Start Wild Swimming in Cold Water. 7 tips to stay safe in open water.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
- Seven tips to start wild swimming in cold water. Also check out my Start Wild Swimming video: • Start wild swimming | ...
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More Wild Adventure Swimming Open Water in the Scottish Highlands
• Adventure Swimming
Equipment mentioned in video
BlueSeventy Thermal Reaction Wetsuit: amzn.to/2IISdUa (Amazon.co.uk)
Zone 3 neoprene vest: amzn.to/2wVbrDq (Amazon.co.uk)
BlueSevnty neoprene shorts: amzn.to/39TO5wC (Amazon.co.uk)
Huub swimming gloves: amzn.to/2UaQY5g (Amazon.co.uk)
Zone 3 neoprene gloves: amzn.to/39SZGvA (Amazon.co.uk)
Lomo swim gloves: www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/triat...
Lomo wetsuit socks: www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/neopr...
Lomo open water swim socks: www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/Neopr...
Lomo swim cap: www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/neopr...
BlueSeventy Thermal Cap: amzn.to/39SnnV5 (Amazon.co.uk)
Swimming ear plugs: amzn.to/2xwn5ES (Amazon.co.uk)
Lomo tow float bags: www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/Swimm...
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I could make this much longer with more suggestions, so I'd encourage you to add them in these comments please. I'm sure there are plenty of great ideas.
Clearly one of the best if not the best cold water swimming instruction video. Well done sir !
Thanks 👍
“Mental Salvation”...I love that!
it really has been, for me
@venswim Had that happen to me off a small island in Nova Scotia, a bit concerting at first. It was a few curious seals one directly under me on its back looking up at me. Harmless, but fun swimming with them.
The best video i have come across , even better than so called experts trying to flog the brand they are paid for
That's kind of you to say and much appreciated.
Heres my cold water swimming attempt
th-cam.com/video/5szPRL-GqaM/w-d-xo.html
The best video advice on cold water swimming tips! Thank you immensely!
Thank you for talking about how to deal with the transition from water to car. I had specific questions about that and your video is the only one that has covered that segment. Thank you, I can't wait to begin cold water swimming!
I'm pleased it was helpful Susan. Perhaps I should have emphasised this - I don't leave the car engine running (obviously) because I don't want it to be too hot when I get in after a swim. I want to warm up as the air inside the car warms up - gradual is the way to go.
Just watched this again. Still some of the best advice you’ll get on open water swimming.
I love your channel. Just found it. Keep them coming!!
I love how practical this is. So many good suggestions.
Glad it was helpful Tom!
Thank you!
Great video, great information, camera work, sound and editing. Loved it.
Yay, thank you!
Great video, had my first outdoor swim this morning and only lasted 15 minutes before I had to get out. Was feeling a bit deflated that I wasnt able to swim a decent distance but this has encouraged me to give it another go with some more layers. Thank you.
Fifteen minutes is GREAT for a first outdoor swim. Seriously, I’m not just being kind.
First time I went in was early May before a triathlon and I didn’t last 5 mins - couldn’t put my face in. We since worked out that if you can stay in for 6 mins you’ll get through the worst, as you might have found.
You might not need more layers - the water is warming up now - so perhaps just more swims? It’s phenomenal how your body adapts to frequent cold immersion. It’ll be 16mins, then 17 - you get the idea...
Great tips and tricks to help the process of cold open water swimming. Thanks so much! There is a process of trial and error with the process and gear, and you have did a good job of sharing your best practices and tested gear. Have shared with FB group Open Water Swimming Canada, to help encourage others across Canada to get out and swim in all this water we have in Canada. Currently pool swimming and waiting for less ice chunks in Lake Ontario. Because of pandemic and lockdowns took to the lake in May in 2020 and 2021, but hoping to try smaller lakes before May with my new swim hood (a game changer for the face shock that happens).
Brilliantly practical and sensible tips.
Thanks Alatair - I did a one for warmer weather too, so perhaps it's of interest? th-cam.com/video/X82NPscdDPY/w-d-xo.html
what a brilliant video, this all makes so much sense. Thank you!
Thanks Allegra, I’m glad it’s helpful
Thank you for making this video! Very helpful!
Glad it was helpful Nicole
Great narration thnks again.
Thanks for the info, awesome tips! love ya work!
Great TH-cam name! (and thanks)
Great job very informative thanks love it keep up the great work.
Excellent video - love the cut off welly idea and just bought the clip hangers. thanks :)
Thanks Martin - a few folk have copied the welly idea
Excellent tips. Thanks
Beautiful practical advise, love it!
Thanks very much and I’m pleased you like the practicality. There’s a summer (well warmer) video too.
What a great video. All good tips and it makes me keen to get back to open water swimming.
Hope you will Simeon. There's a warmer weather starting video here to tempt you too th-cam.com/video/X82NPscdDPY/w-d-xo.html
thank you for that encouragement! You are my hero !
Thank you very much! This video is more about cold water, and the sea in the northern hemisphere is warming up now, so I'm making another one due out this coming Wednesday.
Very helpful video. Thanks
Thanks - glad it was useful
Merci beaucoup, your tips era very helpful☺
I really enjoy your narration well done love the way you have it figured out ,I have had heart ❤️ failure from decathlete to heart failure and 45% of function but I will never quite God bless you .Great vids you do a fantastic job.
