More and more folks are embracing swimming in open water, whether this be the sea, lakes and lochs, rivers or other water courses.
But what is in your swim kit bag? What kit is useful to take on an open-water swim? Ultimately swimming is a sport ‘light’ on kit with just a costume and goggles needed for most to get started. But here is my suggested kit list for open-water swimming.
Open Water Swimming Suggested Kit List
Swim costume — for ‘skins’ swimming or use under a wetsuit
Swim hat and goggles — thinner ones when the water is warmer, neoprene ones when the water is colder. Orange ones tend to be easier to see in rivers and lakes and bright green at sea and on coastal swims.
Vaseline or glide — for anti-chaffing
Ear plugs — if you struggle with ear infections
Tow float- my latest tow float has an external section to store energy gels for fueling on the swim. There are lots of great tow floats on the market now.
Swim watch or tracker — optional this one but if you want an accurate distance swam and other data then a decent sports watch is helpful.
Author of the Founders Journal - get full story access here: https://neilmapes.substack.com/. Writing from the Highlands. Founder of Dementia Adventure.
