Rio Swim Team

Welcome to the Winter Swimming at RIO!

Welcome to Winter in Arizona! For those that have lived here for many years know, or for those of us that might be newer to this great state will come to realize, Winter in Arizona is pretty much like Fall for the rest of the country. Our temps hover in the 40s to 50s for highs with an occasional 60 here and there. At nights, we can and do dip into the 20s and teens from time to time. This can make swimming, especially outdoors at our EVO locations or Hamilton, a battle versus the cold. Parents and Swimmers, please note: THE WATER IS WARM! (Our pools are heated to 87º all winter long).

Below, Coach Stephani, Coach Andrea and Coach Sarah, have compiled a list of swimming items each swimmer should have on hand as we transition from Fall into Winter here in Arizona.

Cold Weather Swimming Gear:

Put a Lid on it A large percentage of our body heat escapes via our heads. As the temps outside drop, make sure to have a hat available to preserve your body heat. Cover your head at all times, especially when it is wet. After practice, be sure to towel dry your hair as much as possible and then get it covered up. Beanies, wool caps, or hooded sweatshirts are recommended.

Busted Flip Flops Have something on your feet before and after practice. This means socks and shoes. Flip Flops are OK if that is your only option. Barefoot is not acceptable on a cold wet pool deck. We recommend boots. Slip on boots and/or boots with warm lining are the best. You can wear boot, a parka/sweater and a hat up  until the beginning of practice.

High Five’s Wearing a pair of gloves or mittens will help to keep your extremities warm. Hand Warmers are also a very cheap and easy solution for your gloves, mittens, or sweater pockets.

Wrap it up Always have an extra towel available. Sometimes 1 towel is not enough. Towels  get wet, they get dropped, they get forgotten. Things happen. Be prepared. An extra towel is also a great way to keep your body wrapped up as you use your extra towel to dry your hair.

What to Eat this Winter for Before and After Practice:
The most important thing we can give our Swimmers, above and beyond the aforementioned list, is WATER. Hydrate early and often during the winter. This includes during practice.

Have a water bottle, or two, on deck at all times. 
The hour or so before practice is an essential time to begin fueling our swimmers. Swimmers should be drinking some fresh fruit or vegetable juice and supplementing that with some fresh fruits or vegetables before they arrive on deck. Whole grains are another great choice an hour before we begin. Bagels, breads, english muffins etc are great choices. It is also important to re-fuel within an hour of practice ending. A well-balanced meal including juices, fruits, and vegetables, should be on the table after practice has finished. And don’t forget the Carbs! It’s very important to understand that it is always better to be a little warmer than it is to be even a little bit cold.

See you all on deck this Winter.
Rio Head Coaches