Thanks for your sharing and Experience
My pleasure Kevin
Good job. I am swimming in a cold water since 2019 and i can tell You that i haven't seen your move before but mostly i folow the same path. What important for me is a 3min time zone. It is a time that i have to use to not lose too much temperature after finishing my swimming. In 3 minutes i have to get to my car, start engine, turn on heating lamp and take off my neopren, get dry and put min a hat, gloves and sweater. This golden rule is imoortsnt especialy when outsie is less than 0 degrees.
Keep swimming ;)
Glad you're enjoying the cold water. Anything below 10c water feels really chily to me.
Excellent advice there
Glad you think so!
Thanks a lot! It is really awesome!
Glad you like it Haitao!
WOW. Some fantastic tips here. Thank you so much for posting this. 🙏
I’m in the process of gearing up to jump out of the pool and into the lake (not literally of course 😃) and your video is both inspirational and informative.
I’ve already got some kit (wetsuits and goggles) and have more essentials on order.
I used to swim in the lake at which we used to waterski and can’t wait to pick this up as a main hobby instead of my overcrowded local pool (when the virus permits).
I’m missing swimming so bad. 🏊♀️
Hope you get at it Rusty - glad you found the video helpful.
Great tips! Thank you 🙏🏼
My pleasure, thanks Nick
Superb video. Had my first swim last week and loved it.
Fantastic Robert and thanks for letting me know this helped. Try to go a couple of times a week and things just keep getting better (but stay within limits and don't swim alone)😀
Thanks for these great tips. Start my winter swimming in the Scottish Highlands on Monday, so late starter.
Great to hear - hope you enjoy it.
Excellent advice thanks
Glad it was helpful!
I liked the gardening bucket and welly ideas
They really work well Joe! Especially in cold weather where you just want to get in the car and warm up. Only problem is if you pee in your wetsuit, your boots fill 😂😱
Another great video. Well explained through experience. 👌
Glad it was helpful Marius!
Appreciate this video. Tired of all the "I don't need/want a wetsuit" open water swimming videos. Without a wetsuit I'm down to 20 minutes in the water this time of year (northern New England, USA). Every time I think about getting a wetsuit I see some video with a person telling me they just swim in a bathing suit year round. After watching this video, I'm getting a wetsuit and some proper gear so that I can reasonably enjoy cold water swimming. Thank you for keeping it real!
Thank you Corinne. There is a role for ‘skins’ swimming but many people in just swimsuits only dip in cold water, whereas I want to swim.
This was an awesome video, thanks for all of the tips, hope I can stay warm 😁👍
Thanks Beckham - I've just published a new video covering this for the warmer waters we're seeing in the northern hemisphere summer.
with the wind taking tow float up to your arms i have put a ankle strap from a old surf board on mine and attach to ankle for windy days love the vid thanks
Great idea, thank you
Hey Simon just came across your video, a new sub here. I’ve just taken up swimming in cold water, sea swimming in Firth of Forth, 3x days a week. Managed 2 weeks now and getting acclimatised. No equipment so just skins. I’m staying in about 30 mins, swimming to a buoy and back. I’m not swimming with anyone cos I don’t find that practical with full time employment, so I,m nipping down in my lunch hour to shore getting m swim in then back to car to warm and wait for shivering to ease. Interesting article last week on bbc about long term health benefits of cold exposure was what drove me. So far, I’m finding an overall fatigue on swimming days that I hope will ameliorate in time.
I appreciate all the super practical tips.
I’m not a strong swimmer so I’ve just been doing breast stroke. I tend to keep head out of water so tried a beanie today which I enjoyed. Today the sea was rougher than 2 previous days and I found that it took me 35 mins to cover distance that took me 25mins on calm sea.
It’s probably too early to call it but I think I am a convert. I find myself being quite uncomfortable with cold on chest & arms for 5-8 mins but after that I’m fine. Interesting when I come out I don’t start shivering immediately, I usually can get changed but by time I reach car and begin to warm, the shivering becomes intense and I could not safely drive until that subsides. I found a flask of warm coffee very comforting.
Each day I intended to go I had some misgivings, and would need to give myself a good talking too. But afterwards, I was always glad I’d made the effort, and definitely felt I’d had an ‘adventure’. So, on days when work was a bit meh at least i exult in a small triumph in the physical ‘ exercise vector of life! Check out what the researchers are saying about the RBM3 protein generated from cold exposure and it’s protective effect against degenerative disease. Thx again.
Thanks alan, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos and you're a lot hardier than me swimming skins! The shivering starts when the warm blood comes back to your extremities, because the cold blood that's been there in the periphery returns to your core. It's a potentially dangerous time due to 'after drop' and explains the need to warm gradually - a sudden rush of cld blood through the heart can cramp that muscle, which wouldn't be good. I saw the news stories about cold swimming being beneficial but perhaps I should take a look at the real research. The Outdoor Swimming Society always have some really useful resources which, if you haven't found already, you might find encouraging and useful. Thanks for taking the time to write.
Brilliant video! Thanks Simon. I received my wetsuit from Lomo yesterday & am looking forward to trying it out in a local reservoir very soon.
Mark and Bruce do some great kit so I hope you'll get on well with it.
You live a heavenly life great for you, you are doing what you obviously love ,thank you for your knowledge .
I'm happy, thanks Mel. Also very fortunate, which I try not to forget. 'Heavenly' - ah, hopefully that's a few years off 😬
Fantastic Video,
Well put together and extremely well delivered.
Thanks for the tips,
My first cold water swim on the 29th.
