HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR OPEN WATER SWIMMING
If you are starting out in the world of open water swimming, it is perfectly normal to have doubts and questions, particularly regarding the equipment to buy, the type of wetsuit to use, the thickness of the neoprene, accessories…
Obviously, there are several possible answers to each question, as all swimmers are different and have specific needs, particularly depending on their experience and goals.
Therefore, an experienced swimmer who has trained in the sea for years and knows the area intimately will not need the same equipment as a beginner. The context also differs depending on whether one is swimming in winter or summer, whether one plans to participate in a swimming or triathlon competition, or if the goal is simply to swim for pleasure.
THE IMPORTANCE OF OPEN WATER EXPERIENCE IN CHOOSING EQUIPMENT
Aside from the essential swim cap and goggles (preferably polarized to avoid the discomfort caused by the sun), if you have little or no experience in the sea, safety and comfort are paramount. Beginner swimmers will want to feel comfortable and confident, so they can start without worrying about the cold or any difficulties their new equipment might present. Therefore, a wetsuit that offers great flexibility, neutral buoyancy, and adequate thermal insulation is ideal for embarking on this new open water adventure.
Regarding safety, visibility is obviously crucial. Being clearly visible at sea is fundamental, especially if you have little open water experience or are unfamiliar with the area where you plan to swim. Wearing items such as a high-visibility swim cap (made of neoprene or silicone depending on the water temperature), a buoy , or a wetsuit with orange sleeves will provide added safety during training sessions and prevent alarming other swimmers, surfers, or boats.
The buoy, in addition to offering high visibility, is an essential piece of equipment that swimmers should always wear in open water. Not only is it a basic safety accessory, but it also provides extra buoyancy, allowing swimmers to pause and recover, and helps to carry personal belongings safely, conveniently, and waterproofly.
DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES
Regardless of our level of experience in open water swimming, the necessary materials and accessories will vary depending on the goals we set for ourselves.
For example, if you want to try swimming in cold water, you'll naturally consider using a wetsuit with superior thermal insulation to minimize the amount of cold water entering your body. Similarly, you should also consider neoprene accessories such as neoprene caps or hoods, booties, and gloves, which offer maximum body heat retention to help you withstand low temperatures for longer.
If, on the other hand, you want to swim in warmer waters, while maintaining buoyancy and a great freedom of movement, you might look for a sleeveless wetsuit or perhaps opt for a two-piece wetsuit that can be worn alternately depending on the context.
If your goal is competition, your needs will differ depending on whether you're doing a triathlon or long-distance swimming. For a triathlon, for example, you won't just focus on flexibility and buoyancy (depending on your level), but you'll also want a wetsuit that's particularly easy to put on and take off, allowing for the fastest possible transitions. On the other hand, if you're preparing for an ocean crossing involving long hours in the water, you'll need to prioritize thermal insulation to avoid being bothered by the cold.
Numerous options and variations are available, but each swimmer knows best what suits them best when choosing their own open water swimming equipment. Therefore, as we have indicated, we must first consider our experience and objectives before selecting the items that best meet our needs and intended use.
