zone3 swimmers

Open Water Swimming Checklist with Zone3

The open water can be pretty intimidating and it’s not hard to feel overwhelmed deciding where to start. Whether you’re swimming in a river, lake or the sea, you’ll want to make the most of your swim. With that in mind, we’ve created a checklist of everything you’ll need to stay warm, safe, and have a great time.

 

  1. Wetsuit

A good wetsuit is a great place to start. Even during the hotter months, a wetsuit will help keep you warm and allow you to stay out in the water for longer – especially if you’re swimming in the sea or a cold lake! As well as this, a wetsuit will add to your buoyancy, making you safer and faster in the water, as well as giving you extra protection from the sun. 

For colder waters, we’d recommend opting for a thermal wetsuit to help keep you warm.

 

  1. Swimming cap

Regardless of where you’re swimming, a brightly coloured silicone swimming cap is essential to help keep you visible and safe out in the open water. In case being more safe wasn’t enough for you, a swimming cap will also help to keep your head warm and help you to be in the water for longer.

 

  1. Base layer or swimsuit

One of the fundamental reasons for wearing a base layer under a wetsuit is to assist in regulating body temperature. A good base layer will take the sweat away from your skin, helping you to keep warmer in the open water.

As an extra layer between the wetsuit and your skin, a base layer can also help you feel more comfortable. You can get all these benefits from a neoprene base layer or even from a swimsuit

 

  1. Goggles

Another non-negotiable is a good, comfortable set of goggles. Decent goggles will provide a good level of visibility, helping you keep track of where you’re swimming and where you’ve been. You’ll want to find a pair that includes anti-fog properties, which help keep the lenses clear, as well as effective suction around the eyes and nose to prevent water leakage. 

You may want to look at goggles with polarised or UV tinted lenses to protect your eyes in brighter light.

 

  1. Warm changing robe

There’s nothing worse than finishing an icy swim and still being still cold and wet when having to pull on your clothes. A changing robe will provide comfort and convenience for keeping you warm and dry for before and after the swim. As well as this, you’ll be able to zip the robe all the way to your knees, allowing you to modestly and comfortably get changed right by the water. These robes aren’t just for swimming in icy conditions, and you’ll be able to appreciate a cosy changing robe all year round, no matter what type of swimmer you are!

 

  1. Buoy / Tow-float

A tow-float or safety buoy is another safety measure that will help keep you visible to other swimmers and boats. 

Many buoys will also double as a dry bag so you can keep your valuables and snacks with you during your swim. If you get tired, the buoy can also be used to hold onto in order to float.

 

  1. Thermal gloves, socks and cap

If you’re swimming in winter, in the sea or if you just don’t like the cold, some neoprene covers for your hands, feet and head will really help keep you warm, and prevent injury and illness. 

We’d also advise bringing a beanie hat for post-swim. You lose the majority of your body heat from your head, so make sure you keep your head covered when you’re out of the water!

 

  1. Anti-chafing balm

Chafing is the bane of many open water swimmers' lives and can happen for a variety of reasons. Whatever the reason, some anti-chafing cream will help to prevent chafing, blisters and burns while helping to soothe and relieve skin issues. You'll want to opt for something waterproof so it stays on and is effective when you’re swimming.

 

  1. Changing Mat

Don’t you hate it when you’re getting changed post-swim but you end up getting sand and dirt all over your fresh clothes? A changing mat will help to prevent this, offering a nice barrier between you and the ground and allowing you to get changed in a variety of landscapes. It will also help to protect your feet when you’re on sharp or uneven ground. 

 

  1. Waterproof bag

You’ll want a bag to put all of your lovely kit in! Luckily, there are many bags designed with open water swimming in mind so they have lots of compartments for your valuables. Some will even have a special separate compartment for your wetsuit and wet gear so it doesn’t get the rest of your kit wet! 

 

  1. Thermal flask

There aren’t many things better than a warm cup of tea or coffee to be waiting for you when you get out of the water. A good quality thermos flask will help to keep your drinks at its ideal temperature while you’re out swimming.

 

Wherever or whenever you’re swimming, we hope our tips and tricks are helpful!

Good luck and happy swimming!

 

Written by Zone3.

Published on 5th July 2022 in Swimming

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