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. Sports bras that use heavy moulded or padded materials are not usually ideal for swimming. This is particularly the case if you plan on being active straight after a swim as the padded cups will hold lots of moisture causing general discomfort, added weight and a much higher risk of chafing.Sports bras and appropriate underwear provide extra support and comfort under a wetsuit. A sports bra enhances warmth and helps prevent chafing and these undergarments ensure a snug fit, allowing for freedom of movement and added comfort during water activities.Whether or not to wear a sports bra under a swimsuit is a personal decision based on comfort, support, and style. Some women like that additional support, especially those with fuller breasts. However, sports bras can also be worn alone in the swimming pool.While traditional sports bras may not be the ideal choice for aquatic activities due to issues like water absorption and discomfort, the emergence of swim-specific sports bras has opened up new possibilities.A thin, perforated moulded cup or a light spacer foam may be appropriate for swimming, but triathletes and duathletes should take caution when considering these options. Swimming sports bras should be constructed of lightweight, quick-drying fabrics such as nylon, polyester, and Spandex.
Who should not swim in cold water?
As a general rule, get expert medical advice before winter swimming if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, asthma, or are pregnant. Start with short dips, slowly wading in and getting your face wet first. Over several weeks, incrementally increase your time in the cold water while wearing a wetsuit to retain warmth. Repeated exposure helps reduce the intensity of the cold shock each time as your cardiovascular system becomes accustomed to the cold.Don’t push yourself too hard: It’s essential to ease your body into cold water. Start with short dips, gradually increasing the duration as your body gets used to the temperature. This helps prevent shock and allows your body to adjust.Always warm up beforehand. Though the water may look tempting, spend a little time on dry land warming up before you go swimming. Doing a quick jog before getting into cold water will help to increase your core temperature and heart rate to help you deal with the cold water shock when entering the water.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.
How to swim in cold water without a wetsuit?
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. Without a full wetsuit, you’re going to need to layer up to protect yourself from the cold. And it’s worth repeating again – no cotton. Instead, aim for a base layer made with polypropylene (or anything similar such as Under Armour cold gear).If you’re swimming in water less than 16°C a thermal wetsuit is a good option. Simply put, a thermal wetsuit is made with a thicker neoprene and has a warmer inner layer, to help retain body heat.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.Cold water Even when swimming hard, after a length of time in a cold pool, your core temperature will be slightly lowered. In addition, your body is expending more energy to maintain that temperature, which leads to greater fatigue than normal.Extra Warmth for Cold Water Dips A long-sleeve swimsuit offers lightweight insulation — perfect for all your cold water swims, whether you are taking a cold water dip in open water or your dip tank or heading out for a longer distance training swim.
Is swimming in cold water really good for you?
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. Cold water can cause cold water shock and hypothermia, and can impact people of all ages and fitness, including even the most capable swimmers. These conditions can adversely affect the body’s ability to function properly, thereby increasing the risk of drowning.Cold water shock can occur when your body undergoes sudden immersion in cold water that is less than 15°C. It causes uncontrollable breathing and increases the work of the heart, which can lead to hypothermia and drowning.So, yes, your body can get used to cold if you swim in cold water regularly. A reduction in the cold shock response and associated risks is a good thing.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.
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. 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.Research on cold-water immersion has found evidence that it helps reduce the degree of exercise-induced muscle damage that can occur after physically challenging activities. Less damage leads to less inflammation, which in turn reduces soreness and helps restore physical performance the next day.