Cold lakes, choppy seas, dawn dips — open water swimmers need kit that keeps them safe, seen and warm.
Every pick works for everything from a Sunday lido to a channel attempt.
Swim earplugs
Keeps the cold water out of their ears.
Open water · Marathon swimming
Bright silicone swim cap
Be seen. Stay warm.
Open water · Marathon swimming
Anti-chafe balm
The unsung hero of every long day.
Marathon · Ultra-running · Open water · Ultra-cycling
Thermal swim socks
Tiny, cheap, and the difference between toes and no toes in January.
Open water
Sports bath salts tin
A long, hot soak after Boxing Day miles — a stocking filler that gets used.
Marathon · Ultra-running · Open water
Festive swim cap trio
Three bright silicone caps: easy for boats to spot, and a splash of Christmas on the start line.
Marathon swimming · Open water
Short swim paddles
Upper-body strength work for swimmers training through the dark months.
Open water · Marathon swimming
Anti-fog swim goggles
Clear sightlines for the whole length.
Open water · Marathon swimming
Neoprene swimming gloves
Saves fingers in November dips so the focus stays on stroke, not numb hands.
Open water · Marathon swimming
Kickboard and pull-buoy set
Pool work that pays off in open water: legs off, upper body doing the miles.
Marathon swimming · Open water
Tow float with dry bag
Safety plus a spot for keys.
Open water · Marathon swimming
Thermal swim balaclava
Keeps ears and scalp warm on dawn swims and slips under a cap without rubbing.
Open water · Marathon swimming