Wild Swimming Essentials
Top Tips || Guides || Swim Spots
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WILD SWIMMING
Whether you’re just starting your wild swimming journey or you’ve been dipping for years, these are the tips, tricks and bits of kit we’ve learned (often the hard way). Think of it as our central guide - a mix of practical advice, mistakes we’ve made ourselves, and the essentials we wouldn’t swim without.
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WE TEST || WE SELECT || WE STOCK
At the Wild Swim Store we test every product ourselves, only adding it to our curated selection after asking ourselves:
Is this really going to enhance our swim experience?
SHOP THE WILD SWIMMING ESSENTIALS
The Top 5 Things We Wouldn't Go Swimming Without
Our essential kit list, the non-negotiables that come on every swim.
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1. Photochromatic Goggles
These lenses on these special goggles automatically adjust to changing light, so whether the sun breaks through or the clouds roll in, your vision stays crystal clear.
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2. A LongSleeve Swimsuit/ Wetsuit
Tam’s go-to for year round swimming is the LongSleeve swimsuit. It provides freedom of movement with added warmth while Jay prefers a wetsuit for longer swim sessions. Either way, having that extra layer makes all the difference to comfort and endurance.
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3. A Tow Float
For safety and visibility, a tow float is an essential piece of kit. It keeps you seen by other water users. It’s a small piece of kit that adds a huge amount of security.
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4. A Changing Matt
A changing mat keeps your feet clean while you change, especially on muddy banks or stony beaches. Then being able to carry home all your wet swim kit in one carry bag is a game-changer!
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5. A Snug Bud
The SNUG BUD® is every cold-water swimmer’s dream! This wearable body warmer comes with a hand-warming sleeve, making it the perfect companion for those chilly post-swim moments. Wrap up, get cosy, and let it help you restore warmth after your dip. A must-have for your kit bag.
A Family Business Founded on Generational Love for the Sea.
Our love for the sea has flowed through the generations from our dear late Granny, who swam in the Cornish seas right up until her passing, through the famous Mama Swim to the swimming siblings Tam & Jay.
SWIM SAFER
Wild swimming is an exhilarating experience. Great for the mind and body, but there are a few basic things you need to understand before heading out. Knowing how your body reacts to cold water, what to do if things go wrong, and how to make yourself visible are all part of staying safe. Master these essentials, and you’ll not only enjoy your swims more, but also do so with confidence.
Change Warmer
Wild swimming is an exhilarating experience. Great for the mind and body, but there are a few basic things you need to understand before heading out. Knowing how your body reacts to cold water, what to do if things go wrong, and how to make yourself visible are all part of staying safe. Master these essentials, and you’ll not only enjoy your swims more, but also do so with confidence.
Tow Float FAQs
Q: What size tow float do I need?
A: For most swimmers, the 28L Ultimate is perfect — large enough for kit, without adding drag. Backpack floats are best if you’re combining swim with run/cycle.
Q: Can I use a tow float in rough conditions?
A: Yes, but when heading out through breakers, hold it in your hand to stop waves from ripping it away. Once past the chop, it tows behind you smoothly.
Q: Can I use a tow float to rest on if I get tired?
A: No — floats are for visibility and carrying kit, not life-saving. Never swim further than you’re confident to cover.