Swimming Caps

Did you know that one loses 20% to 30% of body heat through the head when at rest? As temperature drops and activity increases, the heat loss through the head increases even more!

Your head is a massive source of heat leakage so by wearing a swimming cap, it can act as a layer of insulation. This can help your body retain heat, making you feel warmer in the cold waters.

However, neoprene, silicon or latex? Which one should you choose? I would recommend neoprene caps as they tend to be the warmest. Next in line would be silicon caps, followed by standard latex caps. If one is not enough to keep you warm, wear two! Trust me, no one can tell the difference.

Earplugs

ver wondered why people in cold regions wear earmuffs? Yes! They are for thermal protection because similar to your head, a lot of body heat is lost through your ears too. Therefore, earplugs can help to keep your core temperature high the same way earmuffs do!

The added bonus of using earplugs: it will keep water out of your ears. Preventing water entering your ears reduces the risks of you getting ear infections. Definitely one of the most underrated items!

Wetsuits

Not any wetsuits but more specifically, a full wetsuit. Why? Wetsuits provide a layer of insulation, similar to swimming caps. If the wetsuit is sleeveless, heat would escape easily through your armpits so choose the full one.

However, do make sure that your wetsuit fits you just right, not too loose or too tight. A loose fit allows cold water to flow through the suit, while a tight fit can result in the shortness of breath. Therefore, make sure your wetsuit is a perfect fit for you!

Apart from the ability to retain heat, wetsuits have the ability to increase your buoyancy. This allows you to experience less drag and swim faster as well. A wetsuit is also an essential gear for open-water swimming as it protects you from sea creatures and cuts.

Warm-ups

Everyone knows that doing warm-ups loosen your joints and prevent injuries by raising your body temperature and increasing blood flow to your muscles. But did you know that warm-ups do more than just that?

By doing some stretches and light exercises before your swim, it can reduce the shock effect that cold water has on your body. This makes your body more prepared for the cold water as you take the first step into the pool, which allows you to get into a stroke rhythm within a shorter time.

Blow bubbles

Remember one of the first things you were taught when you first started swimming? Blowing bubbles!

Blowing bubbles is one of the most basic but fundamental skills that you need to know in swimming. Not only can it aid in breath control, it is also one of the water activities you can engage in to help young swimmers get comfortable in putting their heads into the water. So what does blowing bubbles have to do with coping with the cold in the pool?

When cold water hits your face, the shock results in lung contraction. This, in turn, affects your breathing. Try submerging your face to blow bubbles when about waist deep into the water, you will realise that the shock from the cold water is greatly minimised.

Get moving

I believe all of you know how hot and sweaty you get when exercising on land. Apart from the perspiration, the rise in body temperature is typically the same in swimming. Therefore, you could swim more vigorously to increase your heart rate and metabolism. This should be able to keep your body warm throughout your swim.

Practice

As much as you dread hearing this, practice is still the way to go. The more frequent you practice swimming in the cold pools, the faster your body adapts to the cold waters and the easier it will be for you.

Not only physically prepared, such practices will also make you mentally prepared before every swim. Practicing more also gets you on the way to burning more calories!  

Always remember this, mind over matter.

Conclusion

No one said it was easy but it is definitely achievable. Do not let the cold be an extra reason to fear swimming. Instead, learn to cope with them and do not give up! With the tips above, take your time and keep trying. Who knows, you might start to love the cold pool waters and enjoy home swimming lessons!

Hi all! I am an avid traveller, baker and avid childhood education writer. Being able to share my experience through words has always been a passion of mine. Through my writing, I hope you will gain more knowledge of the swimming world and share my passion for swimming too!