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. 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.Do you need a wetsuit for open water swimming? Yes, we recommend that you always wear a wetsuit when swimming in the sea or open water. It’ll help you stay warm and can increase your buoyancy, so you can stay in the water for longer before tiring.Neoprene Tops and Shorts A 1-2mm neoprene top and shorts will give a good extra layer of warmth, more so than thermals and will give your core extra protection. Go for zip free options to wear under wetsuits, so you don’t get marks. Zips can get really uncomfortable when pressed close to you under the wetsuit.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.
What’s the difference between a wetsuit and a Swimskin?
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. Water Sports Activities Whilst wetsuits offer optimum performance in the water, drysuits work best for jetskiing, kayaking, kitesurfing, and sailing. If you are surfing or bodyboarding, then a wetsuit is for you. Wetsuits are also a great choice for open water swimming, SUP boarding, and wakeboarding.
What is the best technique for open water swimming?
Stay shallow and close to the water’s edge, swimming parallel to it so that it’s easier to get out and you know more quickly if a current or tidal movement is taking you off course. Use whichever forward stroke is most comfortable – but avoid backstroke as it’s harder to keep track of where you’re headed. Other strokes—Most of your open water swimming will be done with freestyle as it’s the fastest and most efficient. There are occasions, however, in which other strokes come in handy. If you’re way off course and must make a correction, it’s good to have a decent breaststroke.Butterfly stroke is the best of the four strokes for burning calories. Average calorie burn is around 450 calories for 30 minutes swimming. Muscles worked during butterfly are the core, back, stomach and arms (especially your triceps) – but in general this stroke works all your muscles!Butterfly is often considered to be the most difficult of the four swimming strokes. It is advanced because technique isn’t easily overcome by strength, and it requires a great deal of practice working on timing, position, and other technicalities.
What is the best color for open water swimming?
Research shows that fluorescent yellow or green, followed by fluorescent orange, are the most visible colours in water. Wearing a swimming hat also helps you retain warmth and can make your swim more comfortable. In open water, they also help regulate head temperature and make you more visible; supervised open water venues and events will often require you to wear one for this reason.