There was a period when I dismissed the idea of wild swimming, and even the notion of swimming in open water during winter sent shivers down my spine, causing me to quickly zip up my down jacket. After relocating to the Scottish Highlands, I came across a stunning and serene loch nearly at my doorstep. Ignoring the increasingly favored pastime of outdoor swimming would have been impolite, wouldn’t it?
I began during the summer and cautiously (and safely) enhanced my tolerance to chilly water over several months until I could enjoy a dip – followed by an actual swim. I continued swimming throughout the autumn and, when winter came, I was astonished to discover my enthusiasm for dipping even with ice surrounding the water. If you aspire to do likewise, it’s beneficial to heed the advice on wild swimming in Scotland from an expert.
No matter the season, I am consistently careful when entering open water. However, during the chilliest months, my focus on safety intensifies. Leaping into frigid water suddenly can pose risks, even be life-threatening, particularly if you’re not accustomed to outdoor swimming.
I also modify my wild swimming equipment to align with the weather, conditions, and temperatures of both air and water.
The advantages of wild swimming
You might be questioning why I bother swimming when winter arrives. Surely, you may think, it’s far too frosty to be enjoyable. Yet the advantages of open water swimming are plentiful, including enhanced mental health.
Indeed, a study published in the British Medical Journal implies that open water swimming might effectively assist in alleviating symptoms of depression. I consistently experience a significant mental boost after a wild swim, even if I’m only in the water for a brief time.
Physical benefits are also reported, and research in the European Journal of Applied Physiology determined that cold water immersion can lower heart rate and blood pressure while boosting the feel-good neurotransmitter, dopamine.
Another article in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health revealed that cold water swimming can enhance immune and cardiovascular health, albeit more likely for individuals without pre-existing health issues.
Thus, you can see there are numerous justifications for considering the bold endeavor of winter wild swimming.
To persist in swimming in open water throughout the winter, here are some of my equipment considerations.
A water thermometer
I like to know the water temperature in advance of immersing myself. I employ a water thermometer to prep for the chill.
A swimming wetsuit
During the summer, I prefer to swim in open water wearing a swimsuit. My preferred form of wild swimming is a brief swim or “dip.” I don’t find the necessity for a wetsuit for warmth when the water temperature is higher.
Nonetheless, in winter, when the water temperature approaches freezing, I do wear a wetsuit. It may be a shortie style wetsuit with long sleeves but shorter legs, or for extended swims, I’ll opt for a full-length wetsuit. Some swimmers prefer wearing a wetsuit jacket.
Not only is it more comfortable to don a wetsuit in cold water in winter, but it also serves as a safety precaution. While certain swimmers can manage very cold water with just a swimsuit, I find that I can’t sustain my core body temperature for longer than a minute or so.
Wetsuit socks and gloves
I wear wetsuit socks all year, but they’re vital during winter. Wetsuit socks, which are always included in my wild swimming gear inventory, keep my feet warmer and also safeguard the soles from rocks and stones when I enter the water.
As the water temperature drops, I additionally use neoprene gloves. I experience Raynaud’s syndrome, and this necessitates an insulating layer of wetsuit gloves to enable me to swim.
A beanie hat
In winter, I prefer to keep my head above
I enjoy the water when engaging in wild swimming. I also prefer to preserve as much body heat as possible, which is why a wetsuit hat, a beanie, or a bobble hat are vital pieces of equipment.
A swimming companion
During summer, I occasionally swim alone when both water and air temperatures are elevated. I won’t venture too far from the shoreline in case I encounter any trouble in the water. However, in winter, I always swim accompanied by at least one other individual.
Cold water presents several hazards, including the risk of cold water shock and muscle cramps, making it wise to swim with another person close by in case of an emergency.
Swim buoy
A swim buoy – or tow buoy – is another essential item on my wild swimming kit list. Although they are not meant to be flotation devices, if you find yourself in trouble in the water, you can utilize it to aid your buoyancy. They are typically brightly colored, making you more visible in the water if you do experience difficulties, or if a friend is there to assist you.
Insulated swim robe
Come winter, I require significantly more post-swim warmth, and thus I always wear an insulated swim robe. Exiting the water and remaining warm while drying off can prove to be challenging in low air temperatures. A high-quality swim robe can greatly enhance your comfort. Our editor Rosee Woodland, a passionate wild swimmer, highly recommends the Red EVO Pro changing robe.
Warm apparel
Post-cold water swimming in winter necessitates a lot more clothing, especially warmer layers. The goal is to maintain my core body temperature with good-quality base layers, mid-layers, and a down jacket. I also pack highly insulated winter gloves, a dry and warm hat, as well as hiking socks and walking boots.
I change and dry off as swiftly as possible, then layer up and add my changing robe on top.
Hot water bottle
I bring a filled hot water bottle to my favorite wild swimming location. I have a hot water bottle that fits into a large pocket of my swim robe. This is an excellent winter warmer after swimming in cold water.
Warm beverage and snacks
Another addition to my wild swimming gear for winter is a hiking flask filled with a hot beverage. If I feel warm inside, I’ll feel warmer overall.
I often feel hungry after a swim or dip, even if brief, so I pack a snack as well to help maintain my energy and warmth.
Bigger backpack
With all the extra gear to transport, along with a flask and snacks, I require a larger backpack during winter for wild swimming. I typically use a 35l or 40l hiking pack for my winter swimming essentials.