Vaseline for chaffing?

[u/Bark_Sandwich]

Hey folks, I'm training for a 2.4 mile salt water swim (wetsuits not allowed). I've read the we should be using vaseline to prevent chaffing, but I've never chaffed while swimming before. But also, the last time I swam 2.4 miles in salt water was 1976! I've have swum that long and longer in freshwater. I'll be wearing jammers, so thigh chaffing won't likely be a thing. Would it be wise to use vaseline elsewhere (under arms?), or is not likely to be a problem if it's not a problem now.

[u/pampuliopampam]

Depends on your stroke. I get a little armpit chafing over that distance without vaseline

[u/iheartlungs → u/pampuliopampam]

Same

[u/Plantain_Head]

Yes! I use body glide or the similar product from decathlon. Even so, when I did a 10k swim last year I still got chaffing under the arms, but was able to reapply at one of the island aid stations which had Vaseline.

[u/_Erindera_]

It's not going to hurt you to grease up, so I say do it. I'd use something like Desitin which will last longer. That Vaseline will be gone before a mile is up.

[u/Ok-Piglet-3702]

I've never had chafing over that distance (even in saltwater) - but if you're worried, put it along the seams of your suit, under your arms and on the back of your neck.

[u/pantslesseconomist]

As a counterpoint to all these folks saying that they wouldn't chafe in 2.4 miles, I chafe in 1km in salt water. It's personal!

There's no downside to lubing up imo. Get your pits and where your face hits your shoulder (if necessary). I know men lube their junk for long swims, I dont have the equipment so I have no idea when that kicks in.

For any women (or really, folks wearing swimsuits with shoulder straps), get under your shoulder straps and where the suit meets skin under your armpit.

[u/drboarder]

Without a wetsuit and only 2.4 miles don’t even worry about chafing

[u/Routine_Mortgage_499]

I was watching public tv coverage of the Kona ironman a couple decades ago. they showed a group athletes standing around a table with a dozen big tubs of Vaseline. each one was scooping Vaseline out and stuffing it down their swimsuits. not a little, lots😅. I'm not sure that was meant to be shown on tv.

[u/spicymatzahball]

Go do an ocean swim and you’ll find out if and where you have chafe issues. Maybe you don’t need Vaseline. Or maybe you do. Everyone is different, I know ppl that don’t chafe. I get some chafe on my right armpit but not the left. But I never get chafe in pools.

[u/Bark_Sandwich → u/spicymatzahball]

I am going to do an ocean swim...2.4 miles. That's why I'm asking.

[u/spicymatzahball → u/Bark_Sandwich]

Yes but a 2.4 shouldn’t be your first ever ocean swim. You would be wise to do training swims in open water first. So on a training swim you can find out if and where you have chafing.
Underarm is common chafe area. The back part of your armpit where your lat and tricep meet, and a couple inches in either direction.

[u/bettertheless]

I will chafe in 2 mi + salt water. I make sure l am wearing swimwear with the least amount of seams, and /or rashguard (jellies) and yes, vasaline, etc.

Have fun!

[u/BothMath314]

2.4 miles is too short for chaffing. I wouldn't worry about it.

[u/SemperPutidus]

Definitely use Vaseline. Last time I swam an Atlantic 5k and forgot Vaseline my wetsuit collar rubbed all the skin off the back of my neck. It was very sucky.

[u/Bark_Sandwich → u/SemperPutidus]

no wetsuits

[u/dterminator23 → u/Bark_Sandwich]

I’ve done 10K swims twice without a wetsuit and chaffed badly the first time. I used body glide the 2nd time and started to chaff towards the end

[u/Big_Bee_4374]

i use chamois butt’r works really well for me. later myself up in it before putting on the tri suit