Swimming in open water is an invigorating and thrilling experience that can take your swimming skills to the next level. Whether you're looking to compete in open water races or just enjoy a swim in the great outdoors, there are a few important things you need to know to stay safe and comfortable.
Open Water Safety
Before you hit the water, it's essential to understand the risks associated with open water swimming. Unlike swimming in a pool, open water swimming can pose a range of hazards, from strong currents and tides to hidden obstacles and wildlife. That's why it's critical to take necessary safety precautions to protect yourself.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance your safety during open water swimming is to wear a bright neon swim cap and carry a bright-coloured swim buoy. These accessories help make you more visible to other swimmers, boaters, and emergency personnel in case of an emergency. At our store, we now have neon silicone and latex caps and Swim Buddy Touring and Racer in various bright colours.
If you're an open water swimmer looking for a reliable swim buoy to enhance your safety and performance, Swim Buddy has you covered. The Swim Buddy Touring is a lightweight, durable, inflatable buoy that boasts a bright-coloured design, adjustable waist belt, and spacious storage compartment to keep your belongings dry. It also provides extra buoyancy and support to help you swim better and longer. On the other hand, the Swim Buddy Racer is a more compact and streamlined buoy, ideal for competitive swimmers who want to minimize drag and improve their speed. It can be attached directly to your leg or thigh and doesn't require a waist belt. Both Swim Buddy models have their unique features and advantages, so choose the one that suits your needs and preferences the most.
In addition to these safety accessories, it's also crucial to follow safe swimming practices. Always swim with a partner or a group, stay aware of your surroundings, and never push yourself beyond your abilities.
Wetsuits for Open Water Swimming
Another essential piece of gear for open water swimming is a wetsuit. A wetsuit can help keep you warm, improve your buoyancy, and protect you from the elements. At our store, we're excited to offer the Aquasphere Pursuit wetsuit, which is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate swimmers on a budget.
The Aquasphere Pursuit wetsuit is made of high-quality neoprene material that provides excellent flexibility and comfort while maintaining buoyancy. It features an easy-to-use zipper for quick on and off, and its hydrodynamic design helps reduce drag and improve performance.
Neoprene Gear for Open Water Swimming
To keep yourself even warmer in the water, we also offer neoprene gloves, socks, and swim cap. These accessories are designed to keep your extremities warm and help you swim more comfortably in cold water.
Neoprene gear works by trapping a thin layer of water between your skin and the gear, which your body then warms up, creating an insulating layer. This layer helps keep your body temperature stable and prevents heat loss, which can be dangerous in cold water.
Fins for Open Water Swimming
If you're an open water swimmer looking for fins that can help enhance your performance, the DMC Elite Max fins may be worth considering. These fins are designed with a focus on comfort, efficiency, and durability, which are all important factors for open water swimming. The soft foot pockets of the DMC Elite Max fins can help prevent blisters and chafing, which is especially helpful for swimmers who may be spending extended periods of time in the water. The fins are also designed to provide efficient propulsion while reducing drag, which can be helpful in open water environments where swimmers may face currents or choppy waves. Additionally, the lightweight and compact design of the DMC Elite Max fins makes them easy to pack and transport, while the use of high-quality materials ensures durability even with regular use. However, it's important to remember that the suitability of any fins for open water swimming ultimately depends on the individual swimmer's preferences, needs, and swimming style.
Goggles for Open Water Swimming
Aquasphere Vista goggles are a popular choice for open water swimmers due to their comfortable fit, wide field of vision, and anti-fog coating. The goggles are designed to provide a secure and leak-free seal, which is important for open water swimmers who may encounter rougher waters or waves. The wide field of vision also allows for better peripheral vision, which can be helpful when navigating in open water. Additionally, the anti-fog coating helps to prevent the goggles from fogging up in colder water temperatures or humid conditions. Team Aquatic Supplies also now carries the Vorgee Vortech Polarized Goggle, which features polarized lenses to reduce glare and provide better visibility in bright sunlight or glare from the water's surface. The Vorgee Vortech Polarized Goggle also has a comfortable silicone seal and adjustable straps to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for a variety of face shapes and sizes. With its polarized lenses and comfortable fit, the Vorgee Vortech Polarized Goggle is an excellent choice for open water swimmers looking to improve their visibility and performance in sunny conditions.
In conclusion, open water swimming can be a fun and exciting way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors, but it's essential to prioritize safety and comfort. By following safe swimming practices and wearing appropriate gear like neon swim caps, bright-coloured swim buoys, wetsuits, and neoprene gear, you can enjoy a comfortable and safe open water swimming experience. Keep an eye out for our upcoming stock of Aquasphere Pursuit wetsuits and other gear, and happy swimming!