This video has been invaluable.
All the best,
Glad it helped Martin - I hope you enjoy the swim, and even if you don't (the first one can be tough) you decide to come back for more!
I love open water too, this coukd be considered your one exercise a day. Subbed 👍
Absolutely Mark - we've been alternating short swims with short bike rides on different days.
Hey Dude Turkey salutes you, I love swimming in cold water, I watched admiringly. Swimming equipment is very nice ..
Well a salute from Scotland to Turkey too 🇹🇷
Not a swimmer, however this has sparked my curiosity. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sue - six years ago I sank more than swam. I've found it's really just another way to explore wild places from a unique perspective.
Great video! What's missing are details about difference of gear for different temperatures.
What is needed at 5° vs 10° vs 15° ?
Brilliant
youve inspired me to want to swim in cold places. The views would be amazing
Excellent! I hope you enjoy it. Try to go first with people who're experienced and they'll keep you safe.
Nice video, and some good new tips. Thank you! We've purchased the same wetsuits as you have, and the whole kit should arrive early next week. I live by the water in beautiful British Columbia and am excited to soon be in it - rather than just looking at it. Fingers crossed everything fits, as the try several / return all but one option doesn't really exist here.
I hope you'll love it as much as we do. Be very careful when you first try it on because there's no guarantee ANY website will fit tightly. If there are hollows in the small of your back, between the shoulders or around the crotch, consider a different brand. If you're snug then you'll be happy. We both bought a spare suit when they were on sale so we have two!
Love this
Thanks K!
Inspired me to get a wetsuit and gear, had my first swim today, felt great to get back in the water. Who knows how long the pools will be closed, now I can swim whenever I want. Thanks from British Columbia!
Cheers Tom. It's so different to the chlorine pit, isn't it? There's a podcast coming in the next 3 weeks with Calum Maclean which you might like - he's a well known wild swimmer over here.
Great video. Thanks! My face gets really cold. I find that applying vaseline to the exposed areas helps.
Where would us swimmers be without oil!
Many thanks for making this, lots of really handy bits and bobs in here, no matter how long folk have been swimming for. I use a big pebble or two to add a bit of weight to my float and only blow up the top chamber when its choppy by the way. That way it behaves a bit better in waves and wind. All the best :-)
That's an interesting idea John - I'll try that.
Nice
Amazing video and very informative I have just started posting my wild dip adventure videos and other adventures on my travels. Thankyou for sharing this I have subscribed
So I see - skins too!
@@alwaysanotheradventure i love it now the cold is addicting just make sure i have warm tea and chocolate on exit lol.
Excelent! Thanks! Suggestion: instead of swiming caps, I would try diving hood (cap) (maybe plus one of your swiming caps). It works very well for me in cold water.
Very good point Eduardo. I used to swim in one myself and can't think why I forgot to mention it. Thanks for the suggestion.
Excellent video, super useful and all the info I was needing for my first swim in the lake in April! Pool is closed and I ordered a wetsuit and accessories today, I have no idea how 8 C will feel like but I am better prepared to cope thanks to your tips! Well done!
So pleased this was useful Max
How was your 8C experience? I just returned from a surfing trip and wanna continue swimming in open water through the winter.
@@KnightMirkoYo it was awesome. Swam through the whole winter, up to 5C at its coldest. But I could only do this with an extra neoprene shirt underneath the wetsuit, booties, gloves and hood. On e accustomed i managed to swim even 45 min, but always made sure I had a warm tea waiting in the thermos once I got out. The neoprene shirt underneath the wetsuit was a game changer for keeping me warm and less flushing! So needs a bit of gear if you want to stay in longer, but then it’s magic.
@@maxwiegmann7457 thanks so much for solidifying my decision and giving so many useful details! You are the GOAT :3 It was especially useful to receive your reply since the water here is exactly 8 C at the moment, dropping to ~5 C at winter.
Btw, I used to cycle at winter, at one point going for a ride at -15 C. It's funny how much better humans are at widthstanding cold versus what most people think is their limit.
Brilliant video Simon, taking into account gear and safety measures. Like you and the rest of the population unable to utilise local pool. Live in Cowal , Argyll , surrounded by sea so keen to get out. Thanks again and stay safe.
Cheers Derek
Thanks Derek, it's much appreciated 🙏
Hi Derek, Can you recommend any swimming spots around Cowal, please? I am going there in a couple of weeks.
@@gabscar1 Hi there, yes I know a few, Caladh Harbour, Carry farm, Ostel bay/kilbride bay, low stillaig/ Salaan Bay, Kifinnan bay & Otter ferry. Stay clear of Tighnabruaich/ Kames as some of the houses still empty sewage directly into sea.
Hope that helps.
Derek 👍
@@argyllexplorer1946 Excellent. Thanks very much, Derek!
A good and informative film here mate. My top tip for Open water swimming is to take a hot water bottle with you which will be nice and toasty when you get back from your swim, wrap your clothes around it whilst you are in the water and they will be nicely warm when you pull them on. On your journey home stick it up your jumper and your core will soon warm. Swim on !
That's a great tip Ken, and something my wife has already started doing. In fact, she walks around the house, after her shower, fully dressed with a hot water bottle tucked inside a gillet until she feels normal again. Thanks for sharing this.
