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My Annual Winter Quandary... It's Cold Out There
curly
Issaquah, WASenior Member
Every year I go through a bit of melancholy as I move back into the pool. It's rough because, not only is it a pool, but it's indoors. I get used to it because I've been a pool swimmer all my life. But still....
Anyway, this then kicks off my annual internal debate about whether to get a wetsuit and keep paddling away outside. I have found that I can swim down to about 60F water temp and that's only when it's nice out. Below that and it becomes not fun for me. I am decidedly uninsulated and so even in the low 60F's I have to do pretty short swims. I've only used a borrowed wetsuit once and I didn't really care for it. But the more I've read up on them, it seems like there have been major improvements, not to mention that I really should get one specifically fitted to me.
So, much as this is complete apostasy, I'm wondering if this might be a good route for me to take. And what kicked this off was my conversation with one of the regulars today. He's an older dude and a life long swimmer. He has swum all over the place in all kinds of water. He told me he owned 5 different wetsuits and drysuits. He's kind of skinny like me and he said that it made all the difference in the world for him swimming in colder water. I told him about my dilemma and he said that I should definitely try some out and see what I thought. He said my endorphins would love it.
We also talked about how one goes and swims with a wetsuit. I didn't even know whether you wear it while you are driving to and from swimming. I really don't want to be struggling to get out of a wetsuit on a cold and windy day for example, so what do I do? He had some good pointers and also recommended a dry robe. I'm so bare bones that this all seems quite overwhelming. But also, darned intriguing.
So I'd be interested to hear if anyone else puts on the neoprene to extend their season. If so, what pointers would you have for me? I still think there is value to swimming in a pool with a pace clock, but man I'm missing the open water.
Comments
I swam in a wetsuit for 5 or 6 years. I quit because I don't like swimming in them (too much flotation, and I feel constraint), and because I like fresh water - which in Barcelona never goes below 13ºC.
But I ask myself the same question every winter. So far, I prefer getting slightly cold and swim just for 1 hour. But most of my friends swim in a wetsuit, and some of them are quite amazing (the wetsuits): flexible, light, some of them sleeveless. Unfortunately, the good ones (i.e., light and flexible) are expensive, though if it lasts 4 or 5 seasons the expense is more or less the same than material for running or playing soccer - and much cheaper that skiing or sailing or kayaking.
My suggestion is try out a few of them: rental, borrow... You may find models that suit you, and even like it!
dieciseisgrados.com/
You could either use a wetsuit and just enjoy it, or do most of your winter swimming in the pool but give yourself a regular fix of a shorter swim outdoors. That's what I do.
@KatieBun I hadn't considered that option. That's a pretty good idea. Now I will have to see how brave I really am.
And I will still consider the wetsuit. I like @bruno 's suggestion of trying out one or two by renting them. Not such a heavy commitment that way.
@curly might be worth trying a sleeveless one. Far less constriction...a little more freedom for your shoulders but still a warm core. I have a 1mm sleeveless kneesuit which I bought in 2012. I haven't worn it much but it's still there to give me a choice.