What is the best style of swimming in open water?
Other strokes—Most of your open water swimming will be done with freestyle as it’s the fastest and most efficient. There are occasions, however, in which other strokes come in handy. If you’re way off course and must make a correction, it’s good to have a decent breaststroke. Stay shallow and close to the water’s edge, swimming parallel to it so that it’s easier to get out and you know more quickly if a current or tidal movement is taking you off course. Use whichever forward stroke is most comfortable – but avoid backstroke as it’s harder to keep track of where you’re headed.One of the best breathing techniques for open water swimming is bilateral breathing. This means taking breaths on both sides, alternating every few strokes. By doing so, you develop a balanced stroke and maintain a steady rhythm in the water.
Can you open water swim without a wetsuit?
Winter swimming without a wetsuit is becoming more popular, with swimmers often just wearing wetsuit boots, gloves, and a warm hat. If you are doing this, keep the swim short and look for other cold-water swimmers to swim with. Modern wetsuits aren’t just warm – they’re engineered for performance. Whether you’re racing in your first sprint triathlon or aiming for a PR in open water, the right wetsuit can help you swim faster, more efficiently, and with less fatigue.When the water temperature measures between 50 and 65 degrees, wetsuits are strongly encouraged, and some races may require their use. Between 65 and 78 degrees, it’s typically the athlete’s choice of whether to wear a wetsuit.Most competitive swimmers wear special swimsuits including partial bodysuits, racerback styles, jammers and racing briefs to assist their glide through the water thus gaining a speed advantage. For diving in water temperatures above 25 °C (77 °F), special bodysuits called dive skins are worn.A 5mm neoprene thickness is ideal for water temperatures between 10°C and 15°C, offering warmth and a fair amount of flexibility for activities like surfing or diving. In warmer waters above 15°C, it may feel too warm, and a thinner wetsuit (3mm or 2mm) is a better choice.
Why don’t open water swimmers wear wetsuits?
You don’t need a wetsuit for open water swimming. However, without one in the UK, you will quickly become uncomfortably cold. So, if you are the sort of wild swimmer who dips in the water for 10-15 minutes to help support your cardiovascular system, then investing in a swim wetsuit might be counterproductive. Wet suits don’t keep you dry, but they can keep you warm. Wet suits are made of waterproof, closed-cell, foam-rubber (neoprene) which insulates even when wet. The two main things that determine how warm you will be are the thickness of the neoprene and the snugness of the wet suit.When it comes to wearing anything under your swimsuit, it’s entirely up to you. Swimsuits are crafted to be worn solo, providing you with the freedom and flexibility to enjoy your time in the water without additional layers.In most cases, the answer is no, you don’t need to wear a bra under a swimsuit. That’s because most modern swimsuits are designed with built-in support—including features like underwired cups, removable padding, shelf bras, or power mesh linings—to provide shape, lift, and security.The main disadvantage of wetsuits is that they can still be quite cold in colder water temperatures, as they allow water to enter and then warm up against the body. They also require more frequent replacement than drysuits, as the neoprene material can degrade over time.
Is there a difference between a bathing suit and a swim suit?
While both terms are commonly thought to be synonymous, swimsuit is becoming the more popular term for swimwear. This is mainly due to the growing popularity of water-based activities and sports since the term covers a broader range of garments. Key Differences While both types of garments are acceptable for wearing by the pool or at the beach, only swimsuits are designed to withstand submersion in water. Wearing a bathing suit to go swimming could result in a damaged garment, as well as an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.The key is finding the sweet spot between thickness, buoyancy and mobility. A thinner wetsuit will provide less warmth and buoyancy but more mobility, and a thicker wetsuit will keep you warmer and buoyant but can be more constrictive and uncomfortable for swimming.Insulated Clothing: For cold-water activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, insulated clothing designed for cold weather can be an alternative to a wetsuit. Drysuits: If you’re engaging in diving or other activities where you want to stay completely dry, a drysuit might be a better option.Yes, wetsuits tend to add a little bit of buoyancy. No, they do not prevent you from drowning.Do you need a wetsuit for open water swimming? Yes, we recommend that you always wear a wetsuit when swimming in the sea or open water. It’ll help you stay warm and can increase your buoyancy, so you can stay in the water for longer before tiring.