These days are gone... and it was summer! Not strictly running related...

[Oldfloss]

... and not entering a Triathlon either

Have not been here for a while as I am literally crawling back up to speed, ( figuratively speaking).

Just asking if anyone is able to help, I would like to buy a wet suit for Winter sea swimming... my days of ordinary gear have been curtailed.. age and weight loss and a protective family!

Wonder if anyone who has done winter swims has any tips or suggestions ?

PS

I have blocked out all the unmentionable bits... the seal who was swimming with me saw them though!

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Haven’t a clue Oldfloss but a dryrobe when you get out is definitely a good buy. One of our volunteers wore one to Marshal this morning.

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Dexy5]

MrOF is buying me one for Christmas x The group I will be swimming with, all have them!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Oldfloss]

Well done Mr OF

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Dexy5]

I gave him a very long list this year x

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Oh my! You're braver than I 😱

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to linda9389]

I was...nesh now!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

A triathlon wetsuit is the best for actual swimming because they are like a second skin, and have a lot of flexibility around the shoulders. You can get different thicknesses. They are tricky to put on at first, but I found I got the hang pretty quickly. They can be very pricey, but there are plenty for under £100, or I got a good one (Zone 3 Vanquish) second hand on eBay, I think it was about £60,. They are high maintenance because they are easily damaged with your fingernails. My suit has been patched many times 😂

If you mostly just want to float around for a bit a surfing wetsuit would be more than fine, and a lot more durable. I often swim in a summer shorty surf wetsuit, it's a lot easier to put on! But I get very cold so I find the full length tri suit is better for longer swims - although it's too thin for winter swimming.

Winter surf wetsuits for UK type temps are generally 5/4 mm thick, which is to say the neoprene is 5 mm thick on the torso panels, and 4 mm on the arms and legs. You can also get thermal lined ones that are super toasty! Swimming wetsuits are generally a bit thinner.

Thermal lined neoprene gloves, boots, and cap, are a very good idea!

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to roseabi]

Brilliant..thank you...I have a starting point now..I have the boots and gloves sorted...but advice from the group on suits was vague...Good job Christmas is coming!! I was planning on a full suit and I will be swimming ...so...I shall be researching! Thanks xxx

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Oldfloss]

People can swim in surf suits, they're just a bit more cumbersome

[Raisemeup]

This is interesting as I'd been thinking of the same for free swimming.Also, does anyone know of similar attire to cover up for Summer sea swimming - like you Old Floss, bikini days are over at least in public places!

Thank you for the photo reminding us of Summer on this cold, winter's day.

Best wishes ☺️

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Raisemeup]

roseabi 's advice is great!

[CBDB]

Oohhh so brave (and exiting). I have no experience in this, but was so intrigued by something another poster called a changing robe for open air swimming. It just looked so great to have, so here a link to a video youtu.be/h514Dv1GRxU(Not working as expected?)

And most of you might know this fabulous cozy garment already, but thought I’d post.

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to CBDB]

Mine is hopefully on the way xxxx

[Cmoi Marathon in reply to CBDB]

As a child I was forced to wear a homemade, green-and-white striped towelling version of that...

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to Cmoi]

I had a yellow one with red fish on.. draw string neck and towelling...I loved it!

[CBDB in reply to Oldfloss]

😂😃

[CBDB in reply to CBDB]

We just did a big towel kind of caterpillar 🐛 movement. No butterflies at the end, though!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to CBDB]

Me too 😁

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to CBDB]

Dryrobes are de rigueur in Hove 😂

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to roseabi]

..and Criccieth also!

[Frenc Half Marathon]

Absolutely no idea Oldfloss! But well done for even contemplating it 🥶🥶🥶. A friend of mine has a dry robe as suggested by Dexy5 which she swears by so one of those for after may be a good idea. Happy hunting 😊😊😊.

[nowster Metric Marathon]

Are you planning to join the annual Boxing Day sea dips at Aberdaron or Criccieth? (Morfa Nefyn's one is on New Year's Day.)

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to nowster]

Not really..I'll be travelling on the 1st...I used to do New Year's Day at Cwm Tydu ..solo swim..no wet suit! But I'll be swimming the following Sunday I hope!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to nowster]

Last week the swimmers had santa hats on!