Swim hats and neoprene caps 
As you move through the seasons, you’ll go from a silicone cap to a neoprene hat, to a thermal hat and maybe even a hood.  

Top tip: Double up your hats for extra warmth.  

Neoprene gloves and socks  
Keeping the extremities warm is sometimes all you need, especially if you’re a hardy swimmer! Neoprene gloves and swim socks are great if you suffer from Raynaud's disease. Choose a snug fit – they'll be of no benefit if they are too big.  

Top tip: Do you bring a flask of herbal tea with you for after your swim? Fill your socks and gloves with the warm tea or water before you get into the sea – mint will keep your gear smelling fresh too! 

Neoprene shorts or swimsuit 
Not quite ready for a full wetsuit? Neoprene one pieces and neoprene shorts help keep the core warm.  

Baselayers 
Pair up or layer up with a baselayer. Designed for women and men, the baselayers can be worn on their own or under a wetsuit on especially cold days.  Long sleeve baselayers also available.

Wetsuit 
A 3mm wetsuit can make all the difference to how long you stay in the water. Check out our Orca wetsuits for beginner swimmers to triathletes. Designed especially for swimming, the Yamamoto neoprene is flexible and provides buoyancy where you need it most.  
Top tip: hang your wetsuit by the waist to dry (rather than from the shoulders). 

Tow Float 
Attach a tow float to your body when you’re swimming in the sea. It’s great for visibility and many come with pockets to store your essentials like keys and phone.  

Top tip: don’t swim alone! 

GPS Tracker 
Pop one on your wrist if your serious about your swim sessions.  

Goggles 
Choose a pair of swim goggles that feels comfortable on your face – large, small etc. Hold the goggles to your eye sockets, press firmly to create suction. If they stay in place for a few seconds, that’s a good sign they’re a good fit. You can adjust as necessary with the straps and nose pieces. For sea swimming you need to be able to spot your markers, so choose an anti-fog goggle and a polarised or photochromatic lens that adjusts to the light. 
Top tip: Don’t have an anti-fog wipe handy? Saliva is a good alternative! 

Ear Plugs 
Avoid surfers ear and pop in your ear plugs. Surf Ears work really well at keeping the water out and letting sound in. 

Top tip: Your neoprene headband works well to hold your earplugs in place.  

Change Robe 
You need to get changed and stay warm as quickly as you can after your swim. Choose from a range of dryrobes, ponchos, dryrobe towels and parkas.  

Top tip: Don’t have a hot shower until your body has returned to normal temperature.