What kit do I need for Open Water Swimming?

The Novice Open Water Swimmer - Hints and Tips

In this update, we’re going to take a look at what kit will keep you both safe and let you have the best overall swim.

What kit do I need for Open Water Swimming?

There is a lot of open water swim equipment available, and what you choose to use depends on your skill level and how serious you take your open water training. As in most sports, having the right kit will help increase your confidence and improve your overall swim experience.

At a minimum, you should make sure you have the following essential equipment for you safety and enjoyment :

• Wetsuit
• Goggles
• Swim cap
• Safety buoy

If you plan to swim in cold water, we also recommend the following:

• Neoprene swim gloves, socks and a hood
• Ear plugs – These will keep water out of your ears, and are highly recommended for cold water swimming.

Wetsuit

Firstly we would recommend wearing a wetsuit as it will not only keep you warm but give you added buoyancy which will give you more confidence in the water. It’s important to have the right fitting wetsuit, if it’s too small it will feel restrictive and actually make it harder to control your breathing, and on the other hand if it’s too big it will fill with water and slow you down.

At MyTriathlon we offer wetsuits from the top brands in the sport, Orca, 2XU, Sailfish BlueSeventy, Zone3 and Huub. We have years of experience making sure that whatever suit you choose will be the right fit and in fact our team will double check your measurements to ensure that you have ordered the right suit - this ensures that you get the best fit for you. Wetsuits Or call the team on 02071834116 to talk to the team

We also offer a range of new and ex-rentals and the ability to hire a wetsuit via our sister website www.mywetsuithire.co.uk

Goggles

Wearing a pair of goggles will also make a big difference. You want goggles that will be a comfortable fit and of course keep water out of your eyes. If your goggles fog up it’s probably best to get a new pair as it will really improve the overall swim experience.

At MyTriathlon we stock a wide range of goggles and masks Goggles for your swim

Swim Cap

A brightly coloured swim cap will increase your visibility making it easier for others to see you in the water

Tow float

For added safety, it’s always a good idea to wear a tow float regardless of the conditions. Tow floats attach around your waist and make you more visible in the water. Tow floats can also be used as a floatation aid if you get tired during your swim. Tow Floats

Cold Water Swimming

If you’re swimming in the cold, it’s advisable to keep the extremities as warm and toasty as possible we suggest wearing neoprene swim socks, gloves and hat - approximately 80% of heat is lost through your head

Ear plugs are also a good idea to stop water getting in your ear.

Dry Robe

A DryRobe will keep you warm and toasty before and after your swim

Designed to let you get changed anywhere, The Dryrobe protects you from the elements, and keeps you warm and dry in any climate. With a waterproof and windproof outer shell fabric combined with a super-warm synthetic lambswool lining, the oversized loose fit makes it easier to change or just pop on for a warm hug. DryRobes