One of the biggest benefits of wild swimming is that it’s completely free. However, if you plan to swim in cold water throughout the seasons, you’ll probably want to get a small amount of kit to make things easier, and to stay safe. Swimming in cold water does have its risks, and it’s very important to listen to your body and to make sure you quickly warm up once out.
So here are my top ten tips for kit you might want when cold-water swimming. All swimmers have different things they take; some like a big bucket and a flask of tepid water to stand in, others take hot water bottles, etc. This is just what I use, and despite suffering from Raynaud’s, I find it’s enough. The key for me is timing.
Don’t stay in too long. And don’t faff about changing!
- 1. A towel large enough to change under – ideally a changing robe, which is basically two towels sewn together with a hood (you can make your own if you like, I made Amy own summer version from two scarves.) Under this you can quickly get dry and changed without fear of accidental mooning. If you plan on swimming in all weathers, a dry robe (or cheaper alternative) can be useful, particularly in the rain and the very cold as they are waterproof and fleecy warm inside.
- 2. A warm drink in a leakproof bottle/cup – great for warming up afterwards, while gazing at the splendid view. Wrap it in your towel while swimming for added warm points.
- 3. Extra layers. I take an extra long sleeve top to put underneath, a fleecy zip-up for on top, and if it’s really cold, a pair of leggings for under my trackies.
- 4. Speaking of which – wear easy-on clothes. No buckles, zips or buttons. Oh and if possible, ditch the bra. (Bonus tip – if wearing a dry robe or large winter coat, leave it partially zipped and simply step in after swimming. Zips are very hard to manage with cold hands!)
- 5. Earplugs. These are not essential if you are a head-out swimmer, but for going under, and especially swimming crawl in the winter, you’ll want plugs to avoid earache or worse, surfer’s ear.
- 6. Tow float. Brightly coloured and buoyant, these help you be spotted and stay above the water in an emergency. I have a float with storage so I can take my valuables with me too. Win win.
- 7. Goggles (don’t forget to spray them if you’re prone to fogging like me) if you are swimming head in – also great for fish spotting in tidal pools or reefs.
- 8. Snack. For me, a post-swim snack is essential. You burn a surprising amount of calories in cold-water, even if you don’t feel like you swam far. My go-to is a mini snickers, or a peanut muesli bar, but an almond croissant or even an egg bap has been known on occasion…
- 9. Hat. I wear a swim cap in winter to try and keep the ‘ice-cream head’ away. And a woolly hat will help you warm up again afterwards.
- 10. Last but definitely not least… A buddy. Don’t swim alone in cold water. It’s not safe and it’s nowhere near as much fun!
I love seeing the sun sparkl
