As the weather gets better and the temperatures start to soar, even those who would never dare dip a toe in open waters during the winter months are now seeing the appeal of open water swimming. However, it can still be rather cold, and it’s important to keep warm.
Wild swimming and open water swimming has seen a massive increase in popularity since the lockdown closed swimming pools, and many wild swimmers will have invested in a wetsuit to keep warm in cold waters. But some other tricks in the open water swimmer’s kit bag can also help keep the warmth in.
Caps
While it’s not to the extent of the old wive’s tale, you do lose some heat through your head it’s uncovered and you’re in a cold environment, and this is where swim caps come in. They come in three different types:
Latex - Made from this flexible rubber, and the type is most usually worn by open water swimmers.
Silicone - Made from a slightly thicker rubber, these caps help keep more heat in than latex.
Neoprene - made from the same rubber as wetsuits, these have superior heat retention properties.
Earplugs
Earplugs can help stop cold water exerting the ear canal, which can make you feel cold all over. Cold water in the ear can also make you feel dizzy and seasick, and prolonged exposure to cold water can start to affect your hearing too.
Gloves
Adding neoprene gloves to your open water swimming gear can help delay freezing hands. Just be sure to find a set of gloves that fit well, as gloves that are too loose will let water rush in, negating their heat retention properties and making swimming more cumbersome.
Booties
Neoprene swim shoes or booties, as well as keeping you warm, protect the soles of the feet from sharp seashells or other hazards that might be lurking in the sand or muck at the shoreline. When your feet are very cold, you might not realise that you’ve been cut, but a neoprene barrier can stop that injury before it happens.
If you’re looking for thermal swim socks, then visit our online store today.
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