Do you have the urge to swim even when it’s cold? Hate being called a wimp just because you’re afraid of cold water? If so, this article is for you. This guide tells you how to swim in cold water without shivering or getting frostbite.

1. <a href=”http://www.bodygloverashguard.com/”>Body Glove Rash Guard</a>

Before you head out, wear protective clothing, such as a Body Glove rash guard. Rash guards, most especially, are specifically designed to be a cold insulator. This piece of clothing doesn’t make the water any less cool, but it tricks your mind into thinking the water is just fine. Body Glove is one of the best brands for rash guards. You can’t go wrong when you have a Body Glove.

2. Wetsuit

While a Body Glove rash guard can already do a lot, wear a wetsuit for more protection from the cold. A full wetsuit offers more protection since the sleeveless type allows body heat to get away through the underarms. Go swimming with a sleeveless wetsuit and you’ll suffer from frostbite by the time you get out of the water.

3. Two Caps

Most of the heat of the body escapes through the head. It only makes sense to wear two swimming caps for a lot of protection. Neoprene is one of the best materials for swimming caps. It performs better in cold weather compared to standard latex.

4. Neoprene Socks

In addition, wear neoprene socks since a lot of body heat escapes through the feet as well. They’re more suitable if your training in swimming, however, because they can be a pain to wear when you transition from swimming to another activity, such as riding a bike.

5. Plug Your Ears

If the temperature goes down to less than 60 degrees, don’t forget to wear earplugs. They work great in preventing the body’s core temperature from dropping.

6. Get Used to The Water

Before jumping right in, test the water’s temperature by dipping your feet in. Dip your feet for about a minute so it gets used to the water’s coldness. Right after you’re completely in the water, move your arms and legs, and tread the water for as long as you possibly can so that you can get blood moving. If the water still feels cold after five minutes, you had better get out of there.

7. Take It One Step at a Time

Never ever jump right in because you’re body will be shocked at the abrupt change in temperature. However, some people like to get over with the cold, so they even cannonball into the water. If this is you, make sure you can handles the sudden blast of cold water.

8. Hyperventilating is Normal, Sort Of

For the first 1-3 minutes, the body hyperventilates as a natural reaction. If this happens, chill out (no pun intended). Let your body embrace and get used to the iciness. The best thing you can do is regulate your breathing prior to treading the water.

9. Don’t Get Out Just Yet

Most of the time, standing in the outdoors wet is even colder than staying in cold water. Only jump out of the water when you’re ready.

10. Towel Yourself Fast

Wrap yourself in a dry towel the very moment you’re out of the water. In the event you shiver nonstop, go inside immediately and warm yourself with a hair dryer.