I've found that a cycle bottle filled with warm water (really hot from the house & it's reduced to warm when you need it) emptied into your suit before you enter the water. By pre-loading the suit you can slow the ingress of the really cold stuff!👍
Great video (as always) Simon- keep up the good work.😁
Of course! I forgot that one. It's much better than dunking in the loch to let in water and something I used to do before triathlons to help the suit stick. Thank you so much for the reminder. I'll add it to the blog post.
Fantastic video, thank you!! I want to start, any recommendations for beginner sites near London?
There are a couple of places out west of London (Liquid Leisure is popular), but if you're starting you can't do better than have a session with Dan at SwimForTri (www.swimfortri.co.uk/) - it's not all triathlon focused either.
Thank you. When it's windy I stick a towel In my float and it keeps it down a bit
Not sure if I mentioned it in the video, but I clip the float directly to my belt in higher winds.
Great video thank you. When you aren't pulling a tow float due to wind, where do you store your mobile, PLB, car keys ect? Ty
Glad you like the video. If it's too windy for a float, I tend not to venture too far from shore so, in an emergency, I can reach land and get out. On these occasions I don't take any valuables, and hide the car key close to the vehicle.
I was speaking only today to someone who carries a waterproof phone case (something like this: www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/mobile-phone-dry-bag.html) zipped into their wetsuit and stored in the small of their back. You could get a phone and key in that.
Some wetsuits (BlueSeventy) have an inside loop for a car key, but obviously not an electronic blipper one - I don't think they're much use for modern cars.
Great video and plenty of useful tips! Wanting to know how I can keep my head, hands and feet warm during an hours swim in the sea. Though I wear a swim suit, my head often gets brain freeze. Very insightful video, thanks for sharing!
Hi Julie. It sounds like you're not wearing a wetsuit and swimming skins, so I'll reply as if that's the case. Most skins swimmers I know add openwater swim socks and swim gloves in winter. If they swim head-out then they'll wear a regular warm hat, but if they swim head-down (crawl) then they'll use a neoprene cap, often with a regular swim cap on-top to help seal the edges, much as I do in this video. Links to all those products are in the video description.
Hi Simon hope you are well and I’m enjoying your videos during this health crisis. Anyway now that we in scotland are planning to move to phase one i’m planning to get out on the water and wonder if you have any thoughts on the alpkit wetsuits or lomos budget buy triathlon. cheers
All good Derek, thank you. I've not used either, so I'm not qualified to judge, but let me answer in general terms. The more expensive the wetsuit, usually, the more panels it has so, in theory, the closer it will fit. But it's very personal. I have a top-of-the-range Zone3 which gapes at my shoulders and fills - it's just the way my body is built. So it really is about trying them on and seeing how close they hug your body all over, especially the neck, crotch and small of the back. As for the companies, I rate Lomo (Mark and Bruce are friends) very highly and they started their business specialising in wetsuits. Alp kit are more of a generalist, but I use a lot of their stuff and rate it highly. I'd buy both and send back the one that doesn't fit as well, taking EXTREME care when trying on.
Great video. Im starting winter swimming at my local beach. It's not as cold as your place so I am facing the cold and then taking a dive into an oncoming wave. I stay in for about 10 minutes. No wetsuit though. At what temperature do you need a wetsuit?
Oh I'm a wimp! My wife tells me so. She swims year round without a wetsuit (so called "skins") although below 8C those swims are more like dips. There's no temperature at which as wetsuit is needed, it's entirely subjective. In my (limited) experience, women seem to tolerate skins swimming in lower temperatures much more than men.
Thanks, great video. At 6 degrees how long would you swim for, and how does the time change with change in temperature?
Glad you like it. The answer is yes, swim duration shortens the lower the temperature drops. But there are another two variables - acclimatisation and metabolism.
For various reasons I haven't swam much in recent months and that makes a huge difference. I'll post a video soon where Liz was absolutely fine after 90mins but I was cold, despite wearing more kit.
It's complicated yet again personal metabolism - she tolerates cold (in and out of water) better than me.
So it's hard to give you a good time / temperature scale, sorry.
Great tips I'm a daily sea water swimmer and wanted to add one more tip for gloves that let in too much water I use 4or5 rubber hair bands pulled on as far as my wrists which helps keep excess water out. Enjoy your swims
What a simple but good idea - thanks John
And the neck ?
Thank you for sharing your experience and advice. Can you please advise on the Alpkit Silvertip wetsuit as a alternative wetsuit for cold water swimming? Thanks and take care.
Hi Adrian - I'm not going to be a lot of help with this because I haven't tried it. I like AlpKit stuff a lot (I have one of their Sonder bikes and their bikepacking kit). I had a look at their wetsuit and it's clearly made to a price with, I think, fewer panels than the BlueSeventy reaction. More panels = tighter fit = warmth. That said it might fit you perfectly - you'd need to try it, but get it tight with as much skin contact as possible, esp in small of back and between shoulders. Hope that's helpful.
@@alwaysanotheradventure
Hi Simon, Thank you for your reply, it's appreciated. Can you please further advise regarding the 'fewer panels = tighter fit = warmth'. Have you swam in Ireland yet? Best wishes- Adrian
These are some of the best tips I've seen. Do you have any tips for cold water swimming when you are getting to and from via bicycle, rather than a car?
My swim buddy and I have been swimming outside all summer because we don't want to be close to strangers with the current situation. We started in a river in late May. I don't yet have a wetsuit, so I wore leggings and a long-sleeve athletic shirt. I'm looking into better options so that we can keep going when fall arrives. Neither of us has cars, we swim in the river 3 miles from home during the week, and swim across a lake 6 miles away on the weekend.
