One question we often get is the difference between a surfing wetsuit and a wetsuit designed for Open Water Swimming. Key Differences in Design and Functionality Surfing wetsuits prioritise warmth, especially when sitting on your board waiting for waves. This means they are generally thicker than Open Water Swimming Wetsuits. Wetsuits work by trapping water, which your body heats, creating an insulating layer. Since you're constantly moving in Open Water Swimming, you don't need as much thickness, and overheating becomes a concern. Prioritising Mobility and Speed A thick layer of neoprene can ..read more

Ever feel a pang of guilt after squeezing into your favourite wetsuit? You're not alone. Traditional neoprene wetsuits, while keeping you warm in the water, can leave a not-so-warm footprint on the environment. But fear not, eco-warriors and water lovers! There's a new wave of swimwear riding in on a tide of sustainability – Yulex® ! So, what exactly is Yulex ? Imagine a wetsuit made from happy little trees! That's basically Yulex. It's a plant-based rubber derived from sustainably harvested Hevea brasiliensis trees, the same kind that give us natural rubber. Unlike its petroleum-based c ..read more

Warmcor are a British brand, they make the Changing Tube - a brand new product to help cold water swimmers get changed post swim. Here we chat to Jenny, one of the Founders to find out all about Warmcor and her wild swimming journey so far.   Where did the idea for the changing tube come about? It came from me being green with envy. I had been struggling with getting changed effectively and quickly after swimming. So when a fellow swimmer said her trick to speedy changing was a boob tube, it got me thinking. I'm rather large-chested so historically I had always found boob tubes a pain to ..read more

Festive swims are exhilarating and often bring people who do not normally venture into open water during the winter months into contact with the incredible experience many of us know well: The buzz of being immersed in cold water.     However fun the experience may be, it is still one that you should take a few precautions before, during and after so that you do not end up ruining what is a truly Great British tradition. Here are a few (but not exhaustive)  to be aware of:    Be Aware of what lays beneath:  Diving head first into submerged rocks or even an u ..read more

Wild swimming in the winter can be a truly exhilarating experience. But it is important to have the right kit to be able to do it not only safely but to allow you to enjoy the experience.  Here we give a run down of our top picks of swimming gear to help you swim through the colder months.  Swimwear Some people prefer to swim in 'skins' which is just a swimsuit or swim shorts but if you are new to wild swimming we would recommend you wear something that can keep you a bit warmer. Wetsuits  Wetsuits can be an excellent tool for open water swimming, providing insulation and b ..read more

The Aphotic swim goggles from HUUB are the perfect choice for swimmers of all levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. They feature photochromatic lenses that automatically adjust to the light conditions, providing optimal visibility in any weather. Here are just a few of the reasons why the Aphotic swim goggles are the best for swimming in all weather conditions from summer to winter, from the gorgeous outdoors to the indoors: Photochromatic lenses: The photochromatic lenses in the Aphotic swim goggles automatically adjust to the light conditions, providing optimal visibility in ..read more

Introducing the Zone 3 Women's Yulex® Natural Rubber Long Sleeve Swimsuit!  We have tried and tested this long sleeve yulex swimsuit and are super excited to share it with all you wild swimmers. BUY HERE Watch our review on You Tube of this swimsuit:  1. ? Eco-Friendly: Yulex® Natural Rubber Ever wished your swimwear could contribute to a greener planet? Well, guess what? This swimsuit does exactly that! Say hello to Yulex® Natural Rubber, a game-changer in the swimwear realm. It's a plant-based alternative to traditional neoprene, drastically reducing the garment's carbon footprint ..read more

Welcome to our blog, where we explore the world of swim gear and bring you the latest recommendations for enhancing your swimming experience. In today's post, we'll introduce you to the top neoprene boots and shoes that cater to individual preferences. Join us as we review the Zone 3 Heat Tech Boots and Fourth Element Rockhopper Shoes, two exceptional choices available at the Wild Swim store. Zone 3 Heat Tech Boots: Embrace Comfort for Longer Swims If you're like Jay, who enjoys longer swims, the Zone 3 Heat Tech Boots are the ideal companion. Jay personally recommends these boots for their a ..read more

   Why Is The Sea is Colder in Spring? The reason why sea temperatures in the UK are often coldest in March and April is due to a phenomenon called "seasonal lag". In the winter months, the air temperature over the sea is colder than the water temperature, causing the water to lose heat to the atmosphere. This process continues until the water temperature reaches its minimum, which typically occurs around late February or early March. However, as the air temperature begins to warm up in the spring months, the water takes longer to warm up due to its high heat capacity. This means th ..read more

Tidal Pools: A Safe Haven for Wild Swimmers If you're an avid swimmer or just looking for an adventure in the water, consider a swim in a tidal pool. Tidal pools are naturally occurring rock pools, usually found on rocky coastlines. These pools are created when the tide recedes, leaving behind a small body of seawater. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of swimming in a tidal pool, what to pack, and how to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Benefits of Winter Swimming in Tidal Pools Swimming in a tidal pool during winter has several benefits. Firstly, tidal pools offer ..read more