So last night I did my first sea swim of the year. That’s not to say I haven’t been in the sea (I surf all winter) but it was the first pure swim. What’s the difference you ask?
Typically when surfing you’re so focused on the surf element combined with lying on top of a board (so not fully submerged) that you can get distracted from the cold a little bit.
Swimming is a bit different. You know you’re going to be fully immersed, face down, below the level of even the smallest of chop! You basically know you’re going to get cold. So how do you prepare for this?
First off it’s important to stay safe. Ideally you want a swim buddy so you can help each other out if you get into trouble or in the very least, someone on the shore who’s not far away that can help if needed. After some time lifeguarding many years ago, I could highly recommend NOT going alone. If you do, make sure you tell someone and agree to phone them at a time you’re expected to finish!
But what about the cold?
Depending on how cold it is, depends on what you need to wear. Some people will be more used to the cold than others, but what I’d suggest is that for your first dip in the deep blue, just plan to get acclimatised to it all. Wear your wetsuit, hat, boots and gloves if you have them (and if it’s really cold!). Wear whatever you’re comfortable with, until you know how cold or warm it actually is. Clearly if you’re in the Caribbean, you’re only going to need your shorts 😉
Don’t plan on setting a record, just plan on getting in and feeling what it’s like and it’s probably best to keep your first one a bit shorter than say your normal pool swim. You don’t know how the cold is going to affect your muscles or your mental state. No jokes on that point, as honestly some people do completely freak out when they submerge their head the first time and act like belly up sea otter trying to swat flies. It’s ok! Just take it slow and get used to it.
Post swim, make sure to have your towel and change of clothes ready to go. If you need to get warm quick, and your hands are shaken, nothing is more frustrating than trying to undo simple bag zippers with numbs hands. You don’t want to hang about in the cold more than necessary. Take a warm drink and a snack if you can. Your body is going to have been working in overdrive to keep you warm, so give it some fuel after!
For me, I was in my summer surf suit (2/3mm) and I had donned gloves and boots and a simple huub neoprene hat to keep a little bit of warmth up top. To be honest I was absolutely fine. It takes a bit of getting used to getting your face frozen from the cold so I did a 100metre length warm up, then cracked on with the rest of my routine and actually felt pretty good!
Don’t forget, most importantly, enjoy yourself! Not many people will opt to swim in the sea when it’s only 8 degrees. Triathlons are meant to be a challenge, but you should have fun with it as you go!