How to Prevent Friction in Open Water Swimming (Without Heavy Greasy Products)

Open Water Changes Everything

Pool swimming is controlled.

Open water isn’t.

• Saltwater dries and tightens skin
• Wetsuits create constant micro-friction
• Temperature shifts change how gear fits
• Long sessions mean repetition adds up

And the biggest difference:

You don’t stop when something starts to rub.

The Real Problem: Friction Over Time

Most irritation in open water isn’t caused by one moment.

It’s caused by thousands of small movements:

• Neck against wetsuit collar
• Arms against seams
• Thighs and torso under compression
• Salt crystals forming on skin

Individually, nothing.

Together, they become hot spots, irritation, and discomfort that can last for days.

Why Traditional “Glides” Don’t Always Work

Many athletes default to thicker, paste-like products.

They feel protective — at first.

But in open water conditions:

• They can shift or break down
• They feel heavy under a wetsuit
• They trap heat or moisture
• Application can be messy and inconsistent

What works in a short session doesn’t always hold up over distance.

Real-World Feedback (Not Lab Testing)

Run Slick has been tested across endurance scenarios — including open water and paddle conditions.

“One paddle test so far at 7 miles, no rash on the bottom. Eliminated the friction.”
— Ryan Murphy, kayaker (Hawaii & California)

“I was surprised given the thin consistency… I’m used to using paste… your product works great.”

Early season open water test:

• Yonah Lake, GA
• 58°F water / 53°F air
• Full wetsuit + paddleboard start

“No hot spots. Easy on and easy off… I especially liked how it worked on hairy forearm, chest and belly.”
— Maury

What Makes Run Slick Different

Run Slick is designed as a lightweight, silicone-based anti-friction layer.

That means:

• It applies cleanly and evenly
• It stays in place under movement
• It doesn’t feel greasy or heavy
• It works across skin-to-skin and skin-to-fabric contact

The goal isn’t to feel it.

The goal is to forget about it entirely.

Where to Apply for Open Water & Triathlon

Before putting on your wetsuit:

High-priority zones:

• Neck (front + back)
• Underarms / lats
• Inner thighs
• Chest / sensitive areas

Additional zones:

• Forearms (especially with hair)
• Around seams and pressure points

For triathletes, also consider:

• Under tri suit (bike + run carryover)
• Inner thighs for long rides
• Transition zones where wet → dry → wet

From Start Line to Finish

Open water introduces variables you can’t control:

• Temperature
• Salt concentration
• Movement patterns
• Duration

But friction doesn’t have to be one of them.

Built for Endurance

Run Slick was developed through:

• Marathon training
• Ironman prep
• Long-distance sessions in heat and humidity

Not just designed — tested through miles.

Final Thought

The best anti-friction solution is the one you don’t notice.

Because when everything else is working — your skin shouldn’t be the reason you slow down.

👉 If it rubs, Run Slick on it