Hi Heather - thanks for that. We also cycled 2ml at the start of lockdown rather than use the car - it is SO weird cycling in a wetsuit!
A lot would depend upon air temperature - if it's low, then damp clothes or wetsuit, even on a three mile ride, could really chill you down. I'd want to get into warm dry clothes and hat, have a warm drink, and make sure the inevitable shivers had stopped before cycling because you don't want cold blood to be circulated to your core (esp heart) as you peddle on a road. So warm up on location. Ideally get a waterproof rucksack to chuck your wet kit in so it doesn't drip down your back as you ride.
If it's a sunny, warm day then it might be nice to ride in damp clothes provided it doesn't chaff! I did a second video for warmer weather but again it's wetsuit based th-cam.com/video/X82NPscdDPY/w-d-xo.html
Great tips, thanks. I tend to get a numb neck/under chin, it’s the only part of me that freezes but it’s enough to put me off going in some days.
I used to get that too Nathan. It's partly down to acclimatisation (I think) and so I used to wear a 5mm diver's head cover which extended down my neck. The cold water still entered but, like a wetsuit, was trapped somewhat and warmed a little. Although it might have all been in my mind. This sort of thing: www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/wetsuit-hood-1.html#SID=8
@@alwaysanotheradventure Brilliant, thanks for the link, I’ll be heading there straight away. I was worried it was the beard 😱, covering it in neoprene is fine, the thought of shaving it off...no way! 😂
@@nathanwhite4591 Quite right too. Oh, and don't do a bit of shaping the morning before a sea swim - that salt water on a newly shaved face is exquisitely unpleasant and stings!
Great video. Which thickness is your wetsuit? Till which water temp will a 1.5 / 4.5 suit work?
It really doesn’t work that way Nami. I completely understand why you ask that - I asked exactly the same question when starting out - but the thickness only protects against conductive heat loss in places. More important is a tight fit, so cold water can’t “flush” through your suit. Being tight around the neck, small of the back and groin is crucial. Perhaps this video will help? th-cam.com/video/JVc0tj-ILiQ/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for this video Simon!
I was wondering how you personally feel that wetsuit of yours, the BlueSeventy thermal, is in terms of flexibility for strokes such as breaststroke? I have been seriously considering to start swimming in this lake nearby, especially now with Covi and everything, but my biggest concern is that I have only learned the breaststroke so far, and I was just beginning to learn crawl before a new lockdown heh! Thank you very much in advance!
Best wishes :)
I'm pleased you find this helpful and that you're tempted to start in your local lake.
Breaststroke in any wetsuit isn't great and I think it’s because of the thick neoprene on the thighs. The very thing which helps people swim crawl, by lifting their hips and legs, makes it hard to swim breaststroke.
Some swimming wetsuits designed for top swimmers, who don’t need such lift, have less neoprene. So it’s possible these might work (I think Orca do one like this) but they tend to be the most expensive in the range and wouldn’t be certain to do the trick. Sorry not to be more helpful.
Advice with wisdom. It comes with age.
I have plenty of the latter, less of the former
Haha the 3 caps made me laugh. I might do that too, I struggle when it's too cold!. I am getting started on winter wild swimming. Do you think the 3mm neophrene is enough for cold water or shall I go for a 5mm?. Any good brands to have a look?. Your videos are the most helpful. Thank you!
Glad you find them useful. If we're talking caps, I like the BlueSeventy thermal with the orange liner, like my wetsuit. Much warmer than the standard 3mm Lomo I use (as well). In the early days I actually used a diver's full head hood, which I think was 5mm, but that's overkill now. Still, on those really cold water days...
Hey, realy good Video. I tried your - warm water inside of the wetsuit before swimming- tip from the other video^^ it feels like cheating , but i will never go out without :) thank you very much and stay safe! Greetings from Bavaria/ GER. Christian
Greetings to you too Christian - glad it worked for you.
I'm swimming Lake Windermere next year in August and will be in the water for over 5 hours. I'm concerned I may start grtti g cold although many swim in skins. The temperature will be between 16c to 18c. Do you think I'm wise to invest in the Blue Seventy thermal wetsuit and wrap up incase I get chills? It would make it painful to swim whilst feeling chilly.
Thank you for your advice!
I'd ask someone who swims there locally or is taking part in the event. 16-18c isn't too cold.
Amazing video, would love to join you for a swim, you are very inspirational. I swim in Greece all year round, lucky enough to not need a wet suit. How long do you swim for? Do you go by feeling or a specific time?
Oh how I wish I could swim somewhere warm right now! It's this time of year that I normally get a little fed up with the Scottish weather - but we don't have any choice given the world situation.
I'm not a great swimmer, more enthusiastic than able. I usually set myself a route to swim, shorter in winter, longer in summer, which takes into account the water temperature, the air temperature, and my current swim-fitness. If I have been training for an event, then I'll try to swim for the distance involved at progressively faster times.
This winter I haven't swam very much because I had a dental problem which kept me out of the water, so I haven't acclimatised to the cold. I'm trying to get back into the swimming, but tackling much shorter swims (under 1km) and managing around 20mins.
@@alwaysanotheradventure its a shame you cant swim as much as you want. We would love to have in Greece, if you ever decide to visit. Loved your video. Take care of yourself
What spectacular scenery. So, how do you recommend staying in for?
