Early in the morning, a certain silence descends upon a river, the bank still dark beneath the tree line, the current flowing just quickly enough to be noticeable. It’s lovely. It’s also genuinely harsh if you’re unprepared. River swimming isn’t like swimming in a pool with lifeguards and lane ropes. The moment you push off from the bank, you’re on your own in ways that feel different, the water is colder than you anticipated currents change without warning.
Because of this, gear is more important than most novices realize not because it makes open water safe, but rather because being cold, invisible, or trapped without a way to float can quickly turn a challenging swim into a dangerous one.
The wetsuit should come first. Experienced open-water swimsuits wear them for protection and buoyancy in addition to warmth during the warmer months. A properly fitted wetsuit keeps you higher in the water and increases the amount of time you can stay there before your body begins to lose its ability to regulate its temperature.
Even in early summer, a thermal wetsuit is worth considering for river swims, where chilly pockets of water can suddenly appear depending on depth and shade. It’s a common error to assume that the temperature of the air provides any useful information about the water. It doesn’t.
A neoprene baselayer performs silent but crucial work beneath the wetsuit. In practical terms, it prevents the wetsuit from sitting directly against bare skin for an hour or longer, which is when chafing becomes a serious issue.
It also wicks moisture away from the skin, which helps regulate body temperature. It is worthwhile to apply anti-chafing cream to the neck and underarms prior to each extended swim. Waterproof formulas are more durable. Up until the third kilometer, that detail seems insignificant.
A silicone swim cap in a vibrant color is a must. The most basic form of self-care in open water is being visible to other swimsuits, anglers boat traffic in rivers. The cap allows some heat to enter through the head, which is more important than most people realize. A neoprene hood is worth the investment if you swim in the winter because you lose a lot of body heat through your head, which affects how long you can stay in.
In addition to making you visible, a tow float allows you to rest without having to fight the current. Although it’s not a life jacket and won’t save an unconscious swimmer, it’s practically necessary as a visibility aid and is now required for admission to many organized open water venues. Certain models can also be used as dry bags, which is discreetly helpful for keeping snacks and a phone close at hand while swimming. It’s important to know before purchasing one.
Goggles are often neglected until they malfunction in the middle of a swim, which is an awful experience. Brand names are not as important as anti-fog lenses and a dependable seal. On sunny days when the river surface is hard to read, polarized or UV-tinted lenses come in very handy. It’s challenging to navigate effectively when you can hardly see through reflected glare.
It’s not easy to get out of the water. One of those pieces of equipment you undervalue until the first time you stand on a riverbank in November, hands shaking attempt to put on a jumper is a changing robe that zips to the knees and serves as a windproof shelter.
The robe simultaneously manages warmth, dignity dressing. The image is completed with a flask of hot liquid and a microfiber towel. The best course of action is to gradually warm up with a hot drink instead of taking a hot shower if your core temperature continues to drop after leaving cold water. It’s not appropriate to drive before the shivering stops.
Neoprene socks and gloves greatly increase your range into cooler conditions for longer river swims. In cold water, hands quickly lose their ability to function. This is not only uncomfortable, but it also poses a safety risk. In addition to keeping everything organized, a swim bag with specific wet gear sections prevents your dry clothes from absorbing the general dampness that seems to accompany any open water kit.
How ready you are doesn’t really matter to the river. Preparation affects both the length of time you spend in the river and how it feels.
i) https://zone3.com/blogs/inside-zone3/open-water-swimming-kit-list
ii) https://www.yourswimlog.com/open-water-swimming-gear/
iii) https://wildswimmap.co.uk/news/wild-swimming-kit-list.html