Tudor Davies and his colleagues at MYO Swimwear create contemporary swimwear for the characterful man (see photo on left).
Davies penned his view of going beyond fashionable swimwear towards sea swimming for those who do competitive open water events and triathlons.
We’ve all gone swimming, either in a local pool or even at the beach on a sunny vacation. So we’re all familiar with the swimwear and apparel that most holiday-makers tend to wear. From bikinis, modest ladies swimwear, swimming briefs, and even fashionable swimming trunks, there’s quite a selection to choose from.
Yet when it comes to competitive sea swimming, the fashionable beach swimwear just won’t cut it.
That’s where swimwear takes on a whole other meaning. And if you don’t know the difference between “swimwear” and Swimwear then you’re going to be totally unprepared for the realities of competitive sea swimming.
When it comes to sea swimming insulation is paramount. Depending on your location waters can be more than chilly; they can be near freezing and waves and currents just add to experience, by making it feel even colder. That is why whenever you see a triathlon broadcast on the TV, the athletes all wear wetsuits.
Wetsuits are used frequently when swimming in the sea because they are specifically designed to regulate your body temperature when in the water. The rubber around your body is thick in order to protect your core body, whilst the rubber around your extremities is slightly thinner to aid movement. In addition, some wetsuits trap a thin layer of water on the body, which as it heats to body temperature prevents cold water from being in contact with the skin.
Another piece of swimming equipment that is often overlooked by novice swimmers is a swimming cap. Yet a swimming cap is a crucial bit of kit. The right cap can not only reduce drag, they can also increase the temperature of your head. Providing you wear the right cap (usually a thermal cap) you can add up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit to your head temperature. In fact, believe it or not a swimming cap can even save your life. By choosing a white cap (as oppose to a black one) you can increase your visibility within the water, so that if you are having trouble swimming people can easily see you and offer assistance.
Next you need to consider ear protection as unless you protect your ears you could end up with an ear infection. Sea water is not always the cleanest of waters, not only can it be polluted but it also has parasites within it feeding off of organic matter. So unless you wear protection you could develop an infection within your ear canal. It’s just that simple.
So before you jump in the water, 1) Do your homework. Sea swimming isn’t as easy as people actually think, it can be quite dangerous. And 2) Choose the right swimwear. Never just throw on a pair of swimming trunks and jump in the sea, instead research your options and choose swimwear that is going to keep you warm, safe and that will minimise drag.
Courtesy of Tudor Davies of MYO Swimwear.
Copyright © 2013 by Open Water Swimming