Tip of the Week: Water Tempurature and Peformance

October 27, 2008

Changes in water temperature have a much more dramatic effect on swimming performance compared to the effects of air temperature on running or cycling performance.  It is ideal to race at a water temperature of 75 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.  Even these temperatures will feel cold when you first jump in, but it is the ideal water temperature for the body to transfer its heat during strenuous exercise.  Performance drops off quickly as temperatures rise.  On average, expect a slowdown of a quarter second per 100 meters for every degree above 78.  Thus, expect to swim slower by 1 second per 100 at an 83 degree water temperature (the setting of many open-swim pools).  Don’t get too upset with your performance loss though.  Training in warm water allows you to adapt and better prepares you for that non-wetsuit race in the middle of the summer, where water temperatures can rise to 85 degrees and even warmer.  Until next time, happy training.

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