We're lucky with the landscape here. I can't give a time because it's SO personal. My wife can swim 15mins skins in 7C water. I'm lucky to manage 2 mins skins! But she does that by swimming daily and building her acclimatisation.
So I highly recommend going with others for safety and their experience, and be guided by them.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thanks for the quick reply. I'm a pretty useful pool swimmer, a bit of a pussy when it comes to the ocean, but watching videos like yours makes me want to give it a try. The health benefits are many, I've been led to believe, both mental and physical. Happy swimming to you 🏊👍
Really nice video with usefull advice. Just a couple of things. The first one obvious but unpleasant - if you really mean to swim regurarly take a cold shower every day, add some time to it so that in the end you can shower for 3 to 5minutes (start with 30s or 1minute). This will really make a huge difference. The second one, if the water is really cold a thin layer of vaseline (petroleum jelly) on your face and neck can help with the initial shock - it will also help with chafing. Vaseline will slowly wash away as you swim (just use the one which is meant to be used on human skin not the one used for lubing machines :-) )
Thanks for the suggestions Hynek. I'm just not dedicated enough to do the cold shower thing! I believe this is part of the Wim Hof method? However, I have tried the idea of taking a swim at least of six minutes every day for a week, and that really does acclimatise me - it also seems to 'stick' for much longer too.
I've never heard about the vaseline on the face idea. Neck yes, although wetsuit makers don't like it. I know triathletes and cyclists put it in eyebrows to stop sweat dripping into their eyes. A layer on the face is new to me - I shall experiment, thank you.
Great video, many thanks for the tips. Just a question, have you ever tried without the suit? If so, what would you say are the main differences? cheers from a Chilean.
Hi Pablo - I have tried 'skins' as we say, but I'm too much of a wimp! I have two female friends who are superb skins swimmers (international standard competitors) and one is an ice swim champion. There are podcasts with both at AlwaysAnotherAdventure.com (Jade Perry and Colleen Blair).
I feel it would take too long for my body to acclimatise to cold water skins and I'd end up 'dipping' rather than actually swimming, and that's what I want to do. Another friend locally (always women!) has been going skins almost every day for more than a year and in our 5C water swims for thirty minutes. The body does adapt, but I don't feel I have the patience or committent.
I will definetely check that channel out, thanks for that.. I totally understand what you mean, swimming ‘skins’ requieres too much of the physical and mental aspect, I’ve tried it and I ended up ‘dipping’ as well, but is something that I would like to keep practicing since I’m just a starter. Nonetheless swimming in suit is light years better that no swimming, you still experience the cold which is awesome and you also get the wilderness experience which is amazing for the soul. Thanks for replying!
i am new to this so excuse my naivety, does the toe bag contain all your gear or is this something that attaches to the floatation device...? Thanks for the tips :)
No problem asking questions Ronaldo. There are several types of tow float.
1. A simple inflatable chamber; this is only a float that identifies your presence to other water users (boats, kayaks etc) and people on shore. It can be used to support your weight in an emergency but should not be relied upon, becaus eone of these are recognised life-saving devices.
2. One or two inflatable chambers with space between them to store stuff and a roll-top water-tight closure. You wouldn't normally open these on the water except in an emergency for which you might have a phone in a dry-case, or a Personal Locator Beacon (a satellite device for raising the alarm). Typically, people carry car keys, spectacles (again in a dry case) and perhaps flip-flops and a warm hat if they can't be left safely at the water's edge. If you're doing a linear swim, dropped off somewhere to swim back, then you might need to carry some food for when you come ashore.
3. Other tow floats have outside, non waterproof pockets. Typically these are usd on longer swims to access water bottles and energy food products.
Hope that answers the question.
What’s the temperature of water? I’m planning to go swimming in Washington State, lowest will be 46 degrees faranheit. I’m getting a oneils swimsuit
I’m planning to put it in my morning routine.
46F is about the coldest in which I'd want to swim. It drops to that in winter, and you really notice when it drops below 50F. If you can get it into your routine when the water is warmer (if that ever happens) then keep going as the temperature drops, you'll find you acclimatise easier than if you go straight into 46F water. I'm delighted to say we're now at 57F.
how important would you say the gloves and socks are, im in the peaks so it may be a little warmer than Scotland. Would you says they're an essential or a preference
Hi Liam - When the water is below 8-10c I think they're essential if you want to actually swim, as opposed to just 'dip'.
Your blood leaves extremities quickly and, without gloves, your hands start to claw; the little and next finger fold in towards the palm, making a good catch tricky. Incidentally, I was told that if your index or middle finger start to claw, get out, because it's a key warning sign you're getting too cold. I suppose feet are less important in that regard, but you want to be able to stand when you get out.
Also, both are places where the cold water just draws heat from the rest of your body.
It's about 10-12C in the loch now and my friend swam without gloves or boots recently. He was fine, but cut his swim short due to the cold. I stick with gloves, gradually getting thinner ones, until I can go without.
Early (May) triathlons I've done allowed both gloves and booties, although they're not sanctioned by British Triathlon.
@@alwaysanotheradventure thanks for the reply, ill definitely look in to getting some. and ill watch out for my fingers curling
We are reaching the 5 celsius degrees here in Brazil and I got 3 kilograms because of the isolation. I have a foot problem and my only sport is to swim, the pool will remain closed and your tips will save me. Thanks!
Oh wow! 5C - that is COLD! 😱 You're tough, and I'm glad this was useful.
5 degrés in brasil ???
Hum ...
