Advice for a Cold-Water Weenie?

[Mermaid Lanier]

I've read and heard several times that mermaids--especially pro--often have to put up with really cold water. The problem is, I can barely stand a slightly chilly pool. (Or a warm pool + a chilly breeze!) Any advice on how to get used to it or ignore the cold?

[Merman Storm]

What I did for cold water training:
My pool has a cover that allows it to get to 90f in the summer, or even warmer. For many, many years that was the only water I wanted to swim in, and even 85 was "cold".

For my training, I waited to the fall when it started to cool off. Then I got into it every night for 20 minutes, after I got home from work. I did not swim while I was in there very much, I mainly floated about, swam slowly, or just hung on the side of the pool. I wanted to feel the cold, and allow my body to get use to it. I did not use a tail, as that actually helps you tolerate cold water. Holding your legs together reduces contact with the cold, and even a cloth skin gives a tiny but of protection.
I started when it was 80, and kept it up every night, for 3 months, until it hit 67. That was about as far as I wanted to go, as it lets me swim in the local ocean, at least in the summer. Also, it was pushing my tolerance, despite the training.

As for getting in, I tried to always do it smoothly and quickly, just as I would if the water was warm. No screaming, complaining, or gritting of teeth. Just get in.

Visualizing your goal: Being able to tail swim in natural areas (where the water is cold) helps.

"Channeling" Elsa by saying "The cold never bothered my anyway" actually helps a little bit.

Results: Its still is a bit of a shock when I get into the ocean or a mountain stream, but that goes away in seconds. most of the time swimming I don't think about the temperature at all. I can swim around for 20 to 30 minutes before I start feeling the need to get out.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Neoprene swimwear. Long hot shower before entering the pool.

[Mermaid Lanier]

Awesome advice, guys! Storm, I'm definitely going to try that out when the pool opens up here. It's super chilly in the mornings from the desert nights, so it'll be a good way to work up tolerance. I'd love to be able to swim in more natural waters where it's just cold.

[MerGreg]

Neoprene swimwear. Long hot shower before entering the pool.

Really? I would think a cold shower first - get acclimated. But maybe that's just me.

I know I HATE getting into the pool at my gym - because it's only 3 1/2 feet deep. Too shallow to jump into safely. If you can, the best thing to do is just shout Geronimo and jump right in.

[Mermaid Wesley]

From swim team I have gotten used to it, for me the trick is to just START SWIMMING AAAAAAAAAAAA. lol Heat up your muscles and you'll feel better. Jump in and make sure to use arms, legs, and core. Swimming is great exercise, you should warm up fast. Neoprene tails don't hurt either!

[MermaidCelesteFL]

I second Wesley. We call them "warm ups" for a reason. Swim a lot, and work out before and while you are in the water. After a while, the water won't bother you.

However, if it is SO cold that it "winds" you (makes it hard to breathe), turns your lips blue/purple, or makes it hard to move in general, get out immediately and warm up with warm clothes and a towel.

[Mermaid Wesley]

^^ GOOD ADDITION! My whole high school waterpolo team had mild hypothermia once from playing a game in an unheated pool. We're lucky everyone was ok afterwards! D:

[Mermaid Lanier]

Warm ups sound good as well. Jumping into the cold water isn't an issue so much as toughing it out long enough to make the swim "worth it." Moving around more should help, especially if I'm working out with a monofin. :P