I've got Mychett, Shepperton, Thorpe & Wraysbury all about to open their gates in the next few days .
My question is.... is it going to be warm enough to swim? Last year was the first time I did OW swimming and when I started it was scorching outside (June-ish), so I don't know what to expect at this time of year.
Also.... I am building to a 10K swim, so should I switch my long swim to the lakes, or keep it in the pool for a little longer?
Ok, that was 2 questions
Comments
Mr F swam at Mychett yesterday, reports it was chilly and only 400m loop open. I advised them to pop in a few kettles of water before I get involved. I thought Shepperton opening was delayed due to floods?
Swam at Thorpe yesterday - wasn't too bad after the initial few minutes. Two swim hats kept my head warm enough to do 4 short loops (750/1500 loops weren't open). Could still feel my hands and feet when I got out of the water.
From what I can see, only Heron is opening on a weekday (Wednesday) morning, everyone else seems to have switched to weekday evenings.
Trogs- Mychett's website says they're open Tuesday & Thursday mornings. Not bothering for a 400M loop though.
I'd like to get back into it this year, but will wait for 17 degrees! And being able to swim more than 25M again! LOL.
Great that the lakes are opening again, far more fun than the pool.
I really enjoyed Tuesday nights at Thorpe last year, there's something about jumping in a lake that makes everyone there quite friendly
hope to see you for a burger after a swim soon Dusty.
The word "cheeseburger" is a very powerful motivator to me!
How do you know when it's over 17 degrees Dustboy?
He waits for us to tell him
Dips his pinky toe in?
Mychett's probably just a bit too far to get to and back from in time for work without having to get up at even sillier o'clock.
Thorpe said they hope to open the 750 loop (at least) next weekend.
Swam at Pennington Flash tonight - approx 14 degrees, was ok,but wind was causing waves that I kept swallowing!
I am going to sound like a tart now, but simply experience. Or, as an old friend once said, "he only swears in singular numbers once it hits 17 degrees, lower than that and it sounds like a bad Derek & Clive sketch"
17 degrees becomes pleasant. less, is not.
FTFY
Siggy - are you DB's "old friend"?
Ah! Laid myself open to that one! Well spotted Cat!
Most open water sites publish the water temperature somewhere.
I'm impressed that Mrs D went to South Cerney lakes last week. It hadn't reached 11 degrees, the temperature at which triathlon racing isn't permitted, even with a wetsuit.
However, Bristol OW is at least 2 degrees warmer than S Cerney. It got well above 24 degrees last summer.
Currently Shepperton's website says "Water Temperature: COLD" - helpful. They don't open until 11th May though....that was the warmest lake last year that I swam in, even had a few weeks with no wetsuit and it was lovely!
Hey All,
Looking to get my first triathlon wetsuit. Anyone recommend any brands or specific brands I should be looking at?
or any additional thickness etc I should be looking for?
This will all be for Wales IM.
Thanks!!
Am swimming at Heron Lake on Saturday (their first day of opening) at 6:30am..... Apparently it's still 10C !!!
Heron is quite deep so it'll take ages to warm up!
10' I did a race that was about that temperature and it mucked up my breathing. Think I'm going to have to leave it another few weeks
Was thinking about doing Heron on Wednesday morning but maybe I'll stick to Thorpe at weekends for the time being - it's allegedly around 14C at the moment.
At the Tri club pool session last they were telling me that some poor chap got airlifted to hospital out of Ellesmere on Tuesday evening I might give it a couple of weeks to warm up.
Where do you live Diego? What sort of 'shape' are you? Skinny runt or Pirate sized?!! What's your budget? What's your ability? Confident or is swimming your 'weak' discipline?
Realistically there are so many different makes it's almost like 'what bike should I get?' sort of question!
Foor, Huub, Blue 70, Orca, Speedo,2XU are all good. Snugg do made to measure. Some larger Tri shops / centres have endless pools to allow you to try them out before you part with your cash. Most open water centres also have a hire facility so you can, again, try before you buy. Or you can rent one for the season from places like TriUK in Yeovil.
This may help you!
http://triathlon.competitor.com/2013/06/gear-tech/14-triathlon-wetsuits-reviewed_77663
Pennington Flash again last night, nice and calm this time......still cool though...brrr
Hopefully heading to Thorpe tomorrow evening for the first OW swim of the year. Anyone know if it's just the short loop still open?
ITB- I've no idea, but if you can let us know when you find out, that would be great
Bring it on!!!
This week should be the start of regular Tuesday nights so see you next week Soupy