Welcome to Gear Talk: The Löw Tide Böyz and Swimrun Labs review show!

In this episode, we chat about all the things you should consider when planning, executing, and experiencing an epic Swimrun Adventure.

Before we get into that, we have some gear updates.

GEAR UPDATES

Just a few gear updates this week.

Chipper went nuts and bought an ARK Sports VIGG and KORP suit during their one day sale back in December. (Chris bought a KORP because #FOMO) Chipper also got a new Michael Phelps pool snorkel that was a huge improvement on his old one.

In the cold Pacific Northwest, Annie and Brooke have found some new gear that makes the cold water temps slightly more bearable. Brooke got a red original Dry Robe (three-quarter sleeve) that she absolutely loves! She also got the NRS Maxim 3mm gloves that have been essential for some of the super cold swims that she’s been doing. Annie recently got some NRS Hydroskin 1.5 Wetsocks and they have been amazing in cold water.

SWIMRUN ADVENTURE GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

A good place to start is with planning the route. Using existing maps from Google, Strava routes, All Trails, CalTOPO, or Foot Path. (Annie loves Foot Path)

Below are some of the general things to keep in mind when planning for a Swimrun Adventure:

• Duration of Adventure

  • Most Swimrun events are 80% running and 20% swimming so keep that in mind when planning the course.

• Location (remoteness, access to potable water, cell phone reception, the familiarity of trails/course/water currents)

• Time of year (water/air temperature, is it hunting or fishing season, marina/busy waterways)

• Don’t go alone

• What are you going to do nutrition-wise? Static aid station (like a car), mobile aid station (friend in a car), or stashing nutrition somewhere on the course.

GEAR CONSIDERATIONS

Gear should mirror whatever you would wear for any given Swimrun race taking into account all the things that you would for the race (water temp., terrain, nutrition/fueling demands.) We would also recommend using a brightly colored swim cap and use a Swim Buoy for visibility and some storage. Making sure that you have some waterproof protection for items like a phone or keys. Consider printing out maps in case there isn’t cell reception. Annie recommends using Rite in the Rain brand printer paper to make your maps.

You may need to take on much more water and nutrition depending on the duration and remoteness of the adventure. Try to eat more real food if you’re planning a long adventure. We would also recommend some type of water filtration option in case there is good access to freshwater such as the Katadyn BeFree Water Filter.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

We hope this episode gives you some insight into how to plan and execute an epic Swimrun adventure with your mates. Have fun and tag us in your photos.

That’s it for this week’s Gear Talk show. If you are enjoying the Löw Tide Böyz, please be sure to subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast player. You can find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google Podcast. You can also follow our meme page on Instagram and on Twitter. Email us at lowtideboyz@gmail.com with any feedback, suggestions, and/or meme suggestions. Finally, you can also support us on Patreon…if you feel so inclined.