What do I wear to keep me warmer while swimming?
Asked by
JLeslie (
65417
)
July 30th, 2010
It is a heated pool, not a lake, so I don’t need mega protection from the water temperature. When I do water aerobics I am not warm enough, and last week my fingers were blue by the time the class was over. I saw swim shirts at the store for sun protection, will they keep me warmer also? And, do those shirts go over a bathing suit, or instead of a bathing top?
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11 Answers
Check out neoprene swimwear. The neoprene was designed by waterfowl hunters to keep them warm in cool water. You can get less protection by going to one of the lighter 3mm suits or warmer by going with 5mm.
WestRiverrat is right on the money.
@augustlan Have you actually worn a rash guard? I just called Body Glove and they said rash guards will not provide warmth. If it could work they are available at the Sports Authority near me.
@WestRiverrat Body Glove actually has 1 and .5 mm tops, do you think it will be enough? The pool is about 82 degrees. But, I want one with a zipper if possible, I don’t want to have to squeeze it over my head, and Body Glove did not have a zipper top. I guess it is more surfwear than hunting.
There are some vests and zippered wet suits available.
.5 to 1 mm may work for you.
I wear 3mm early in the season (late Sept early Oct) when the air temp is sometimes in the 80+ range. It is a little warm, but it is breathable, so any sweat wicks away. Of course the water temp around here rarely gets out of the 50s that time of the year.
82 degrees and you’re still chilly, huh? Maybe you’re too skinny and you need a nice layer of fat to keep you warm!
I think the chill probably comes from evaporation when the arms are out of the water. I don’t do water aerobics, but from what I have seen of some of the classes, they have a lot of in and out of the water with the upper body. If there is a breeze, it can cool a person off relatively quickly.
@WestRiverrat It’s an indoor pool, but I agree having part of my body out of the water doesn’t help and the movement is not as consistent as swimming laps, less effort. I just run cold in general.
I haven’t ever had occasion to wear a rash guard, so I can’t help you from personal experience. Sorry!
I am 90 years of age and swimming in a 82 degrees pool is too cold for me. I am hoping to find something to wear that would keep me warm. Any help would be appreciated.
MCL
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