Of course people have been swimming in cold water for years without any specialist kit but there are several items which will not only keep your safer but enhance your experience and allow you to swim all the way through the Winter.
When the water is colder than 10C which, in the UK, is likely to be between November and April, a healthy layer of neoprene on your core and extremities will keep you insulated and Seal in your warmth. Wearing a full neoprene wetsuit takes away the pleasure and adrenaline which swimming in cold water bestows but a bit of neoprene provides much needed comfort and protection.
Gloves
Firstly, a pair of warm and comfortable neoprene gloves can prevent fingers and knuckles from hurting in cold water. This is usually the first area of discomfort if left unprotected and when the water temperature drops, painful fingers may spoil your swim. Invest in good quality gloves and your swim can be longer and more comfortable. Consider buying gloves that have some colour on them so that, in natural and murky water, your hands can be seen.
Swim socks
At the other end of your body, your feet will benefit from added protection. Blood flow to the extremities decreases in cold water but warm and comfy neoprene socks stop feet and toes aching so that you can use them to kick effectively and enjoy your swim. An added bonus is that your boots will protect your feet when entering and exiting the water. Mud can be inconvenient and time-consuming to wipe away when you want to get your cosy socks on but neoprene boots prevent that faff. Sharp stones and bumpy pebbles are very difficult to feel post swim when your feet are numb, making it easy to cut your feet without realising it and difficult to negotiate the walk back to your kit. Even if you are swimming in an outdoor pool, the walk from changing rooms to pool and back again is more comfortable if your feet are protected. Again, choose neoprene with some colour so that you are visible.
Neoprene hat
Having a good, well-fitting hat is crucial to keeping you safe when swimming outdoors. If you don’t wear a good quality neoprene hat, you will get brain freeze, your head will pound and you will lose body heat. Consider doubling up on hats when the water is below 10c; you could wear an ordinary silicone summer swim hat with a neoprene on top to Seal in that body warmth. You won’t get headaches and will find that your ears feel protected too. When changing pre swim, try putting your hats on first to preserve your body heat and later, after your swim, once you are dry and dressed, your hat can be quickly whisked off and exchanged for a woolly one keeping as much heat in your head that you can. Always swim with a coloured hat so everyone, swimmers, lifeguards, boats, surfers etc, can see you.
Neoprene swimming costume
The favourite piece of cold water swimming kit is undoubtedly the neoprene swimming costume. Invest in a neoprene cossie and you will never, ever regret it. When the water is cold the costume’s high neck keeps your chest, and very importantly your back, protected. It also protects your core and keeps its temperature from dropping too quickly. You will find that the initial involuntary gasp and shock of entering the cold water is easier to manage with a zip up costume. However you will still get all the benefits of your cold water efforts. Your arms and your legs are free to move and you can still feel the wonderful tingle of cold all over them as you relax and embrace the great outdoors.
Changing Robe
Last but not least, the best and most luxurious item on a cold water swimming kit list is the changing robe. What a treat which, after braving the elements, feels all the more well deserved. Whether swimming at the beach, a river, lake or lido, the changing robe protects you as you whisk off your wet kit and rub yourself dry. It keeps in the heat from a warm shower at the lido and reassures the mind and body for that dash from showers to arctic changing cubicles. When showers are not an option, and some people prefer warming up naturally, a changing robe keeps your body temperature stable and prevents that post swim ‘drop’ which can leave you fumbling and shivery. DO consider how bulky and heavy your changing robe is. Invest in one that can be carried in a bag, or folds into its own bag. There are beautifully warm changing robes on the market which are not bulky and do not weigh a ton so that you won’t be put off using it if walking or cycling to your swim.
Some or all of the above make brilliant additions to your swimming kit. You’ll find them invaluable in Winter, heartening in Autumn/Spring and surprisingly helpful even in the Summer months.