what to bring

just a swimsuit. we’ll provide the rest.

Well almost! We aim to take the stress out of packing (as well as the unnecessary added expense of kitting out for a swimming holiday) so we can provide you with some of the equipment you will need in the water. We have tried and tested alot of swimming kit over the years; we know how hard it is to find a pair of goggles that are fit for purpose and don’t leak; how to get the right wetsuit to suit your body shape and make up; and how the right heat tech gloves and booties can be game changers.

However, the excitement of an upcoming holiday or the advent of Christmas and birthday can be the perfect time for new kit so we have drafted a fairly comprehensive list of all you need on one of our swimming retreats. We have asterixed the items we can lend you.

Swim Kit

2 swimming suits – we do at least 2 swims a day so it’s handy to have one dry costume while the wet one is drying.

*Swimming hat – Neoprene, silicone or thermal hats are all useful for different conditions. We gift you one of our limited edition silicone swim hats.

*Neoprene gloves and booties – if you know you particularly feel the cold at your extremities these are essential. My experience of buying cheap is that they make it worse than going without. I find heat tech to be the best.

Goggles – I have tried and tested hundreds over the years and recommend Speedo’s Futura Biofuse Goggles to be the best open water goggle. Good peripheral vision and suction. You could invest in two pairs, one standard and the other mirrored for bright sunlight days.

*Frontcrawl wetsuit – Wetsuits are advised if you aren’t acclimatised to cold water or are swimming longer distances. Our wetsuits are all designed for frontcrawl swimming.

Breaststroke wetsuit – these are designed specifically for breaststroke swimmers because they don’t lift the legs too high in the water.

*Tow float – essential item for swimming outdoors. Brightly coloured floats that attach to your waist with a strap and ensure you are visible to others. Vitally they provide somewhere for you to rest if needed. You can write your “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) details on the tow float in permanent marker and that way in the event of a rescue you can be easily identified.

Gloves and woolly hat – These are the first things I put on before I start getting dressed. That way I stop losing any more heat from my head and my hands are warm enough to function!

Changing mat – a great accessory for standing on when you are getting in and out of the water, especially if you feel the cold in your feet.

Hooded towel – great for popping on as soon as you get out of the water and to hide your modesty while you whip your swimsuit off. It’s important not to stay in wet clothes after a swim. Your body continues to cool for some time after you get out of the water so putting warm layers on while you warm up from the inside out is important.

Changing robe – another essential piece of kit for the open water swimmer! There are lots on the market and you don’t have to spend a fortune but it’s worth buying quality. They are great over layers and to stand around in while you chat and have your warm drink and they keep the wind and the rain out.

Woolly boots, sliders, crocs (with oversize woolly socks) – great for wearing down to the water and then slipping on afterwards. Avoid laces and thin/tight socks as these are difficult with cold hands and feet!

Water bottle – cold water swimming makes you want to pee a lot because the body responds to the cold stimulus by stripping water from the blood and concentrated blood flows to the core. It’s important to rehydrate after a swim.

Insulated flask – for a warm drink afterwards.

Hot water bottle – game changer for some! Use to wrap your clothes around to keep them toasty and then cuddle afterwards whilst you have your drink.

Wet gear bag – for transporting wet things home after the swim.