Where Is The Rust Belt?

[Centropolis]

Originally Posted by Steely Dan

Right, but "frigid water" is highly subjective.

Some people find 75 degree water to be refreshing.

Others find it too cold to tolerate for very long.



for reference, here's my personal water temperature swimming guide:

- 55 is full-blown nuts without a wetsuit, cold shock can actually stun you to death at this temp.

- 60 is still totally fucking cold. Wetsuit required for anything other than a quick jump in/jump out dip.

- 65 is doable for hardier individuals without a wetsuit for short spurts, but you will still need to get out periodically to prevent hypothermia.

- 70 is still pretty chilly, but you can warm up to it. Experience helps.

- 75 is nice and refreshing, a lovely temp for swimming on a hot summer day.

- 80 is bathwater.

- 85 is almost getting too warm, not very refreshing on a really hot summer day.


Source: a entire lifetime spent swimming in the great lakes

I don't know what the sea water temperature was when I was in San Diego in February (60s F?) but I was able to get in the water without a wetsuit for a bit owing to the intensity of the sunlight. It was a bit numbing but the sun mitigated that quite a bit and could pop in and out.