swimming

Once most have my triathlon training squad had raced I found myself needing to get workouts in while everyone else was on their post race recovery. I decided to motivate myself by heading down to open water swim Tuesday mornings at Cherry Beach.

The first morning I went, I arrived at the beach and was alone. It was very weird to not have my squad with me, but also super weird to not have any life guards as well. I knew this wasn’t safe. Moments into me putting on my suit a man arrived out of the change rooms, we greeted, and he wrapped this floating thing around his waist – this floating thing was exactly what I needed. Staying in the swim zone got in a 30 minute swim. While heading towards the shore a boat drove into the pedestrian swimming area. This was weird and I wasn’t totally sure I had been seen. I left the beach and went straight to MEC to by a bright personal flotation belt, a My Float Bag.

I ended up having to purchase the My Float online from MEC, but within 2 days it arrived and was even better then I anticipated. Not only was it a great safety device, it also was a giant dry bag with roll top closure that’s the perfect size for keys, phone, even clothes or shoes! Now I didn’t need to worry about leaving my wallet and car keys on the beach, I could keep them with me during my swim.

The My Float contains adjustable straps which works as a shoulder strap on land or as a belt in the water. I used it while alternating from swimming on my front and back and the strap was never tangled or in the way while I kicked.

I’ve now used my My Float three times and speak so highly of it, suggesting all open water swimmers invest in one.

Not only does it let you carry your stuff, it keeps you bright and insight from boats as well as offering an additional safety as a flotation device (but remember it’s not designed as a PFD or lifesaving device).

The My Float is available online for $69 and in store through a variety of source, I used MEC as it was convenient and shipped very quickly.

Last weekend I did my first open water swim of the season. While getting ready to hit the lake I was chatting about gear with the gals and began gushing over my cap – if you follow me on Instagram I’m sure you’ve see my cat cap (pictured below) – but it wasn’t just the print – the texture and feel is what really gets me. If you don’t know the different between a silicone and latex cap – please read on!

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For many years I happily trained for triathlon in my previous races latex swim caps. Each race provides a cap to distinguish the wave of start for the swim (and also promote their race/sponsor). I was very happy wearing these cheap latex swim caps (and was even protective of my Muskoka IM70.3 cap), I didn’t know any different, and really thought all caps were the same – until last December when Speedo USA gifted me a promo code to invest in new gear for my upcoming season.

I had never purchased a swim cap (always used race caps) so it wasn’t even on my radar that there was a difference until I saw these epic prints while deciding what to buy with my code and for the look, scooped a couple up.

When these caps arrived, and I began training in them, they have 100% changed my perspective on caps and I will NEVER train in a latex cap again.

Here’s why:

The Soft Silicone and Mico-Grid texture won’t snag or pull hair – I swear! and they do too! My hair is certainly the longest it’s ever been for a training cycle and I often put it in a bun then use this cap and the fit is great and I can seriously just pull it off my head without worrying about snags or pulls. These caps are often good for medium to long hair.
The super soft silicone offers a relaxed fit, compared to my experience with super tight latex, that helps to prevent headaches over longer duration swims. It undoubtedly stays put on your head, but isn’t squeezing your brain in the most uncomfortable way.
Silicone caps offer greater elasticity and increased stretch compared traditional performance caps. Great for people with big heads, big hair, or just easy of putting on and taking off – again – no more snags!
It’s not latex. Latex caps are typically thin and don’t last long ripping very easily. They often come in only one colour (boring!) and can sometimes smell because of the rubber material. Also if you have a latex allergy, silicone caps are for you.

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Silicone caps come in a variety of colours and patterns and can be purchased from any swim retail store. In Canada check out SportChek or if in the USA, get yours from Speedo.com. Prices range from $9-$30.