What is the best robe for cold water swimming?
Our best robe on test is Dryrobe’s Advance. Independent research by the MMU Institute of Sport found that wearing a Dryrobe Advance after cold water immersion helps lower heart rate, increases skin temperature and improves thermal comfort, making it our top pick for open-water swimming as well as casual wear. For colder water temperatures, a wetsuit is often the most effective way to stay warm and safe. Wetsuits work by trapping a layer of warm water between your body and the suit, providing insulation and buoyancy.Other layers underneath a wetsuit can bunch, punch, and make getting in and out a pain. Wearing nothing under your wetsuit is totally acceptable, and a matter of personal preference.Insulated Clothing: For cold-water activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, insulated clothing designed for cold weather can be an alternative to a wetsuit. Drysuits: If you’re engaging in diving or other activities where you want to stay completely dry, a drysuit might be a better option.
Which type of swimwear is ideal for cold water swimming?
Look for swimming costumes that are made from thicker materials such as neoprene, and make sure they have a good fit so they don’t let any cold water in. Our Linda reversible wetsuit is a great example of a long-sleeved, shorty wetsuit that can help you retain warmth without being too restrictive. The cold can dull your blood pressure response and make you feel dizzy and faint. Now that you are out of the water doesn’t mean you will instantly start to warm up. In fact you will continue to cool, sometimes called the ‘afterdrop’. This period of cooling can potentially last 30-40 minutes after your swim.Cold water swimming can improve blood pressure and fat levels in the blood when practised regularly by those in good general health. However, if you have a heart condition, there are risks you should consider and discuss with your doctor or nurse specialist before starting swimming.Keep Your Swims Short As your body is adapting to swimming without a wetsuit it’s important not to overdo it too soon. That’s why you should start by sticking to short swims. Even if you feel like you could stay in the water for longer, make sure to limit yourself as the effects of hypothermia can quickly set in.To help yourself acclimatise, splash the cold water on your neck and face. Try not to hold your breath for an extended time when you first get into the water. Once you are in the water, remember that cold water immersion can seriously affect your swimming ability.
What to wear on feet for cold water swimming?
Neoprene socks — To cover up your feet I use the neoprene socks from HUUB. They are rather good and does work in very cold water. When I used them for swimming in 3 degrees I had an extra pair of wool socks underneath. Neoprene swim socks, such as the HUUB model, offer thermal protection and help prevent frostbite during prolonged cold water swims. A snug fit with adjustable closures in footwear ensures warmth and comfort while swimming in cold conditions.Avantopool neoprene shorts protect the most sensitive areas of the body. They make plunging into the ice-cold water easier and allow you to make the most of the benefits of cold water. The shorts are made of neoprene, which is typically used in water sports and diving gear.One-piece swimsuits or snug compression-style swim shorts are your best bet for comfort and stability. These provide solid support and cut down on drag in the water, making those chilly dips a bit more manageable. Perfect for those longer plunges.
What is the secret to cold water swimming?
The secret to acclimatising to cold water is just to swim in it, often – at least once a week, and preferably two or three, gradually extending the time that you stay in the water,’ says Dr Heather Massey a swimmer and a researcher at the Extreme Environments Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth. According to Harper, a cold swim increases your basal metabolic rate, meaning you burn off more calories afterwards.The rapid loss of heat also can lead to hypothermia, making it harder to think clearly or move well. Being immersed in cold water triggers hypothermia faster than just being out in the cold, because water takes heat away from the body 25 times faster than air.Swimming in cold water can help to improve your circulation, strengthen your bones and reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, cold-water swimming can help to reduce muscle tension and improve your overall flexibility. Finally, cold-water swimming can help to boost your immune system.As you submerge your feet in cold water, your body triggers a natural response, releasing endorphins that promote a sense of well-being and relaxation. The invigorating sensation can help combat fatigue, improve focus, and enhance mental clarity.In summary, cold water swimming is great for our mental health. It releases endorphins and controls stress hormones. This improves our mood and brain function. It’s a natural way to reduce stress and improve our mental well-being.