Surfing with what swim cap?

[Sahib]

Hi everyone,

I have been learning how to surf by taking a class through a university nearby. In the second class, I went in the ocean with my nammuu swim hat.

I lost my hat due to the wave and was going to lose my CI had I not grabbed it first. I saw it floating in front of me in the water wear and the hat behind me, while I was still tethered by the 8 ft surfboard that was also dragging me. 

So after some research and ordering lots on Amazon to try on. I found this neoprene beanie with a chinstrap and a separate headband on Amazon to be most suitable, I feel more secure. I put the headband on first, which is attached by Velcro. Then I put on the beanie second, which is also secured by Velcro. 

I have used it only once and the waves were non existent on my last class. But I do feel it is already going to be a better fit for what I’m looking for. I was searching for something that was comfortable and secure enough.  

Another thing to add is that I now use my backup processor (old model) aka SONNET 1. I only wear one instead of both, since I am a bilateral CI recipient. This is to mitigate risk as much as possible. 

I know that the simple solution to all this effort is to obviously not going surfing with my CI. But for the sake of learning and hearing from my surf instructors, I wanted to find an alternative solution. Attached is screenshots of Amazon- what I used.
 

 

Here is the links for your if interested: https://a.co/d/0JfppYC and https://a.co/d/b9FdIwJ

[Mary Beth]

Excellent solution @Sahib

For boogie boarding and playing around in the ocean I also tether it to my swim shirt or suit.  But your cap solution seems even more secure.  Enjoy learning to surf!

[Sahib]

@Mary BethHow do you tether it to your swim shirt? This was one of the solutions I was thinking about. But with the water wear cover, I didn't see a way to execute that. 

[Mary Beth]

@Sahib

I use Rondo in waterwear and use an Rondo eargear cover with a tether an an excellent clip which I attach to me swim shirt.

Rondo in waterwear

inside the eargear Rondo cover with tether & clip

clipped to my swim shirt 

all under a nammucap

I have been spending time in the ocean like this for years.  Swimming, diving, boogie boarding riding waves, snorkeling… works great for me.

[Sabine from Schwäb.Alb]

Hi Sahib,

I was very astonished, that it is possible to go into the water with an CI. I would like to ask you: before putting on your headband, do you plug in the CI in the water wear from MedEl? Does it really stays dry ? ( since 4 months I am implantet on both sides and until now I hesitate to go swimming completly deaf withour my CIs )

Best regards

Sabine  

 

 

[Sahib]

Hi @Sabine from Schwäbische Al

Thanks for reading my post! Always put the CI in water wear, there’s no other way unless you use a watertight plastic sealed bag. I used one for a long time and attached a picture of it. As I do love water wear, it can be inconvenient in a rush with how meticulous you have to be to not break the water wear and to put it in is a struggle in itself; I feel like I lose brain cells when struggle with it lol- it’s so simple yet difficult. 
 

Yes it really does stay dry! Be sure to use the right batteries as zinc are air activated. When you put it in a sealed bag, it eliminates air, therefore killing the batteries. 
 

Congrats on the new implants! I hope it makes a world of difference for you.
 

Honestly I love swimming without my CI’s, it’s so nice to not have to hear the loud splashing water, people being noisy, or overall sound ambience that comes with a swimming pool. It’s so nice to just be in your own world and listen to your own thoughts, but I know not everyone is like that. Solo swimming laps is different than hanging out with the family. You already shower without CI’s I assume, it’s not that much different.

So try the pool without CI’s to get comfortable without them and then try it with water wear.

[Sabine from Schwäb.Alb]

Thank you very much for this detailed answer. I got to know the struggle with putting water wear also😉, before I went sailing on a catamaran I used it.

You encouraged me to try swimming without CI, when I don't have to look after anyone. Otherwise I will take the solution water wear/ headband.

Best regards

Sabine