How cold is too cold to swim without a wet suit?

Question

I plan to go snorkeling at Catalina Island next week and the water is around 64 degrees right now. The coldest I've ever swam without a suit for long periods (about 2 hours) is 70 degrees, so it's not freezing cold. Is 64 too cold to swim without a wet suit?

Answer 1

no.  the AVG. water temp at my local beach is 65 in the summer so it is often times cooler than that and ive swam in it for long periods of time.  i also read somewhere that if it is warmer than 63 then you dont need a suit.  i think youll be fine at 64 as long as your not planning on spending more than 4-5 hours without break.

Answer 2

well catilina is right across from from huntington beach. I was out surfing today in huntington with just boardshorts on and the water was 63-67 and it was very nice. its a little hard for about the first 5 minutes but once you move around its fine

id say about the coldest water you can go in with out a wet suit is 57-60 degrees

have fun!!!!

Answer 3

64 isn't to bad to be honest, if it's below than 60 there may be a problem, but sure it will be a bit chilly at first but you get used to it kind of like the pool but you don't really need a wetsuit, have fun though it's great there.

Answer 4

64 is fine but if you get numb or dizzy: GET OUT ASAP

Answer 5

At swim practice they don't let us swim if it is under 55 degrees Fahrenheit. So you should be fine.