Just found out my wetsuit was doing me zero favors below 60 degrees

Saw a chart from a tri coach that said neoprene basically stops insulating under 60°F water, which explains why I was shivering so hard in that lake swim last October I couldn't breathe. Has anyone else had that cold water shock moment and fixed it with something like a thermal rashguard?

2 comments

2 Comments

john_murphy11d ago

Nah I gotta disagree a bit. I've done plenty of sub-60 open water swims in a decent 5/4 and been fine for an hour plus. A thermal rashguard isn't gonna fix much if your suit is already the weak link.

nora_chen11d ago

Totally get where you're coming from. Had the exact same issue during a cold morning practice in SF Bay last year, shivering so bad I almost called for the kayak. What actually fixed it for me was getting a good neoprene hood and pairing it with a thermal top under my suit, not just a rashguard. The hood alone made a huge difference cause you lose so much heat from your head. Also started drinking warm fluids before getting in and doing some arm circles to get blood moving. Still get cold but at least I'm not panicking anymore.