open water swimming – our top picks
Open water swimming (wild swimming) can have a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some reasons why it can be good:
Full-body workout: Open water swimming engages all of the major muscle groups in your body, providing a full-body workout that can help improve your strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health.
Low impact exercise: Swimming in open water is a low-impact exercise, meaning it places less stress on your joints compared to other forms of exercise, such as running or weightlifting. This can be particularly beneficial for people with joint pain or mobility issues.
Improved mental health: Swimming in open water can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Being in nature and experiencing the peacefulness of the water can have a calming effect on the mind.
Exposure to nature: Open water swimming provides an opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of natural bodies of water.
We stock a wide range of Open Water swimming accessories, as well as wild swimming wetsuits and swimming safety equipment.
Overall, open water swimming can be a great way to stay fit and healthy while also enjoying the beauty and peacefulness of natural bodies of water. Here are a few of our top picks, to help you get started on your wild swimming journey:
C-Skins Legend 3mm Gloves
The legend is a perfect open water swimming glove. Why? It’s super stretchy AND warm which is pretty much all you need for a swimming glove. The stretch means it’s easy to put on but also doesn’t feel like it’s misshaping your hand. As for the warmth the devil is in the detail. The C-Skins legend glove is glued and blind stitched. This means that during the manufacturing the needle hasn’t punctured through the fabric so there aren’t loads of tiny perforations letting cold water in. Don’t think of it as buying a glove think of it as buying warm hands and more time in the water!
Red Original Pro Change Evo Long Sleeved
Changing robes have become incredibly popular for all sorts of activities including dog walking, standing at the side of rugby matches or working from home in. However for the open water swimmer they offer two massive benefits.
1. Stop the drop! Once you have got out of cold water and on to the land your body temperature is still dropping (known as the after drop).The Red Changing robe is your best ally! The deep pile fleece on the inside will dry you, whilst the waterproof outer will block any wind chill.
2. Your own personal changing room! Gone are the days of trying to hide behind a car door or wriggling into your jeans as the towel begins to slip! The generous cut and design allows you to get your arms inside the robe so you can change in private and keep your decency even in the busiest of car parks!
Packed full of premium practical finishes not offered by most alternatives – the quick-closure wind baffle and adjustable hood keep inclement weather out, whilst the stretch panels enable easy changes. With five pockets you won’t be short of storage. With no compromise on style or substance, the Red Original Pro Change EVO is ready whatever you throw at it.
It’s 2023 for goodness sake! Drybags can be beautiful, tough and useful. That’s what Red have done with their latest range of rucksack dry bags.
- Adventure Ready Easy-Detach Backpack straps with additional attachment points for loading extra gear.
- Locate items quickly with easy access design.
- Internal zipped pocket keeps valuables to hand.
- Reflective logos keep you visible in low light conditions.
- Available in 30l and 60l
Orca Openwater Safety Buoy with Storage
This Wild Swimming Safety Buoy is 2 products in one! 1.) Be safe, be seen! Let other water users know where you are by towing the bright, inflatable buoy on your next swim. 2.) Dry storage. The buoy also acts as a drybag so there’s no need to leave your valuables on the beach.
Palm Stomp Sock
A good pair of neoprene socks will keep your feet warm and offer protection. The Palm Stomp socks offer incredible warmth without the awkwardness of a big clunky neoprene boot! The key to its warmth is the thermal quick dry lining, glued and blind stitched construction and o ring ankle seal! What sets it aside as our go to open water swimming sock is the TX enforced protection for the walk in to the river or beach!
We also stock a range of other items to help keep you warm in the water. If you don’t want a full swimming wetsuit, we have thinner neoprene tops and legwear.
Don’t feel the cold? During the summer you can just get away with a swimming costume and a pair of wild swimming goggles!
Not sure where to go? Grab a copy of the Wild Swimming Book for some top tips and inspiration!