Stephens' Day Swim. Best preparation techniques?

oldscoil

Hi Folks,

I am hoping to do a Stephen's Day swim in the sea this year.

I attempted it last year, and got my hair wet , but I'm embarrassed to say I couldn't handle the cold .

Does anyone have any preparation techniques on how to overcome the cold (pain).

I don’t want to go down the wet suit route.

Is it a case of building up a tolerance?

Should I warm up first with a run?

Any info appreciated Folks.

Brian

oldscoil

Hi All,

84 views and no replies.

Please Folks, this is in front of the in-laws

Killgore Trout

It's all down to practice. Start getting yourself down the beach once a week - get in the water - gradually harden up.

I would have recommended getting down every week from the end of September and you'd get used to it gettting a bit cooler every week. But you still have 5 weekends to practice.

Also - don't get your hair wet - get a swimming cap. Practically all winter sea swimmers wear them. Silicone insulates better than latex.

Bring warm clothes which are easy to put back on and a hot drink for afterwards - someone waiting in a heated car helps.

ryderster

just grow a set!
look its cold but not that bad...

sure when u get out of the water you will be roasting....

dont think about it, just do it seriously...

HTFU

If it is an actual race you will need to do a bit of acclimatising and get regular sea swims in over the next few weeks. + 1 on wearing a silicone hat as you need to keep your head warm, could even go for a neoprean hat IF it is just a dip for fun (similar the the Christmas day swim in the 40 foot) you just need to HTFU.

McTigs

I've done this every year on christmas day for the last few years.

It's mind over matter, just don't think about it.... switch off, get togged out and run in or jump in, get submerged and get the **** back out again.

Christmas eve hangover is history and a monumental appetite for christmas dinner is present.

At all costs do NOT be a pussy in front of your inlaws. Morto!

DustyBin

I do the new years day swim, so here's what I've learned:

- Get in
- Get out
- Jog down the beach to warm back up
- Hot drink (preferably with a bit of a kick in it - warms to the bone)
- Flipflops (cos sand gets very cold, and you don't really have time to be faffing around with socks and shoes)
- Warm clothing easy to put on
- Make sure someone gets a photo of you (preferably wearing something outlandish like a leprecaun outfit or a bikini or even a Borat style mankini - but togs are grand if you're a bit shy )

Enjoy it, it's gonna be really really really cold, but so what? you'll survive

Oh and really helps to blow out a hangover

maameeo

oh i wana do this at 40ft DL this year, iv never done anything like it before so kinda scared and excited!
anyone know the drill for what happens christmas day at 40ft? like general time, what happens etc? (and u def dont dive right? i cant dive )

Op, where are you planning on doing it?

HTFU

maameeo wrote: »

oh i wana do this at 40ft DL this year, iv never done anything like it before so kinda scared and excited!
anyone know the drill for what happens christmas day at 40ft? like general time, what happens etc? (and u def dont dive right? i cant dive )

Op, where are you planning on doing it?

Christmas day at the 40ft is more of a social gathering with a few people jumping in off the rocks and more slowly creeping in along the steps. Traffic/parking is bedlam. I think there is somekind of official swim/race but I have never seen it. I think the proceedings start at around 11am and finish up at 1pm. (don't quote me on the time)

maameeo

HTFU wrote: »

Christmas day at the 40ft is more of a social gathering with a few people jumping in off the rocks and more slowly creeping in along the steps. Traffic/parking is bedlam. I think there is somekind of official swim/race but I have never seen it. I think the proceedings start at around 11am and finish up at 1pm. (don't quote me on the time)

parking in DL is bedlam most days! lol
hope i get to do it, slight fear of heights, deep water and diving but i should be ok, hehe!
are you doing it?

oldscoil

Hi Folks.

Thanks for all the replies and the advice.:)

I think I’m gonna have to hit the beach tomorrow and HTFU

maameeo wrote: »

Op, where are you planning on doing it?

It’ll be Portmarnock beach, which is a bit of a sting as you have walk and wade in as opposed to jump.:eek:


Does a “little” nip of Brandy help?

I have heard that alcohol makes you colder in certain situations, camping, drinkin al fresco etc etc….

Is this true?

Thanks again Folks...!!!!!

DustyBin

oldscoil wrote: »

Does a “little” nip of Brandy help?

I have heard that alcohol makes you colder in certain situations, camping, drinkin al fresco etc etc….

Hey - it's Christmas
Of course Brandy will help
Why it's almost a requirement at some swims

Having said that though lets be clear:
- A little nip of brandy after your dip
- A big slug of brandy before your swim :mad:

Enjoy the swim, you'll have earned the brandy

AngryHippie

eat a spoon of concrete....and harden up

swimgal

so did anyone brave the cold?

oldscoil

swimgal wrote: »

so did anyone brave the cold?

Sure did!!!!:D

Went down to Portmarnock beach at midday on Stephens Day.

Took a nip of brandy and in I went.

It actually wasnt as cold as I remember it being last year.

I was back out quick enough, but then decided to go back for more punishment

Took a while for the heat to come back into my toes...

BUT WELL WORTH IT!!!

Awesome-O

oldscoil wrote: »

Sure did!!!!:D

Went down to Portmarnock beach at midday on Stephens Day.

Took a nip of brandy and in I went.

It actually wasnt as cold as I remember it being last year.

I was back out quick enough, but then decided to go back for more punishment

Took a while for the heat to come back into my toes...

BUT WELL WORTH IT!!!

Congrats, it's so much harder having to walk in like that then jumping in, well done

maameeo

just saw pics of my friend do the 40ft of FB, so jealous, looks awesome! really should have pushed myself to do it