Hi Simon, my wife is looking at getting into open water swimming, I'll definitely show her this. One question; when you talk about temperatures are you referring to air or water temp? I found your piece on body temperature very interesting too. I have to admit, I'm a devil for getting in a really hot bath after a cold winter ride. I should probably stop doing that!
Hi Dave - I'm glad you found the video interesting and delighted your wife is enjoying her swimming - you'll have to try. The temperature I'm mostly referring to is water temp. Here it varies from a balmy 16-18C in summer, down to 5-8C in winter, although most of that seems to be surface water that runs off the hills and sits on top of the salt water in the loch. I could be wrong, but I 't think sea temp doesn't vary quite so much.
Air temp becomes most important when you get out. The distance between swim and vehicle in which to warm up can be quite a factor. That's why it's more pleasant to swim on a bright sunny day towards the end of winter, when the sun can warm your body a little, than when it's snowing and grey.
A hot bath after a ride is not quite the same. You get much colder immersed in water, even for a shorter time, so the warm blood leaves the extremities and concentrates in the core. After a while, your hands can start to 'claw', uncontrolled curling. If you were that cold on the bike I doubt you'd balance or steer (I couldn't!) - it would be like wearing shorts and a jersey instead of winter kit. Warming too quickly from such a swim brings the warm blood out of the core to the surface, and the cold blood from the surface into the core - which isn't healthy! Mind, if you ever get THAT cold on a bike, and you're hypothermic, then follow the first aid advice to warm hypothermic casualties slowly. sorry, a bit rambling from me...
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thanks for that Simon, very interesting. I was diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome last year so my extremities do really suffer when riding in temperatures below 6-7°. I found good gloves (2 pairs) & decent, thick walking socks with overshoes help a little. Doubt I'd be brave enough to try the swimming though.
@@MrShiffard You seem to have yourself sorted there Dave. One trick I borrowed from a friend for keeping feet dry (hence warmer) is to use SealSkin socks, but to enhance the silicone grip at the top with - and this is bizarre - a latex cuff made from the wrist seal of a dry suit. They were a bit too tight when I made a video about them but I've got the sizing right now and even though my boots fill with water, my feet stay dry and warm. It sounds crazy but it works. th-cam.com/video/hKuAyyAlaWM/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for those great tips! I actually bought a Thermal Reaction wetsuit. I’m 172cm high with 66kg weight, so I was advised to get the SMT size. Man, it’s tight to put on, not the legs but the sleeves, especially around the shoulders. I absolutely need someone to zip it up for me. However, in the cold water it feels fine and I could stay in for hours. Any tips on how to slip it on quicker/easier? Blueseventy EU said a Medium size would let too much water in. Thanks for any advice! Seamus
Glad it's working for you in the water, and tight is the way to go. I had one which was SO tight I felt it slightly constricted my chest, but now I can get a neoprene vest underneath - they all stretch.
Putting a wetsuit on correctly takes time, and there should have been a printed guide in the box. Best advice is to get it up your body as much as possible; get the crotch really into the crotch; work the slack from the waist well up towards the shoulders, almost to the point of it being baggy there. The aim is to avoid the suit pulling your shoulders down.
Triathletes need to get quickly out of their wetsuits, so there are some tricks. One is to (deep breath) cut off some of the ends of the legs, and some go as far as to trim the arms. Clearly, if you've bought a thermal wetsuit for warmth, that's bonkers in this case.
You can get roll-on and spray-on glide product (you put it on your body) which really does help the legs and arms come out more quickly. I've used this stuff before races amzn.to/2NuvHo3 but I prefer this roll on which is also a superb anti-chaff amzn.to/2QgROiO It seems to put a teflon-like coating on your body for a while.
@@alwaysanotheradventure They're great tips, thanks. I'll certainly try those. When I bought the wetsuit, I also bought an anti-chaffing gel. So far I haven't experienced any chaffing, but I'll certainly try the gel for glide-on/off purposes. This is the one I bought: blueseventy.eu/accessoires/930/pjuractive-2skin-100-ml?c=186. Would that do the same job as the ones you suggest?
@@brotherseamusbyrne Yes, that should work. It's the silicon layer than seems to help. Try it around your ankles & shins, wrists & lower arms.
For easy " enfilade " of wetsuit , i make one liter wasser mix with shampoo, and put on the wetsuit upside Down . After is à play of children ! Try it ! It slide be itself !😂😂😂
@@alwaysanotheradventure
Un truc tre connu en triathlon : faire un mélange eau schampoo et imprégner le Jersey la combinaison ( à l'envers) après ça glisse tout seul ! Vous sentez bon en plus ! 😂
How long can you stay in 6C water?
Depends how acclimatised you are! That's a serious answer - I've not done much this winter but my wife can do 40mins in a wetsuit and 15mins skins at that temp.
Hello Sir. You are amazing. I am planning to swim in cold water. Is 5mm full neoprene suit better or a 3mm suit with thermal fleece layer better ? These are the only options I have in the store near me. I am planning to swim in the Great lakes of Kashmir. I would appreciate your advice. Thanks !
It might be useful to find out what other swimmers there use. Personally I'd go for the 5mm.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thank you. Cold water swimming is rare here and I havent found anyone. But the store guy insisted on the fleece layered wetsuit and said its more flexible for swimming and adds around 4 degrees extra warmth. He bluntly said 5 mm neoprene is equivalent to 3mm with fleece. I asked you as you have used the fleece layered one in your video. Would you still suggest I go with the 5 mm neoprene ? Thanks
@@JayasimhaHj Apologies - I misunderstood. I thought you meant 3mm neoprene plus a separate fleece underneath.
