Swimming Caps

If you are a regular swimmer, you probably already own a swimming cap to protect your luscious locks from the harm of the chlorinated pool. If you are thinking of ditching your cap for your open water swim, don’t. While the waters are free from harmful chemicals, the swimming cap you are wearing will keep you warm in the cold waters.

Moreover, they will ensure that you are easily visible in the dangerous waters. So, bring along your brightest swimming cap along with you for your open water swim!

Goggles

Finding the right pair of goggles can be tough, but once you find the perfect fit, you can enjoy a clear field of vision when swimming.

Check the lens of the pair you own before going to open water. If you were mainly swimming indoors before, chances are that you have clear or light colored lenses. Switch to tinted or mirrored lenses instead in order to reduce the glare of the bright sun and see objects clearer.

You may find the view of your pool goggles too restrictive as well. You will always need to constantly stay alert and take note of your surroundings while navigating in the dangerous waters. Consider open water goggles, which are specially designed to have wider lenses to improve your visibility and field of vision.

Wetsuits

Unfortunately, unlike swimming pools that can be heated, the open waters are cold and unforgiving. In addition to the swimming cap that you are wearing, consider replacing your regular swim wear with wet suits. Not only can long sleeves shelter you from the harsh sun, the thin layer of water between your body and the suit insulates heat and helps to keep you warm too. The wetsuit is one of the main key ways to combat the cold, so do take this into consideration. The natural buoyancy they have is a bonus!

Do ensure that your wetsuit has the right fit. If it is too tight, it can restrict your movements, and if too large, the constant flow of water that enters the openings will slow you down.

Gloves and Socks

Are you exceptionally scared of the cold? Since the legs and feet are usually the first to cramp, it is vital that you keep them warm. There are swimming socks out in the market that are designed for the open waters, helping to keep your feet warm and mostly dry.

Don’t neglect your hands, keep them warm with swimming gloves too! Keep an eye out for the materials used, and prepare accordingly for different temperatures.

Swimming Buoy

However strong a swimmer you think you are, mother nature can be unpredictable and there is no fighting the gigantic waves. Safety is an especially important consideration when you are vulnerable in the open waters. Cramping in the swimming pool is scary enough, but while you are surrounded by people and easily sighted in the swimming pool, you may find yourself far from shore and alone in the open waters when you are tired or cramping.

This is why you should swim with a brightly colored open water swimming buoy. In addition to increasing your visibility to other boaters, swimmers and lifeguards, you can also use the buoy to take a break from swimming.

Nutrition

Swimming is an aerobic exercise that can burn a lot of calories. When you are in the open seas trying to swim against the currents, you can find yourself feeling drained much faster than usual. Therefore, do pack an energy bar or isotonic drink to replenish your energy after a long open water swim.

Other than the different colors, the lens of the goggles can be mirrored as well. The mirrored coat applied to tinted lenses is perfect for outdoors as it protects your eyes from brightness and glare.

Swimming in the open waters? On top of picking a pair of dark mirrored goggles to reduce the glare of the sun off the water, try out a red or blue tinted pair of goggles. These coloured tints can help you spot objects such as colored buoys and vegetation better.

Most swim goggles now offer anti-fog coating and UV protection as well. Do remember to keep a lookout for them when choosing your pair!

And for all of us that unfortunately aren’t blessed with perfect eyesight, no fear! Most manufacturers nowadays provide prescription goggles for us.

Additional Products

Although wetsuits can keep you warm, do take note that it may feel uncomfortable after a while. As the wetsuit rubs against your skin, uncomfortable rashes may occur. This is when an anti-chafe stick comes in. The waxy substance can be found in swim shops and it helps protect your skin from irritation. Apply them to areas that are prone to irritation, such as underarms and neck.

Slather on sunscreen on exposed skin to shield yourself from the sun, especially on your face and neck. You wouldn’t want to risk looking like a panda if your face is more tanned than your eye area after removing your goggles, right? Remember to read the fine print on the bottle before applying! The higher the SPF, the more UV protection it offers. Also, make sure that the sunscreen is waterproof. Don’t waste your time and effort in covering every inch of exposed skin only for it to be washed off by the waters!

Invest in aquatic earplugs if you dislike the sensation of water in your ear. The ear plugs will seal and protect your ears from the cold open waters. Likewise, nose clips will prevent water from going up your nose.

Conclusion

Swimming in a new environment can be daunting, so do your due research to prepare for your open water swim. Enroll in Open Water Swimming programs to hone your skills and prepare yourself for the unpredictable waters. Learn skills such as treading water and perfect your breaststroke and freestyle before heading to the open sea. Added on, do check the temperature of the waters in advance and plan your swimwear accordingly. Pack all your essentials in a waterproof bag and you are ready to go!

Hello everyone! My passion for sports writing stems from my day of competing for Nanyang Technological University's Archery team. I was also an avid swimmer when I was young. Other than that, I draw knowledge from my hobby in music and reading to relate to my readers. Hope you enjoy them!