neil in gemini space

swimming kit - 2022-04-18

i sea swim about Guernsey throughout the year: approx. temperatures 9C - 18C. i started year round swimming in 2018 having read so many good things about cold water swimming.

swimming kit

decathlon nabaiji briefs:

slightly heavier material than my last swimming shorts; some insulation for the crown jewels. good fit, dry quickly. i've modded them with a drawstring toggle so that i never loose the drawstring in the waistband.

slip-on beach shoes, slightly insulated (now well worn):

these help with keeping my feet warmer after i come out the water. provide grip, and some foot protection on rocks, pebbles, and slipways.

swimming cap, 2 mm neoprene:

essential! really helps reduce forehead pain when my head is in the water. without a cap i find the cold water forehead pain too distracting. my head still gets cold but over time rather than straight away.

ear plugs, silicone, or foam:

essential! these reduce ear pain, hopefully avoid "swimmer's ear" (yes it is a thing), and prevent irritating water in ear canal after the swim. no ear problems noted so far despite consistent sea swimming. some water still gets in the ears but at a slower rate so that it warms a bit.

mares sunrise x-vu mask, and mares ergo dry snorkel tube:

the mares kit is so much better than cheaper kit; fewer leaks, minimal water down the tube, and more comfortable. the ergo dry tube top is harder to block for clearance than an open tube; but very little water gets in the tube. i bought these from Dive Guernsey who were helpful and patiently worked to find the mask that fitted me best. i usually swim with a mask and tube: more interesting to see what there is to see, and i haven't worked to improve my swimming breathing. sea swimming requires us to be aware of local currents and tides: the mask helps me to gauge the current strength (seaweed leaning over in a current), and avoid submerged obstacles, rocks, ropes near moorings, etc.

towel, cotton turkish:

light and thin enough to fit in a running pack, absorbant enough to dry me off, big enough to preseve my modesty (avoiding nearby females fainting at the sight). i plan to cut down and hem the towel to save weight and space.

post swimming kit

this is as important as the swimming kit. after cold water swimming i need to get warm and dry asap to avoid worse hypothermia than i intended. i find higher wind speeds more of a problem than cooler temperatures.i

towel: see above; don't rub hard, patting dry is better.

merino wool hat(s).

merino wool snood(s) or scarf.

layers: as many as you think you need and more.

merino wool t-shirt.

merino wool long sleeve shirt.

fleece or gilet, or both!

heavier wool layer such as a knitted Guernsey.

wind proof top layer if windy.

trousers unless summer then shorts might do.

wool base layer long pants unless summer.

wool socks.

shoes.

dress quickly! i find that my fine-motor skills (tying shoe laces) become poor by the time i'm trying to put on my socks and shoes.

get in a warm place, have a hot drink, move about, get warm, ride the after drop.

after a couple of hours i can de-layer:-)

2022-04-17 swimming area to the right of fort grey at low tide, shallow with sand.

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