What’s in the (Swim) Bag…
Whether you are seasoned wild swimmer or just starting out you’re going to need the right kit. Most of it will be handily found around the house, but some things are well worth an investment.
I’m defining wild swimming here as an activity to enhance wellbeing. For others, open water swimming might be a more serious athletic sport that involves training for long swims, triathlons, endurance adventures, or using it for fitness. But that’s not me, and my kit bag consequently isn’t going to include a fancy watch for timing my stroke, or indeed top-of-the-line anything really. When it comes to wild swimming, I’m a person who loves to take a dip in a nice-looking river or lake, or throws her bulk into the sea whenever possible.
I’m told by my switched-on daughter that a ‘What’s in the bag’ is what’s needed, so here we go. I’ve put some links in so you can see what I tend to use but you’ll find your own favourites in time I’m sure.
THE BAG
At the moment I’m just using any old supermarket shopper I have hanging about. This was fine to start with but when I get out the water I’m finding myself scrabbling around for car keys, vape, thermos mug, bra and knickers. Everything gets tangled in my towel and ends up scattered about the beach or river bank. Speed drying/dressing is essential if you want to avoid freezing your tits off - or worse, becoming hypothermic – so I’m starting to realise a really good bag would be a good investment. A ruck sack is probably the best way to go but they’re so ugly that I’d rather stick with my ‘bag for life’ than be seen dead with one strapped to my back. So, this is definitely one item I haven’t yet got right….
SWIMSUITS & WETSUITS
I choose to swim in a regular swimsuit, with a pair of comfy board shorts over the top when my bikini line looks like a burst open sofa. While there’s a heap of specialist clothing out there, you can quite happily swim outdoors in exactly the same stuff you’d use in the summer. I love my Eres suit because it is the most flattering for my massive mammaries. I haven’t yet got to the point where I’ve needed a rash vest but friends of mine do use them. I’ve just ordered one from Perfect Moment but have yet to give it a go. I’m waiting for the temperature to drop a bit first.
A shortie wetsuit if you are starting out, swimming distances, or it’s super cold, can be a life saver. A wetsuit adds bulk to both your bag and your person when wild swimming, but it can be a very important piece of kit and whilst I’m determined not to used one, the time may come in the new year when I’ll be grateful for both the warmth and the extra buoyancy it provides. If you’re testing the waters of wild swimming, then something cheap will absolutely do the trick. Think of it in the same way thermals are to hiking; worn when needed but not necessary all the time and I’m currently smugly going without.
THE EXTREMITIES
Neoprene gloves and boots however, are a game changer. Hands and feet get painfully cold in the water without them and the boots take away that hideous shock before the real cold hits when submerged. Same with the hat. I only put my face in for a few seconds but when surf is up, I don’t want to get my hair wet.
I‘ve recently bought what can only be described as a rubber balaclava which would be equally at home in an S&M dungeon as my swim bag. Status: currently unused (in ether capacity).
SLIDES, SLIPPERS & BEANIES
I stash my bag somewhere I can see it, then change to slides or slippers to get me to and from the water’s edge. I did have an old pair of Uggs which are falling to pieces and have lately replaced them with some new (non-Ugg) sheepskin booties by Yeti & Sons which I actually prefer. The fact that they are much, much cheaper is a big bonus too. If the walk is short enough, I’ll don the slides from the car with or without socks. This relies on your getting in and out of the water in the same place but your feet will thank that layer underneath for preventing getting cut up on rough ground. The beanie hat is for swimming in cold weather – yes, I wear it to swim in, when I need to. It’s a bonkers look but our extremities get colder quicker so it’s vital to keep your head warm. Wearing one in a bright colour makes you easier to spot in the water too - like a beacon of hardcore athleticism – so this is actually a good safety tip too.
TOWEL
I used to take multiple small towels because I like one to stand on, one for my hair and then one for the rest of me. These three towels (or two towels and a bath mat) take up less space in a bag than one normal beach towel. Since I’m now swimming regularly, I’ve invested in a Dryrobe. Of course, there are those micro-fibre Tesalate things, which are large enough to cover you up without taking up loads of space in your bag and I think this may be next on my list because whilst a regular towel is fine, it doesn’t have the same wicking quality and doesn’t dry as quickly.
WARM CLOTHES
Although you might be warm while you’re swimming, even if you’re taking a cold-water dip, the likelihood is that you’ll get more than a little chilly afterwards at this time of year. Warm layers before and after are a must. You can go simple with leggings or joggers, and a snuggly hoodie but if it’s colder than a hoodie can handle, I’d recommend a puffa jacket or, dare I say, a onsie. I love my OnePiece which I wear with my swimsuit underneath on the way there and commando on the way back. I just keep my fingers crossed I don’t have a car crash on the way home. Feel free to add your own knickers to this equation…
THERMOS & HOT WATER
Heating up from the inside out is crucial so I ALWAYS take a thermos of hot tea with lots of honey. I also bring a bottle filled with boiling hot water which cools down sufficiently to pour over my body to get rid of some of the salt/weed after swim and acts as a thawing gesture for the drive home.
VALUABLES DRYBAG
If you don’t have a friend on the beach/bank to look after your kit, and you’re not happy leaving your valuables on the shoreline, a drybag big enough for your phone and keys is always a good idea. There are lots on the market and they’re not expensive so definitely a worthwhile investment.
For those embarking on wild swimming you’ll have to adjust to many things – not least the fact that you will inevitably look completely ridiculous but if you follow my lead, hopefully you won’t be cold and wet for too long.
Fat Kiss,
Wild Susannah x
Advertising Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, recommendations are entirely my own.
