I'm thinking about getting a neoprene cap and maybe booties/gloves for cold OWS's. Any suggestions or things I should know before I go buy that stuff?

The best cold water "gear" I ever bought were those $4 silicone ear plugs. It depends how sensitive you are to the cold water. I am extremely sensitive and when that ice cold water rushes into my ear canal, I feel like iv'e got vertigo.

I was hesitant at first, not wanting to be "that" person with the ear plugs, but when I heard that doctors put ice cold water in the ears of dead people to tell if they're really dead... i didn't care! I raced with them at rumpus for the first time and I am a changed woman :)

Elaine

Thanks for the tip! I hadn't thought about ear plugs. I'll definitely do anything to keep the cold water OUT! lol

At last year's freezing Beach to Battleship swim, the smart set wore booties and gloves, in addition to two caps. You can get insulated caps on line, tho I haven't heard how well they work. It's old school and effective to wear those caps that tie underneath the chin, but they're hard to find.

I have a neoprene cap from BlueSeventy that I can bring to peasantman if you want to give it a try. It's definitely helpful when water temps are low.

Yes please, that would be awesome! Thanks! :)