As we start to feel that Autumn chill in the air it can be easy to talk yourself out of training in the off-season. As nice as your local pool may be, it doesn’t quite compare to the open water.That is why we have put together our top tips for prolonging your open water training.
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Wear a wetsuit
Firstly you want to try and keep the heat in. This is probably pretty obvious but you’ll need to wear a wetsuit. If you find your core is still getting cold, look to get a thicker training wetsuit or even layering with a Neoprene Warmth Vest underneath for some extra insulation.
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Put a hat on
By this, we don’t mean a snug, woolly beanie. If you really suffer from the cold you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a Neoprene Swim Cap to prevent ultimate brain-freeze. We do one with a chin strap for a more secure fit or a strapless version.
If you prefer a more traditional swim cap then make sure you’ve got two to layer up with. If you need an extra one, check out our silicone one here.
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Keep your fingers & toes warm
You lose a lot of heat through your hands and feet so it’s important to keep them warm in cold conditions. We do two types of neoprene swim gloves and socks – our standard neoprene version and Heat-Tech for the coldest conditions.
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Practise makes perfect
If you are not use to swimming in cold water then why not work your way in gently. Look to see if you’ve got a lido or outdoor pool in your area and do a session (in your wetsuit) here before taking the plunge into the open water.
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Be prepared
It’s going to be cold. Mentally prepare yourself for that initial shock to the system and plan your first few strokes. Enter the water slowly and take a few deep breaths. If it’s the first time you’ve really swum in colder water then it can throw you off but stay calm and don’t panic.
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Wrap-up when you’re done