What temperature do you need a wetsuit for open water swimming?
Table of Contents
- 1 What temperature do you need a wetsuit for open water swimming?
- 2 What temperature is safe for open water swimming?
- 3 Can you open water swim without a wetsuit?
- 4 What is considered cold water temperature for swimming?
- 5 What do you wear for open water swimming?
- 6 What do you wear to swim in cold water?
- 7 Should open water swimmers wear wetsuits or not?
- 8 Do you need a wetsuit for open water triathlon training?
What temperature do you need a wetsuit for open water swimming?
A Basic Water Temp and Open Water Swim Guide
| Temperature | Recommended Gear |
|---|---|
| 55ºF (13ºC) | wetsuit, booties, thermal neoprene cap, ear plugs |
| 60ºF (15.5ºC) | wetsuit, neoprene cap, ear plugs, booties optional |
| 65ºF (18ºC) | wetsuit, neoprene cap optional, ear plugs optional |
| 70ºF (21ºC) | wetsuit optional |
How cold is too cold to swim in a wetsuit?
Measured in millimeters, the thicker the wetsuit is, the colder temperatures it allows you to handle. A 7mm suit can withstand temperatures around 38 degrees. Have a suit that is less than 2mm, and you can only go into water around 70 degrees or better.
What temperature is safe for open water swimming?
A brief guide to water temperatures in open water
| Temperature | Technical term |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 degrees | Bloody freezing |
| 5 to 10 degrees | Effing cold |
| 10 to 15 degrees | Nippy or ‘not as warm as we like it’ |
| 15 to 20 degrees | Alright (once you get used to it) |
What do you wear under a wetsuit for open water swimming?
The trunks or swimming costume you’d normally wear in your local swimming pool is all that’s required to wear under your wetsuit. And if you are training for an open water swim, that’s all you’ll need for the rest of the season.
Can you open water swim without a wetsuit?
To be clear, you don’t need a wetsuit to go swimming outdoors. Many committed ‘skins’ swimmers would argue that swimming in open water without a wetsuit is a more natural experience. If you need a rest when wearing a wetsuit, you can just roll onto your back and relax.
Can you get sick from swimming in cold water?
So, yes, since the bacteria that cause the common cold can enter water, you can catch a cold from swimming in a pool. Although the chlorine in the pool might kill some germs, it might not kill all of the bacteria.
What is considered cold water temperature for swimming?
77-82F(25-28C) Swimming pool temperature range for Olympic competition. 70F(21C) Water feels quite cold to most people. Treat any water temperature below 70F (21C) with caution. 40F(4.4C) or lower Water is painfully cold.
What do you wear after open water swimming?
Thermal rash vests, neoprene rash vests and cossie are all options too. For your safety we would recommend that you wear at least a bright coloured hat (RLSS and RNLI recommend orange or pink) and a tow float so you can be seen.
What do you wear for open water swimming?
Top five pieces of open water swimming kit
- Silicone hats. It’s vital that whenever you go swimming in open water you wear a brightly coloured silicone hat.
- Wetsuits. Wetsuits help to keep you warm, even in summer.
- Boots, gloves and socks.
- Goggles.
- Lubricant or anti-chafe stick.
Is cold water swimming good if you have a cold?
Some people find after swimming with a cold, they feel worse. Some people feel a lot better, like it clears out their sinuses. When you swim with a cold you also increase the risk for other swimmers of catching your cold. Yes, chlorine kills viruses and bacteria.
What do you wear to swim in cold water?
What To Wear Cold Water Swimming
- Wetsuits. When you are trying to figure out what to wear for cold water swimming a wetsuit should be immediately considered.
- Head Coverings. This is like ‘what to wear cold water swimming 101.
- Gloves.
- Wetsuit Booties.
- Goggles & Earplugs.
- Warmer Means More Fun.
What is the minimum water temperature to wear a wetsuit?
Water temperature of 20 o and above: no wetsuit. Water temperature between 18 and 19.9 o: swimmer can choose to wear a wetsuit or not. Water temperature between 16 and 17.9 o: wetsuits are compulsory. Water temperature below 15.9 o: swimmers should not be competing.
Should open water swimmers wear wetsuits or not?
Many open water purists argue that the focus should be on technique and hard work, rather than kit. Wetsuits give swimmers an artificial advantage, so going without gives a more level playing field. They also constrict movement. Skins swimmers love the freedom of moving unhindered through natural waters. But what about the cold?
When is the best time of year to wear a wetsuit?
Pleasant swimming temperatures, the lower end of this category is usually the height of summer water temperatures in the UK. Some more susceptible to the cold may still want to wear a wetsuit. These temperatures are usually found at the beginning and the end of the summer season.
Do you need a wetsuit for open water triathlon training?
Having a wetsuit can make open water training more pleasant. It allows you to get used to wearing one and you’ll be able to train in open water that little bit earlier and later in the year. You will also be prepared if the water temperature is low on the day of your race. However, there are alternatives.