What do I wear for open water swimming?
Equipping yourself with the right open water swimming gear is paramount. It should keep you warm, enhance visibility, and facilitate natural movement. Even for those accustomed to cold waters and favouring a swimsuit over a wetsuit, shielding your hands, feet, and head with gloves, boots, and a hat is advisable. Because of the wetsuit’s tight fit, wearing anything under it can feel unpleasant at times. Wearing nothing between your wetsuit and your skin reduces the quantity of water that can enter. You’ll be warmer if you decide to go nude beneath your wetsuit.A swimskin is sort of a cross between the two. It’s not classed as a wetsuit because it doesn’t offer buoyancy and is not made from neoprene, but it gives a performance edge by reducing drag compared to swimming in just a trisuit.
What do open water swimmers put on their bodies?
For most people who swim in the open water for less than an hour, petroleum jelly, TriSlide and Body Glide work well. But for those who swim longer distances, often lanolin or a mixture of lanolin, zinc, petroleum jelly and/or diaper (nappy) ointment also work well. Applying petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to areas that are irritated before going into a pool. This provides a protective barrier between your skin and the water.
Why don’t open water swimmers wear wetsuits?
You don’t need a wetsuit for open water swimming. However, without one in the UK, you will quickly become uncomfortably cold. So, if you are the sort of wild swimmer who dips in the water for 10-15 minutes to help support your cardiovascular system, then investing in a swim wetsuit might be counterproductive. 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.
Can you open water swim without a wetsuit?
Winter swimming without a wetsuit is becoming more popular, with swimmers often just wearing wetsuit boots, gloves, and a warm hat. If you are doing this, keep the swim short and look for other cold-water swimmers to swim with. The way we see it, the quick-and-easy answer to that question is an emphatic no. If you’re wearing underwear under swim shorts, then you’re wearing the wrong swim shorts. Because if swim trunks are made right – with an integrated liner and a support pouch that keeps your balls in place – you don’t need the extra layer.If your swim trunks has a really good mesh liner, then you go not need to wear underwear with swim trunks. I don’t wear underwear under my bikini or one piece. However if someone feels more comfortable doing that, I don’t think there is anything wrong with it.For example, if your swimsuit doesn’t have enough support, you can try wearing a bra underneath. If your swim shorts don’t have any lining, in most circumstances, it would probably be better to wear boxers or briefs rather than going commando. Females can wear panties with board shorts for additional comfort.