Winter Is Coming … Competitive Year Round Swimming Outdoors
With cooler weather arriving this month, we are sending some helpful info on swimming outdoors in the Winter. Ask most coaches nationwide and in Houston about pool preference, and outdoors typically wins out. With air quality becoming more challenging to control in indoor pools nationwide, swimming outside allows our athletes to have a better long-term air quality experience.
Specifically in Houston, outdoor swimming is excellent in September - October and March-May. The challenging months are late October through November and February, where the weather can go from sunny and upper 80s to low 40s in less than 24 hours. Depending on the pool type, some heaters need help to make a quick change in this situation. Recommended pool temps range in the area of 78 - 82 for swimming. For HTX Swims, it is dependent, but we aim to keep our temps at 80-82 degrees. This allows for a warm pool but doesn't overheat our wide range of athletes. With many of our groups putting in aerobic work with all but their heads in the heated pool and caps on their head, we have to be mindful of not overheating our swimmers. The following are some tips to allow a great experience swimming outdoors.
1. Bring extras of everything.
Pack extra socks, a towel, and a shirt. Things get wet on deck, and you want to ensure you have a dry set of things to use right out of the water. Swimmers often throw a towel on to quickly dry off, then follow up with.a second towel when putting clothes on.
2. Have a system for hoping in and hoping out.
Prepare correctly for getting in and hopping out of the water.
Getting into the pool.
Utilize your parka as long as you can. This means putting your gear behind your lane first, then putting on your cap/goggles (boys and girls ... caps keep warmth in), taking off your clothes under your parka, and lastly, your shoes and parka when ready to hop in the water.
Getting out of the water.
Make sure to place your belongings in the order you need them. Have your towel as the most available item, followed by a parka, hat, and shoes.
3. Head, Feet and Core
Make sure you have shoes, a hat, and a jacket. These are the items you need to cover first. Close-toed fuzzy crocks or similar go a long way. Getting your feed directly off the ground should be a first. Putting a beanie on to keep warmth on your head is second to throwing a parka on your body. Parkas are meant to get wet; don't hesitate to put it on while starting the dry-off process.
For swimmers who are unable to drive themselves, parents are responsible for how they show up to practice. Ensure your swimmer has the appropriate clothes for the weather before practice and for the finish of practice.
4. Drink water.
It may not be obvious, but the dry winter air can quickly dehydrate you. While you may not feel as thirsty in the Winter as in the summer, you can still lose a lot of fluids. Always have a reusable water bottle with you and drink regularly during practice.
5. Utilize an insulated water bottle and a warm drink.
For our younger swimmers, a hydro flask full of hot chocolate or hot apple cider can be used to sip on between sets as needed.
6. Listen to the set and stay in the water.
The coaches will do their best to communicate the set quickly and clearly at practice. Listening goes a long way to keep everyone moving without having to stop and repeat. While listening, keep your shoulders underwater; staying in the water helps you acclimate. Lifting and hoping out doesn't allow your body to adapt to the pool temps.
7. Wear a swim cap.
Wear a swim cap regardless of hair length to help keep in the warmth.
8. Have all of your equipment.
We will utilize fins more with our younger swimmers to keep them moving when needed. For this to be successful, we need all swimmers to have their complete set of equipment.
Over the last 15 years of working with athletes outdoors year-round, one of the most noticeable things that can affect the outlook of swimming outside during cooler weather is group mentality. The simple act of positive talk and perspective about the qualities/characteristics our swimmers build vs. the obstacles in their way goes a long way in developing the young adults we all seek. Grit, perseverance, resilience, optimism, and commitment are all qualities that help not only in the pool but outside of the pool as young adults. Finishing practice this past Monday, having a few parents say how amazing and proud of the swimmers they were for putting in the work on a "cold" day went a long way in the smiles on swimmer's faces as they left the pool.
HTX Swims Things for Cold Weather
Adults
Kids
Parka (Items must be shipped then screen printed/embriodered please allow a min of 2 week turn around)
