Open Water Swimming

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PaulaMc Aug 2022 6:11pm, 29 Aug 2022 11,353 posts	0 PaulaMc Not sure if this really qualifies as an 'open water' question, however: I'm having my first 1-1 lesson next Wednesday, at Brockwell Lido. I can't book any more in until October at which point they'll be held at an indoor pool. Do you think I'll need a wetsuit? I asked the instructor and she said the water has been unseasonably warm of late, around 24 degrees. Not sure it will be the same next week, however she said it's totally up to me and didn't seem bothered that I might not have/wear one. I don't have one and am reluctant to buy one for one lesson, but at the same time I don't want to spoil the first lesson by being freezing cold. Do I need to stop overthinking this* and just go in my usual swimsuit? * currently doing this in relation to everything in my life, it's becoming a bit of a thing 🙄
jda Aug 2022 6:17pm, 29 Aug 2022 13,274 posts	0 jda Even I wouldn't need a wetsuit for 24C. Never gets close to that up here though, anywhere that I've tried.
PaulaMc Aug 2022 6:18pm, 29 Aug 2022 11,355 posts	0 PaulaMc Thanks jda. I'm sure I'm just being nervous/wussy. I've not had a swimming lesson for about 40 years!
halfpint Aug 2022 6:35pm, 29 Aug 2022 37,993 posts	0 halfpint I wouldn’t wear a wet suit for 24. Our loch is probably about 18. I’ve been wearing a rash vest over my costume recently which retains a surprising amount of warmth.
1step2far Aug 2022 7:40pm, 29 Aug 2022 6,923 posts	0 1step2far Great to meet you too DT! I'm rubbish at recognising people but somehow managed it 😂 Hope you get your dip! Sea was lovely this evening, but the waves quite big at times. I fear phone is RIP 😔
Derby Tup Aug 2022 7:57pm, 29 Aug 2022 56,643 posts	0 Derby Tup A bath is about the nearest to a swim I’m going to manage tonight! Plan is to swim at Lowestoft in the morning after finishing our walk, so we can have a shower after and change for the journey home. Meeting the in-laws for lunch then before departing northwards
LazyDaisy Aug 2022 8:02pm, 29 Aug 2022 36,604 posts	0 LazyDaisy No, no wetsuit needed Paula. What I did wear at the start of the season, ehen it seemed as if it rained every time I went to the Lido, is a short-sleeved rash vest over the top of my swimsuit. It helped not to feel the cold raindrops on my shoulders! Something like this mountainwarehouse.com
halfpint Aug 2022 8:11pm, 29 Aug 2022 37,994 posts	0 halfpint I picked my rash vest up in Lidl recently. Might be worth looking.
Derby Tup Aug 2022 10:04pm, 30 Aug 2022 56,651 posts	0 Derby Tup Managed twelve mins quick dip in the sea at Lowestoft at lunchtime
LindsD Aug 2022 10:06pm, 30 Aug 2022 56,619 posts	0 LindsD Nice