With more people understanding the benefits of open water swimming, the classic pastime is having something of a resurgence. We hear from loads of people considering open water swimming for the first time and wondering what kind of gear they might need.
While open water swimming is such a simple activity, we always recommend investing in the right kit. Wild water can be unpredictable, so you’ll want to make sure you’re never caught out.
Here, we’re giving a rundown of the five most important pieces of kit you’ll want if you’re swimming in open waters regularly, including some of our favourite product recommendations.
1. Open Water Wetsuits
We couldn’t call ourselves Wetsuit Centre if we didn’t start with arguably the most important piece of kit for open water swimming! Open water swimming wetsuits – sometimes also called triathlon wetsuits – come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on what you need.
If you’re an experienced open water swimmer and comfortable with cold water, you might not need one, but for most new swimmers, getting a swimming wetsuit is recommended. If you’re going to be in the water for an extended period, you don’t want the chill impacting your muscles.
Can You Use a Surfing Wetsuit for Open Water Swimming?
Open water wetsuits are specifically designed for the job and come with a range of features that differ from traditional wetsuits used for surfing.
The biggest difference in swimming or triathlon wetsuits is the built-in buoyancy. Many open water swimming wetsuits, particularly entry-level models, are made with buoyant neoprene that provides flotation in key areas, such as the legs, to make swimming more comfortable.
Open water swimming wetsuits can also come with a range of other features, including smoother neoprene and smaller thicknesses, enabling more comfortable movement.
It’s not impossible to do open water swimming in a surfer’s wetsuit, particularly if it’s a low-thickness version, such as a 3/2. However, the additional features in a purpose-built swimming wetsuit often make it a worthwhile purchase if you’re planning on swimming regularly.
Our Recommended Triathlon and Swimming Wetsuits
What swimming wetsuit is right for you will often come down to the balance you wish to strike between warmth and freedom of movement.
Generally, if you’re planning on swimming in cold UK waters, we would recommend a full 3/2-thickness wetsuit. Something like the Sola Open Water 3/2 Men’s Swim Wetsuit will provide the warmth you need while also not being too restrictive.
Of course, if you find yourself coping with the water more comfortably, you might want to consider a lower thickness or a shorty wetsuit (one that cuts off before the arm and leg joints).
One of our favourite products is the Zone 3 Lava Women’s Aero Trisuit. Available in short sleeves or sleeveless, this lightweight suit sacrifices some of the heat-retention properties but is perfect for those seeking great flexibility and performance.
2. Swimming Tops and Shorts
As mentioned above, a full wetsuit isn’t for everyone. Depending on when or how often you want to swim, and your experience in open water, you might be able to get away with a more straightforward swim top and/or shorts.
Wetsuit tops, as the name implies, offer the same warming properties as a wetsuit but often with thinner neoprene for increased flexibility. You can also buy specific triathlon tops which don’t offer as much heat protection but are quick-drying and designed with comfort in mind.
Swimming shorts, sometimes referred to as jammers, can be a great investment for beginner open water swimmers who don’t want to buy a full wetsuit. Some models specifically built for swimming come with buoyancy built-in and other features designed to make it easier to swim straight in rougher waters.
If you want the buoyancy of a swimming wetsuit but don’t want the restricted movement, you could pair swimming tops or shorts with some additional buoyancy aids (see near the end of this article for more on those).
Our Recommended Swimming Tops and Shorts
If you’re looking for a wetsuit top, we would recommend checking out the O’Neill Reactor II. Built with super stretch neoprene at 1.5mm thickness and seamless arm paddle zones, it offers incredible freedom of movement while still offering warmth in the summer months.
Similarly, the O’Neill Women’s Bahia Full-Zip Wetsuit Jacket comes with a 1/0.5mm thickness which allows for a great amount of freedom in the water.
If you’re looking for some open water swimming shorts, the Zone3 Active 3/2 Neoprene Buoyancy Shorts are a great choice for beginners looking for some extra support. If you don’t want the buoyancy, the Zone3 Iconic Jammers are simple but effective, designed to provide a comfortable, performance fit.
3. Tow Float or Swim Buoy
This is something that beginner open water swimmers often forget but we would definitely recommend getting, particularly for those swimming in busy waters.
Often referred to as a tow float or a swim buoy, these inexpensive devices (you can often pick one up for less than £20) are tied to you and float in the water while you swim.
Tow floats offer a range of benefits. Perhaps most importantly, they can improve your visibility while swimming.
If you’re halfway underwater in a black wetsuit, you can be hard to spot for passers-by and anyone looking out for you (like a lifeguard). Most tow floats come in fluorescent colours so they’re easy to spot, serving as good markers for anyone who needs to see you.
As the name suggests, tow floats can provide additional buoyancy while you’re swimming. While they don’t provide the same life-saving support as something like a life jacket, having a swim buoy can allow you to float a little easier if you need to rest temporarily.
Many tow floats also double as dry bags and come with storage space, perfect if you need to keep your valuables with you and dry while swimming.
