Why Open Water Swimming Needs Different Kit to the Pool
Open water swimming — whether in the sea, a lake, a loch, or a river — is one of the UK's fastest-growing outdoor pursuits. But it's a fundamentally different environment to a chlorinated indoor pool, and your kit needs to reflect that.
Cold water, variable visibility, currents, boat traffic, and distance from the shore all create risks that demand proper preparation. The right gear doesn't just make your swim more comfortable — it keeps you safe, visible, and in control.
This guide covers everything you need for open water swimming in the UK, from the essential safety kit to the performance extras that serious swimmers add over time.
Essential Kit: The Non-Negotiables
1. Wetsuit
In UK waters, a wetsuit is essential for the vast majority of open water swimmers for the majority of the year. Even committed 'skins' swimmers (those who swim without a wetsuit) use one until they've acclimatised, and many return to one in winter.
What to look for in an open water swim wetsuit:
- Thickness: 3/2mm for summer (16°C+); 4/3mm or 5/4mm for spring, autumn, and winter. See our Wetsuit Thickness Guide for full seasonal breakdown.
- Buoyancy panels: open water swim wetsuits often have extra buoyancy in the hips and legs to lift your body position in the water — important for efficient swimming technique
- Shoulder flexibility: look for thin, stretchy neoprene (1.5–2mm) across the shoulders and underarm for an unrestricted freestyle stroke
- Smooth skin outer panels: reduce drag through the water
- Back zip vs chest zip: back zip is easier to put on and take off in transition; chest zip offers better insulation and is preferred by experienced open water swimmers
Browse our Wetsuits collection.
2. Tow Float / Safety Buoy
A tow float is the single most important piece of open water safety kit. It's a brightly coloured inflatable that trails behind you on a leash attached to your waist or ankle, serving three critical purposes:
- Visibility — makes you visible to boats, jet skis, and other watercraft who may not be looking for a swimmer's head at water level
- Rest point — you can hold onto it if you get into difficulty, cramp, or need to rest
- Dry bag — many tow floats have a waterproof compartment for keys, phone, and snacks
Tow floats are now widely expected on open water swims, and many organised events and venues require them. This is not optional kit.
3. Swim Cap
A swim cap serves multiple purposes in open water:
- Retains body heat (significant heat loss occurs through the head in cold water)
- Improves visibility — bright colours (orange, yellow, neon pink) help safety boats and other water users spot you
- Reduces drag through the water
Cap materials:
- Silicone — durable, comfortable, and warmer than latex; the standard choice for open water
- Neoprene — significantly warmer; recommended for water below 14°C or for prolonged cold-water swims
- Double cap — a silicone cap over a neoprene cap; popular in winter and cold-water events
4. Goggles
Open water goggles differ from pool goggles in a few key ways:
- Tinted or mirrored lenses — essential for swimming in sunlight; UV protection is important for long outdoor sessions
- Wider field of view — helps with sighting (lifting your head to navigate towards a landmark or buoy)
- Robust seals — need to handle waves, chop, and varied conditions
- Anti-fog coating — lens fogging is more of an issue in temperature-variable outdoor environments
Choose clear or light-tinted lenses for overcast UK conditions; darker tinted or mirrored for sunny days.
Cold Water Safety: What Else You Should Know
Wetsuit Gloves, Boots & Hood
Below 12°C, extremities cool rapidly and can cause incapacitating pain and weakness. For autumn and winter swims:
- Neoprene gloves — 3mm for mild cold; 5mm for serious winter swimming. Thin open-palm or three-finger gloves maintain some feel for the water.
- Neoprene boots or socks — essential if entering via a rocky beach or bank; also add meaningful warmth
- Neoprene hood — up to 40% of body heat is lost through the head. Transformative below 10°C.
Browse our Accessories collection for neoprene gloves, boots, and hoods.
Earplugs
Cold water in the ears causes surfer's ear (exostosis) — bony growths that can narrow the ear canal and require surgery. Custom or moulded swim earplugs are a worthwhile long-term investment for any regular open water swimmer.
Post-Swim Warm-Up Kit
Cold water immersion continues to drop your core temperature for up to 30 minutes after you exit the water — this is known as the afterdrop. Be prepared:
- A changing robe or dry robe (insulated, water-resistant robe for changing and warming up on the bank)
- Warm layers ready to put on immediately
- A hot drink in a flask
- Never drive immediately after a cold swim — wait until you're fully warm
Performance & Comfort Extras
Once you have the essentials sorted, these additions make a meaningful difference:
- Anti-chafe balm — apply to neck, underarms, and wrists before every wetsuit session. Neoprene rash is painful and cumulative.
- GPS watch / swim tracker — track distance, pace, and stroke rate; useful for training and route planning
- Nose clip — personal preference, but useful for bilateral breathing practice and if you swim through choppy sections
- Wetsuit lubricant / conditioner — prolongs wetsuit life and makes it easier to remove after a swim
What to Check Before Getting In
Gear alone isn't enough — good open water habits matter just as much:
- Never swim alone — always have a buddy or tell someone your plan and expected return time
- Check water conditions — currents, tides, boat traffic, and water quality (check the Environment Agency's Swimfo database for bathing water quality)
- Know your exit points — identify your exit before you start
- Acclimatise gradually — cold water shock is real; enter slowly, control your breathing before putting your face in the water
- Check your buoyancy aid requirements — some venues require a buoyancy aid for paddleboard-supported swims or multi-sport events. See our Buoyancy Aid Guide.
Open Water Swim Kit Checklist
- ✅ Wetsuit (appropriate thickness for water temp)
- ✅ Tow float / safety buoy
- ✅ Bright swim cap (silicone or neoprene)
- ✅ Open water goggles (tinted)
- ✅ Neoprene gloves, boots & hood (autumn/winter)
- ✅ Earplugs
- ✅ Anti-chafe balm
- ✅ Warm layers and hot drink for post-swim
- ✅ Changing robe / dry robe
Shop Open Water Swim Gear at EGL Sports
Browse our full range of Wetsuits, Accessories, and Paddleboard Accessories — or contact us for a personal kit recommendation based on your swim goals and local conditions.