If you are looking for gifts for an open water swimming friend or family member we’ve compiled a list of the top 6 essentials every swimmer must have, so you’ll know they will not only love your gift, but actually use it!
Or perhaps you are new to open water swimming in winter and thinking about the things you will need to get you started….take a look at the list we have created.
We’ve partnered with a number of brands to bring you fantastic prices – you can save 10% on all of the products in this article by using the code ‘ATWOWS’.
Getting your head in the water in colder water can be somewhat challenging! Anyone that has experienced an “ice-cream” head will know how valuable a neoprene swimming hat for swimming in colder water is. Zone 3’s hat provides warmth while maintaining good hydrodynamics in the water and features a velco strap to adjust for different head sizes.
Keeping your extremities warm longer will help you to stay more comfortable for longer in the water. Neoprene gloves are fantastic for helping you to prolong your swimming season. Zone 3’s offer added stability whilst allowing maximum feel in the water and are secure and water tight. Likewise, swimming socks also help to keep your toes toasty in the water. Zone 3 have cleverly increased the length and added velco to these neoprene socks so they can comfortably go under a wetsuit, ensuring no exposed skin or boots filling up with water!
Open Water Swimming often involves changing at the side of a lake, in a car park or on a river bank. A towelling dry robe will enable you to dry and change quickly whilst being covered and protected from the elements. You can also get your kit off and back on again without over-exposing yourself! For the environmentally conscious the Sitting Suit is made from recycled materials. Warmer than a toweling robe, it’s great for wearing post swim on chilly days. It’s water repellent and wind proof – once you’ve got it on you won’t want to take it off again!
For many swimmers there’s the dilemma of what to do with your kit, or your car keys or phone whilst you are swimming. The Swim Secure inflatable bag solves this problem by allowing you to take your kit with you. Being seen and being safe is key for open water swimmers and this bag doubles up as an inflatable buoy for increased visibility in open water.
Additional essentials for after – hot drink and hat!