General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How do I put on a swim cap? Rss Feed  
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2004-02-27 9:12 AM

Member
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SW Michigan
Subject: How do I put on a swim cap?
This is the coolest place ever that I even feel like I can ask this question cause it's so stupid.

I decided that it's time for me to start looking a little more like a swimmer and bought my first swim cap last night (its a cheap $2.50 latex one). Yet when I tried to put it on I realized that I don't know how to get it on my head. While my husband enjoyed laughing at the static hair that resulted that's not going to help me much.

I'm sure somebody must have some good advice!

Thanks,
Amy


2004-02-27 10:01 AM
in reply to: #9550

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Extreme Veteran
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Boise Idaho
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
well, i am not much help because i am yet to get one! i am thinking you have to wet your hair first? lol, what a big help i am! but i am glad you asked this question because i will soon need to know this answer! anyone?........ Jack.
2004-02-27 11:00 AM
in reply to: #9550

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Master
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Chicago
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
Well, Jack is right. At least in my experience wetting your hair makes it more malleable and you can fit it under your swim cap. But if I were you I would spend the extra 4 or 5 bucks and get a lycra or silicon cap. Latex caps aren't very flexible (hence your problem with getting it on your head) and they don't last very long. I paid about $10 for my lycra cap and believe you me it's worth it
2004-02-27 11:26 AM
in reply to: #9550

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Lubbock, TX
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
First, it goes on top of your head. Sorry, but I couldn't resist. I usually will "seat" the cap's edge on my forehead first and then just pull the rest over the top/back of my head. I do it this way so the cap does not "creep" down my forehead during the swim. Also, it is easier for me to put it on when my hair is wet. When dry, it tends to yank a few hairs out of my scalp...OUCH! I need to save what I have left. I usually don't have a "bunching" problem, or extra latex flapping around. (Hmmm, that could be taken several different ways...if your mind were in the gutter, that is ) The problem *I* always have is that my head is BIG (size 7-1/2) and I tend to rip a lot of caps putting them on.
2004-02-27 11:57 AM
in reply to: #9550

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Master
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Berkeley, CA
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
I am in agreement to the upgrade. As a girl, I have to say that latex seems to do more damage to my hair--pulled out or broken strands...

I don't like to use it regularly... in fact I just use a nylon (like a bathing suit) one when I'm doing regular swimming in my heated pool, just to keep the hair out of the way.

Also, yes... seat it at the forehead first. Unless you have a ponytail, and then you have an extra advantage and you can hook it around that first and it will anchor it while you pull it over the rest of your head!!

Dana
2004-02-27 12:05 PM
in reply to: #9550

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Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
Another alternative to latex is silicone. They are lot easier to get on and don't pull your hair. And they are very durable when properly taken care of. Plus they have the added advantage of protection from chlorine that lycra caps lack. They are in the 8-12 dollar range and worth every penny.


2004-02-27 1:36 PM
in reply to: #9550

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Champion
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Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
I just put both hands in the cap, spread my finger and stretch out the cap, lift it over my head and bring it down over my forehead and ears, bring my hands to my head and pull them out from under the cap. Removing it is different, I simply poke a finger under the cap near my left ear, lift the cap and peel it backwards until it is off.
2004-02-27 1:38 PM
in reply to: #9576

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Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
I have to second Hermom. Silicone is where it's at. Worth the extra money.
2004-02-27 2:38 PM
in reply to: #9550

Member
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Dallas, TX
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
I'm with Hermom too. I have a silicone cap and it was worth every cent I paid for it. It's nice too because it mostly just slides on if you use the seating it on your forehead first. The only thing I noticed about the silicone cap is that I tend to get air bubbles at the top of my head after I first get in the pool. I just squeeze out the air and then I'm on my way.
2004-02-27 2:57 PM
in reply to: #9550

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Lubbock, TX
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
To eliminate the air bubbles, first turn the cap inside-out, then completely fill it with water, now pull the cap down over your head. This will make a pretty snug fit avoiding those air bubbles so you don't look like a 'Conehead'.
2004-02-27 2:59 PM
in reply to: #9550

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Master
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Berkeley, CA
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
sounds messy...

dana

(i'm clearly dying for at-work distraction!!)


2004-02-27 3:06 PM
in reply to: #9550

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Veteran
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Lubbock, TX
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
Which part? The extra latex or putting it on. LOL
2004-02-27 3:11 PM
in reply to: #9550

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2004-02-27 3:12 PM
in reply to: #9618

Master
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Berkeley, CA
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
chuckle, chuckle :-)
2004-02-27 3:18 PM
in reply to: #9620

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2004-02-27 3:52 PM
in reply to: #9623

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
The main reason to wear a swim cap during training is because you most likely will have to wear one in your races! Another plus is that a latex or silicone cap can help prevent chlorine smell(see stinky pool smell thread!) and damage to your hair.


2004-02-27 8:16 PM
in reply to: #9550

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Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
The swim cap does keep the hair out of your eyes, but it also reduces the drag. Every hair is catching water and slowing you down. With a cap, the water flows over the head nice and smooth. I don't ware one to train(but if my hair gets much longer I might) so that I will feel faster when I race. It is kinda like shaving, but you get to keep the hair.
2004-02-27 8:21 PM
in reply to: #9550

Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?

I agree -- the main reason to wear a cap is because each wave will wear a certain color for the swim leg of your tri.

I have to say -- I am utterly amazed at how many answers a question has!! Who knew there were so many different ways to put on a swim cap?

Just goes to show -- there are NO stupid questions!!

2004-02-27 9:01 PM
in reply to: #9550

Veteran
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Columbus, GA
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
I always fill the cap full of water and put it on over my head in one smooth motion starting with the forehead.

Like Gamblerz (i think) said, this gives you a good fit - it is messy, but you do it by or in the pool, right? No need to put it on at the house before you leave! Anyway - one reason we did this in competition swimming was the you had to wait a long time before your races - you didn't want a shock when you hit the water for the first time in 2 hours and had to swim a 200... Getting yourself wet using the swim cap gave you some idea of the water temp - you also get a little adrenaline rush for a sprint!

good luck, after a time or two you won't even think about it.

Oh, BTW, Latex is fine - pay more if you want to, but I swam for years and years in latex - I never blew one out (must be my smooth melon shaped head!) I have even seen folks move one up and down in the water to blow it up like a big water baloon and put a small person inside!
2004-02-27 10:25 PM
in reply to: #9550

, Alabama
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?

I also prefer a silicone cap.  Less maintenance than latax for me.  I use a little different approach when putting it on.  I get the cap wet first so it doesn't end up sliding off my head, but I bend over and put it on back to front to make sure all the hair in the back gets up into the cap.  FYI in a race, I have the goggles on before the cap.  Helps keep the goggles on, even if something goes wrong with the cap.

Sharon

2004-02-27 11:33 PM
in reply to: #9550

Veteran
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Lubbock, TX
Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
This gives me a marketing idea...

lubricated or non-lubricated...

swim caps that is.


2004-02-28 12:15 AM
in reply to: #9550

Champion
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Subject: RE: How do I put on a swim cap?
plus i think its easy on the spotters in the kayaks to keep an eye on people who may be in trouble in the thrashing, turbulent, murky water.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » How do I put on a swim cap? Rss Feed