The one I use is 5mm and it is lined in a thermal fleece which does add a couple of degrees protection. Frankly, I don't really understand how that fleece works when wet, but it does. So I really can't say which of the two versions you've been offered - 5mm neoprene or 3mm with integral fleece - would be warmest. Sorry, but let me try to be a little more helpful that that.
Fit is everything. The wetsuit must be tight to your body in all critical places, especially neck and lower back. This is overwhelmingly the most important aspect even compared to suit thickness, and it took me quite a while to realise this. Years ago I wrote to wetsuit makers and asked what's their warmest wetsuit, and what I've given you is the correct answer. Here's why:
The job of the wetsuit is to trap a layer of water next to your body. That layer of water is warmed by your body heat. A thicker wetsuit prevents the 'outside' water from conducting that heat away too quickly. But that's not the main mechanism of heat loss. Indeed, wetsuit thickness is irrelevant compared to tighness of the suit. Regardless of thickness / fleece you'll get cold very quickly if the suit "flushes" - the water that was warmed by your body escapes and fresh cold water comes in.
When new a wetsuit should almost feel too tight, especially around the chest and neck, because it will stretch. I have to put a neoprene vest under older wetsuits to fill the gaps caused by the stretching. If you (or someone) can zip it up and you can put your arm over your head, then it fits.
If you haven't yet seen it, this might help: th-cam.com/video/JVc0tj-ILiQ/w-d-xo.html
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thanks a lot for you valuable advise, I get it now. Simply put, you mean to say that the suit must be like an integral part of our external body, like the skin. The gaps create thermal holes. I will be getting the 3mm fleece integrated wetsuit as it was a tighter fit and I could not get a tighter fit with the 5mm neoprene. But both were a bit loose around the crotch and I might have to fill in that gap with something.
I am planning to swim during august 10th. The lake altitude is around 10000ft and the temperature I am expecting in below 10 deg Celsius. I will share with you my experience after the swim. Thanks again :)
What is your recommended length of time in the water when it’s below 6 degrees?
Hi Lee - I wouldn't presume to give you a time because it's SO personal; a function of genetics, body fat and acclimatisation. I'd recommend swimming with more experienced people and be guided by them. If you're really seeking out cold water (and 6C is COLD) then you might need to track down some experienced ice swimmers. I'm sorry I can't give you a number but that wouldn't be right or safe.
Always Another Adventure thanks for the reply. I’ve been swimming in a marine lake for the last couple of months. Most of the other swimmers don’t wear wetsuits, so they only stay in for a couple of minutes. The temp has been between 3 and 6. Some great info in your video. Thanks
@@leeadlam6349 Even in gloves, my fingers are the first thing to go in the cold and Liz is the same, so perhaps let them be your guide. Certainly when your hands start to claw (it just happens) then it's time to get out.
Always Another Adventure thanks for your info, very helpful. Swam today, much better. Going to invest in some thermal swim gloves for when it’s really cold
@@leeadlam6349 Good idea - it just happens I put two pair of older (but still good) Lomo swim gloves on eBay today: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swimming-and-triathlon-cold-water-wetsuit-gloves-by-Lomo-used-Medium/224359144481
it's just so much off putting work to get ready, like winter riding. gear gear and more gear. I want a natural warm 50msingle lane pool on my own property one day :)
I can see the appeal Michael. But the gear just lets us swim longer, and frankly the 'chlorine pit' is a poor substitute for the great outdoors. We've recently been swimming more skins because it's warm enough now.
Surprised that you recommend not towing the buoy *ever*! I'm sure you mean only of you have your trusty spotter, always!
Hi Maria - I'm not sure why you think I've recommended not towing the buoy? I'm clearly towing the buoy/bag in the video and I'm at pains to show what goes inside. They only time I don't use one is in a following wind or following sea when it could get tangled, but even then I usually manage to clip it on my belt. Even with a shore spotter a tow float is useful because a head, even in a bright cap, quickly vanishes below the smallest waves
@@alwaysanotheradventure Yes, I would have thought so.
I seem to find two different "seven tips" videos, with slightly different information, maybe the one more updated than the other?
Does it take you longer to prepare for your swim than your actual swim ?......
In the depths of winter the times it's about the same Josh. 15 mins to get changed and in the water for 20-25min. In summer we swim for much longer - up to several hours. Shooting a video of it is A LOT slower 😀
I’m over here looking to get warm in 55 F water … this is intense!
I'm looking forward to it getting that warm this summer 😁
I like to swim without a wet suit, many people do, I recommend trying it. It's exhilarating and good for you. Obviously do your research and don't forget to breathe
it depends on the water temperature, I think..
Many of my friends like to swim skins. In winter, only the most experienced can still actually swim, most tend to dip. That's why I stick to the wetsuit - it works for me. But if you prefer skins, well that's great too!
hello from vienna :) pls can u show us how to fix the holes in your wetsuit?
Good idea. I’ll have to get Liz to show me how she does it because I hand mine to her to fix 😁
@@alwaysanotheradventure that would be great😊 thank you!!
This is a good one for repairing the small 'half-moon' thumbnail tears th-cam.com/video/3VmhKqhDct4/w-d-xo.html
OMG I suffering for you just watching the video 🥶