, I like the floatation and it helps the swim be relaxed, more efficient . The cold is secondary, definately nice to have if the water is cold. I would rent one but only if you have time to swim in it a few times before the race, in the pool is fine. I have a 3/4 suit that I wear in every race regardless of temp (I have not had a race warm enough up here to ban them). If your going without the suit then head the advice above get in the water 10 +/- min early and swim some lengths jump whatever it takes to a) get used to the water b) start raising your metabolism and getting the body generating warmth. If you don't and just go for the start the cool water shock  often steals your breath and you spend your first minutes adjusting. Good luck whichever way you go. |
| 2006-12-26 7:33 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Extreme Veteran 474 Ocean City | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? 70 degree water is not cold, thats the normal ocean temp in Jersey in the summer and 8 gazzilion tourist swim in it all day long without dieing. Save your money! |
| 2006-12-26 7:54 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Champion 7547 Albuquerque, New Mexico Bronze member | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? Also remember that that wetsuit works because you get a thin layer of water between you and the neoprene, which your body warms up (easily). Wetsuit or not, you'll still have several minutes of 70F water. |
| 2006-12-27 2:41 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Champion 8766 Evergreen, Colorado | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? There is a race in Colorado that is a 10k Open Water Swim with water advertised to be anywhere from 65-70 and it isn't even wetsuit legal! This year it was around 68-70, took me about 3.5 hours and I was fine. Some of those guys are in the water for 4-5 hours! I have done over an hour in 65ish degree water too. It isn't so bad as long as you keep moving. And I'm a chick...and chicks have more body fat...it's a thing. I'm sure some of the guys were hurting more than me. You more than likely do NOT need a wetsuit for 70 degree water. It will be a little shock when you first get in, but my suggestion is to warm up first and then when you get back in to race it won't feel bad at all. |
| 2006-12-27 2:54 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Master 2139 piece o heaven | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? I did several training swims last year inMay (in WI) where our water temp was about 60. For up to 1000yds. Was not too bad, but started with shorter 400 yds and built it up gradually so body was used to water temp and increased time as the distance got longer. I got a wetsuit before my first tri and it did make a difference for warmth and speed. I would suggest to buy one if you want to be warmer and faster. But if moola is a question, hold off for clearance slaes and pick up a new one from past years. WHICH, should be going on right about now anyway. Happy Swimming! |
| 2006-12-28 1:16 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Coach 9167 Stairway to Seven | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? Offthegrid - 2006-12-26 9:23 AM I'm anxious to do more tris next year, and the first I had tentatively on my calendar is the Devilman sprint in New Jersey. Web site says water should be around 70 degrees. I don't want to buy a wetsuit yet because I'm still a long way from my goal weight and renting one seems silly for a sprint. How cold is too cold to go without a wetsuit? Swim is 0.6 miles, but will likely take me 25 minutes. What month is it in? I did the pine barrens in NJ in May 2 years ago with a wetsuit, and it was the fr***ng coldest water I've ever been in! The spring had been very cold and inland water was still not warmed up. Race directors didn't even take the water temperature which seems almost negligent, but I wouldn't have been surprised if it was less than 65 or even less than 60. The air temp was still pretty cool. Anyway, I swam in the pacific twice last year, once as a "training" swim in January, and again for the Alcatraz Tri and wore a farmer John the first time and a ful suit the second time. I swear the water was colder in NJ than in the Pacific. |
| 2006-12-28 1:56 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Pro 4189 Pittsburgh, my heart is in Glasgow | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? I will say, being a poor college student and a person who loves to swim...money can be a great motivator for going sans-wetsuit. I did the Pineman (Toyota Challenge or whatever) this year. Last year when I did the oly distance, the water was freakin' bath water. Wee buns really. This year? OHHH nooooo. About 70...ish. I have never, ever, ever felt my breath go away like that. My HR spiked. But, truth be told, once I got moving and got into the groove, I didn't notice it. But MAN! Those first 200 m were spent convincing myself that I still had all my important bits and that this was a perfectly logical thing to be doing. |
| 2006-12-28 6:50 PM in reply to: #635482 |
Master 1790 | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? What month is it in? Devilman is in May. Web site says 70 degrees, but I was thinking to myself that it would probably be in the 60s. I'll look into renting a suit ... even though it's only a sprint. (Not buying now -- not because of wetsuit's cost but because by May I'll still be pretty far from my goal weight and I'm being optimistic.) |
| 2006-12-28 9:35 PM in reply to: #633168 |
Veteran 225 Dothan, Alabama | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? I did a sprint in Florida last July (yes, July) where the water temp was 68 degrees (natural spring). I didn't want to buy a wetsuit at that time. Many people said, "go for it," and one great suggestion I received and followed was to get in the water for about 10 min before the swim to adjust. I did, and the first 3 attempts at putting my face in the water literally took my breath away. On the fourth try, I was able to stay down and swim. No problems after that, and I am a skinny guy who doesn't tolerate cold well at all. The exertion of swimming kept me warm enough. You should be fine at 70 degrees, but do get in before the race to "warm up."
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| 2006-12-29 8:35 AM in reply to: #633168 |
Supersonicus Idioticus 2439 Thunder Bay, ON | Subject: RE: How cold is too cold sans wetsuit? with no wetsuit: <60: You're insane 60-65 is doable if you're slightly insane 65-70 is ok. Just remember, if you can't count to 10 repeatedly, it's too cold. |
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