Hi all, recently on IMMT’s facebook page, there was talk about the lake being colder this year…even one or two comments about how the swim could be cancelled??
Anyway, I’ve never owned a neoprene cap before, but figured maybe I should get one just in case.
They are all priced pretty similar. Are any better than the others? Some seem to have straps that go under the chin, where as others, like the Nineteen brand, seem to have a strap that circles around your neck, not sure how comfy that would be.
Any chafe less, or easier to get on/off?
Thanks!!
I used an Orca one last year, strap went under the chin. Never had an issue with it, felt a bit odd for first couple of swims as it blocks your hearing and keeps the water out of your ears. But definitely made a big difference to feeling warmer in the swim. As far as getting them off, I don’t think it makes much difference as they tend to be quite thin and very stretchy - much more so than a 5mm suit.
I have a TYR neoprene cap. I have never worn it in a race but I don’t think it would be too hard to remove. This is one of the things that I do while running to transition so a second or two isn’t really going to be an issue.
Are you required to wear the cap that the race gives you? I wore a Lycra cap under the race issued latex cap in a cold swim and it worked well.
Hi all, recently on IMMT’s facebook page, there was talk about the lake being colder this year…even one or two comments about how the swim could be cancelled??
Anyway, I’ve never owned a neoprene cap before, but figured maybe I should get one just in case.
They are all priced pretty similar. Are any better than the others? Some seem to have straps that go under the chin, where as others, like the Nineteen brand, seem to have a strap that circles around your neck, not sure how comfy that would be.
Any chafe less, or easier to get on/off?
Thanks!!
IM Mont Tremblant (??) in August…cancel the swim??? It won’t happen, the water won’t be that cold. It’s always not a bad idea to have a neoprene cap and socks in the quiver when competing in the northeast though, just in case.
I think he means the half at the end of June. It was pretty cold water last year (for me anyway), not looking forward to this year… brrrr!
Just saw the video posted on FB… there’s still ice on the lake. I think I’m going to get a cap too!
I just posted this over in the Women’s section yesterday:
Can I offer a suggestion of a P/U coated cap? These caps don’t soak up water or choke you with the chin strap.
They do provide a very comfortable fit, and a lot of warmth. The P/U cap is a lycra material with a P/U coating on it. This allows very little to no heat to escape. Nice and warm.
The recommendation of a “Cap Sandwich” is a good one. Put the P/U cap or Neoprene cap on first. Goggles on next, and then event cap over that.
If no extra warm cap is available, doubling up with a silicone cap is a good idea, as it will hold the warmth of your head better than a latex cap.
Speed Plus Swim Cap
I swim in one of these with a latex or silicone cap in the winter at La Jolla cove, where the temps are in the low 50’s. This cap keeps my head warm.
jake
Thanks all. Yup, I was referring to the 70.3 in June. Went ahead and ordered a Desoto neoprene cap.
Ear plugs should also be added even with a neoprene cap. It makes a huge difference swimming in cold water.
I have a Barracuda neoprene cap I wear for OW swimming in SF bay. It definitely keeps you warm, but if I had to do it over again I would get a different brand. the chin strap has a velcro and buckle arrangement that can be a PITA and is a bit too tight. I do the triple cap thing, silicone cap, neoprene, then goggles and event cap. Makes a big difference.
Damn, I was afraid of that. Also doing the half in June and don’t breathe well in cold water, can’t exhale when my face is shocked by the cold water. Ice in the water doesn’t sound good.
