Cold water swimmers including sea, lakes and rivers

[TriSkiRun99]

After sea swimming regularly since May I’m hoping to carry on. Is anyone else hoping to carry on open water or sea swimming through the winter? If you fancy supporting each other and sharing hints n tips come join me. I’ve just bought some socks and neoprene hat, I’m hoping to to stay in my cossie as long as possible but I do have a wet suit if I cave.

Hi all, not sure I should be on this thread but would like to join in! I've been sea-loch swimming a bit these last few weeks but got brung low by covid which has knocked me back a bit. Would like to try to get back into it in the next few weeks but I don't know if I'm brave enough! Think I'll have to get some boots/socks and gloves, can you recommend any please? I don't think I'll manage a wetsuit as I have ME/CFS and will probably get exhausted just getting into and out of one!

Welcome lifesabitch (I’m reading this as lifesabeach on this thread 😉🏊🏼‍♀️). I use CSkins when the water is sub 10° and love them.

I’m hitting the lake Tuesday after a week off as had a viral cough thing and was worried cold water might knock it onto my chest. Missed my fix though and I hear the lakes down to 12° now. off to Suffolk at the weekend so planning sea dips at Aldeburgh and Southwold!!

Hi @lifesabitchandthenyoudie If you get into water outside this is the thread.

Gloves and socks really help, I’ll be honest I just went for the cheapest, no idea what brand but they’re a bugger to get off afterwards especially with cold fingers but they do the job.

take post covid swimming carefully, the one thing I’ve learned is every swim is different and if one day you feel you need to get out early, listen to your body and get out.

I bought 2 of these early this season and they really do make a difference they have a shiny thermal lining so help to keep the core a bit warmer. I really love mine

www.zoggs.com/en_GB/open-water-range?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs5uKvazl-gIV0u7tCh2dFwgrEAAYASAAEgI5oPD_BwE

Thanks - I like the life's a beach alternative; maybe I'll have to change my name! Can't even walk the dog just now so I'll get some bits and pop in in a week or two, I think.

Can I ask another quick question? Sorry don't want to bombard you! If the socks are so difficult is it best to get the ones with a zip? Reviews seem varied...

A neoprene jacket might be an easier option?
Shortie wetsuits are much easier than a full one too so another option.
A full wetsuit is definitely a workout! I kind of felt compelled to buy mine after trying it on in the shop as I'd sweated into it that much 😂

I did enjoy the water losing its chill in the spring.
Last autumn was a challenge of the unknown, and new neoprene to get excited about (and value from!) This year I have the gear and know that stabby-glass-face is coming soon...
I think I liked the excitement of last year.

Took the DCs to an indoor pool today. In the past, I used to find it cold bobbing around supervising and that's why I had a shortie wetsuit to begin with. I don't need the shortie for bobbing around any more, my getting cold problem has been solved 😂

For socks I’ve tried a few the c-skins were good but the newer ones I had to send back as too small to get on my feet! Not sure if they changed the design. I’ve got these 4mm at moment go smaller than you think www.annscottage.com/Mobile/en/Alder-Burn-4mm-Wetsuit-Sock/m-m-35337.aspx?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlKjAvsPm-gIVmO3tCh3DPQ0vEAQYBCABEgLe-fD_BwE&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=UnitedKingdom

I wear neoprene hat under a swim hat come December it really keeps warmth in your head. Lomo.co.uk have some.

I use a 4mm jacket from “two bare feet” Jan-March when really cold much easier than wetsuit

plus I always wear a watch, rough rule of thumb 1minute in the water for every degree of water temp. As you get a lot colder ten minutes after you get out due to after drop. Plus a woolly hat for wearing after. Have fun & enjoy it as it’s highly addictive.

Thank you that's all great info! I didn't even know you could get jackets, will look that out thank you, and a hood. I have experienced that 'drop' despite getting warm and dry quickly, soup, porridge etc. Any more tips for it? If I drop too much I get the fatigue... (definitely not trying today! 40km winds...)

Honestly just don’t stay in as long. There was a cold water scientist guy who did lots research said you only needed 3mins for health benefits of cold water. In winter around Feb/Mar I was only in 7-8mins, in the summer rarely above 20mins. Everyone is different just do what you enjoy and I like the thermals from Uniqlo and layer up with a hat after plus move around. The days I cycle home after I’m warmer than the days I drive. I do go 4x a week in the sea on average but if I miss a week with illness I really feel it when I next go again, so there’s an element of acclimatisation too.

Wrapping your clothes/ towel in a hot water bottle helps as they've then got warmth in them when your body's focusing heat on your core rather than extremities. A flask of hot food/ drink helps too.

I stay in longer (with lots of neoprene) because I like the exercise side of it. Also with travel time, it's not worth it for a short skins dip for me. I like it as a recovery exercise and it does keep my muscles happy.

Thanks! will get back into it soon....

25 minute swim in 12° water today. The light and the reflections of the trees on the lake was just beautiful and a kingfisher was darting about too. Managed in just my bikini with no gloves or boots and it felt wonderful today after 10 days away with a virus.

3 days. 3 beaches. 3 swims. The North Sea feeling surprisingly toasty compared to my regular lake. I’d guess at about 15°. How’s everyone’s swimming going?

You people are hardcore! I'm in Oz and have an unheated pool. Its currently around 20 degrees and I find it bloody freezing!

My front crawl disappears at this time of the year I prefer heads up breaststroke watching all the wildlife

These are my two favourite swimming spots. The wee crocodile temp gauge reckoned it was 12/13 this week. Had a wetsuit for one swim because it was a bit bouncy and I appreciate the extra buoyancy. I have a neoprene top that is easier to get in and out of and I wear that with swim leggings sometimes. Debating getting some neoprene leggings.

I'm away this week but am getting great use out of the hotel swimming pool. I reckon it's about 16-17⁰C. It is chilly with a cossie and thin neoprene vest. Not so bad if it's just me and actually swimming up and down, but it is fresh for bobbing around with the DCs!

Any suggestions on a brand of flask that doesn't leak?

Honestly thermos I’ve wasted so much over the years on cheap ones

I have a contigo mug flask it’s brill for my outside swims as a travel mug but doesn’t leak.

Thanks everyone.

Second the contigo. I can throw it in any bag any how and it’s never leaked. Mines not a mug tho. Straight up and down with a push to drink top.

Fourth day and fourth swim before home time. Bikini only for me. Back to the lake and 11° at the weekend! Very jealous of Oz AlwaysCrashing and toons amazingTintacked

Lovely photos, @LazyDoll !

I use contigo cups too. Absolutely bomb proof.

11⁰C
Fresh, but refreshingly so. Still not stabby-glass-face league 😂