Our Recommended Tow Floats and Swim Buoys
Most tow floats do the same basic job, so we usually just recommend picking one that is a bright colour so you can be spotted and provides enough storage space for what you need.
The Sola Swim Buoy Dry Bag is a favourite here at Wetsuit Centre. Inexpensive but reliable and available in a selection of colours, it should do a good job for most beginner swimmers.
Depending on when you swim, you may also want to consider one with LED lighting, providing even more visibility during low light (for example, if you’re swimming at dawn or dusk). The Zone3 LED Light Backpack is more expensive but incredibly well-built, and the LED lighting can make a great improvement to your visibility.
4. Goggles
Getting the right set of swimming goggles is hugely important for open water swimming, even more so compared to swimming lengths in a pool. The unpredictability (and sometimes quality) of open water means you need to take extra care to ensure your eyes are protected.
There are no specific styles of open water swimming goggles. However, there are some features you will want to consider more if swimming in open water compared to doing lengths.
The main thing to consider is the lens tint. You will want a mirrored tint that reduces glare, helping if you find the sun bouncing off the water. What colour of tint depends on the conditions you expect to be swimming in – if you’re unsure, blue tints are generally recommended for sea swimming thanks to their increased colour perception.
Most open water swimmers will go for a wider, curved lens that provides a better field of vision. However, beyond the lens tint and UV protection, the main thing is getting a pair that fits comfortably.
Our Recommended Open Water Swimming Goggles
If you’re looking for a pair of reliable goggles for open water swimming, the Zone3 Vapour range is a good place to start. Their polarised, curved lenses will help you avoid glare, while there are a range of colours and tints available depending on what you need, including teal.
5. Swim Cap
Swim caps are always a great piece of kit, whether swimming in your local pool or out in the rough waves. Not only can they help to cover your hair but they also reduce drag for a faster, cleaner swim.
When it comes to swim caps for open water swimming, there are a few different recommendations you’ll want to consider. The main one is warmth – traditional swim caps don’t offer much protection from the cold, so if you’re planning to swim long distances, you might want a thicker cap to protect your head.
Smoothskin neoprene insulated swim caps offer the same drag-reduction and warming properties as a swimming wetsuit, perfect for triathlons and other long-distance swims.
Some caps will just cover the head, while others come with chin straps and protect the ears, which can become particularly painful if exposed to cold water for long periods.
Another thing to consider for an open water swim cap is visibility. Many swim caps come in bright colours which can offer another crucial layer of visibility if swimming in busy areas.
If you don’t like wearing swim caps, an alternative option is a neoprene headband. Similar to wetsuit tops, headbands don’t provide the same warmth protection as a full cap but they can still take the chill off.
Our Recommended Open Water Swim Caps
Basic swim caps are relatively cheap and easy to come by – we offer a wide variety of swim caps for indoor and outdoor use.
If you want more protection and insulation, we recommend checking out the C-Skins Swim Research Freedom Swim Cap. With 3mm neoprene in a minimalist design including coverage over the ears, this swim cap will give you the warmth and comfort you need for long-distance swims.
Other Open Water Swimming Accessories
A wetsuit, tow float, goggles and swim cap should be everything you need for open water swimming. However, there are many more products to consider that could help you have a great swim.
Swimming Socks and Gloves
If you’re planning to open water swim in winter months, or are susceptible to the cold, you might want to consider some swimming socks and gloves.
Unless you need protection from rocks or reefs, we would recommend swimming socks over boots due to the extended movement provided. Models like the Zone3 Neoprene Swim Sock come with grips underneath so essentially double-up as a boot on land.
When it comes to swimming gloves, try to keep them as thin as possible to facilitate movement; the C-Skin Legend 3mm Gloves are a nice, lightweight option.
Buoyancy Aids
As mentioned above, if you like the additional buoyancy of a swimming wetsuit but don’t want to wear one (either due to warmth or personal preference), there is a range of buoyancy aids specifically designed for open water swimming.
A flotation belt attaches around the hip and can provide great support without getting in the way of your swimming, allowing you to focus on your technique and performance.
Swimrun calf guards can offer an alternative to swim buoys by providing additional buoyancy in the lower leg, perfect for races.
Ear Plugs
If you don’t want to wear a swim cap that covers the ears, it’s definitely worth considering a pair of separate ear plugs. Swimmer’s ear can occur if you’re regularly in the water and not protecting your ears, so if you swim often, invest in a pair of ear plugs.
There are many ear plugs available, from budget-friendly options like G Plugs Swim and Surf Ear Plugs to the EQ Seals Pro Ear Plugs that are great for frequent swimmers.
Swimming Robe or Poncho
While this might be considered an extra at first, once you have a changing robe, you’ll never go back to using towels again.
Having a warm, quick-drying robe or poncho to chuck on after your swim makes such a difference. Not only is it warmer than a towel, but it also makes the changing process much more comfortable.
Dryrobe are a popular brand in this area and they offer a range of options, from basic changing towels to more advanced changing robes. Depending on your budget, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re still unsure where to start when it comes to open water swimming, feel free to contact the friendly team at Wetsuit Centre.