If you want to be able to take to the water all-year-round, you\u2019ll need to make sure you\u2019ve got the best cold water swimming gear. Here\u2019s our pick of the best kit\u2026Choosing the best cold water swimming gear can be an overwhelming experience. With so many options on the market, it\u2019s hard to know what\u2019s essential and what\u2019s overkill.
\nHere at Yachting World, our reviewers have covered all the kit you might need from the best winter wetsuits to the best swim gloves and everything in between.
\nAnd if you\u2019re still having doubts about taking the plunge, check out our sister title Practical Boat Owner\u2019s guide to cold water swimming for beginners.<\/p>\n
Best cold water swimming wetsuit
\nUnless you\u2019re lucky enough to live in a region where the water temperature reliably stays above 15C, you\u2019re going to need a wetsuit.
\nBetween 3.2\u20135.3mm neoprene thickness gives the ideal balance of insulation and flexibility, but make sure to pick a full-body wetsuit instead of a shortie wetsuit to keep the warmth in.
\nO\u2019Neill is the world\u2019s largest wetsuit manufacturer, and our pick of their cold water wetsuit range is the Epic 4\/3mm Back Zip GBS Wetsuit.
\nPBO editor Alison Wood has been using hers for more than ten years, and reports that it\u2019s excellent value for money.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Best cold water swim caps
\nOnce you\u2019ve bought a wetsuit, the next essential purchase is a cold water swimming cap \u2013 after all, 7% of your body heat is lost from your head.
\nOur resident cold water swimming expert Sian Lewis recommends the Patagonia R3 Yulex cap, which is made from a more environmentally friendly version of neoprene.
\nMade from sustainable plant-based rubber, the R3 Yulex uses 68% recycled materials and includes a soft thermal lining for added warmth.
\nBuy Patagonia R3 Yulex Cap from patagonia.com<\/p>\n
Best cold water swimming gloves
\nAnyone who\u2019s tried to take off a wetsuit with frozen hands will know how important a decent pair of cold water swimming gloves is.
\nAgain, it\u2019s a trade-off between warmth and flexibility here, with 3mm neoprene providing a good compromise.
\nThe Patagonia Yulex range is an option here too, but Sian Lewis\u2019 top pick is the Zone 3 Neoprene Heat Tech Gloves, which are packed with premium features.
\nLiquid-sealed seams trap in heat, a clever titanium lining further reflects warmth, longer-length wrists fit easily under a wetsuit, while the wrist strap ensures you can get a snug fit.
\nBuy Zone 3 Neoprene Heat Tech Swim Gloves from wiggle.co.uk<\/p>\n
Best cold water swimming boots
\nYou\u2019ve covered your body, head and hands, so the only thing left (short of a neoprene balaclava) is a top-quality pair of cold water swimming boots.
\nNot only will these keep your feet warm, but they\u2019ll also protect them against underwater hazards like sharp rocks and sea urchins.
\nGetting a 5-star review from Sian Lewis, our top pick is the Vibram FiveFingers V-Aqua outdoor swim shoes.
\nThey may look a little unusual, but they give the wearer better balance and feel as close as possible to going barefoot, and are impressively lightweight at just 112g per shoe.
\nBuy Vibram FiveFingers V Aqua from amazon.co.uk<\/p>\n
Best tow floats for cold water swimming
\nOffering safety and convenience in one handy package, tow floats are a brilliant addition to any cold water swimming gear collection.
\nAll the best tow floats for cold water swimming are brightly coloured to make you more visible to rowers, sailors or anyone else who might crash into you.
\nA fine choice here is the Zone 3 Swim Safety Buoy and Dry Bag, which has separate dry bag and inflation chambers for added buoyancy. This model can carry up to 28L, which is more than enough for your wallet, keys and phone.
\nBuy Zone 3 Swim Safety Buoy and Dry Bag from wiggle.co.uk<\/p>\n
Best changing robes for cold water swimming
\nOnce you\u2019re ready to come out, having a post-swim changing robe at the ready is a must. Not only will it help you warm up faster, but it will protect your modesty while changing on the beach or on the deck of an open boat.
\nFast becoming the Hoover of changing robes, Dryrobe is the market leader here. Their Advance Long Sleeve Robe is our pick of the bunch, lined with recycled nylon and polyester for a lambswool-soft feel.
\nIt\u2019s not the cheapest option by any means, but it\u2019s a worthwhile investment, as it makes the cold water swimming experience much more enjoyable.
\nBuy Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve Robe on Amazon
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.
\nThe post Best cold water swimming gear: 6 essential items for a winter dip appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you want to be able to take to the water all-year-round, you\u2019ll need to make sure you\u2019ve got the best cold water swimming gear. Here\u2019s our pick of the best kit\u2026Choosing the best cold water swimming gear can be … <\/p>\n