Open Water Swimming Guide: Gear, Safety and Tips for Beginners

(by Gian Maria D'Amici)

1. Why start open water swimming

Open water swimming offers unmatched freedom: no lanes, no walls to push off, just you and nature. It’s a complete sport that combines physical training, mental well-being, and a spirit of adventure. It’s perfect for those seeking new challenges, wanting to escape routine, or simply loving the water. Whether you're gliding through a calm lake at dawn or facing the waves of the open sea, every stroke becomes a moment of deep connection with your surroundings. Open water swimming isn’t just a sport — it’s a way of life. It teaches respect for nature, breathing control, and the ability to stay calm in uncertain situations. It’s ideal for those who want to push their limits, disconnect from daily stress, or experience the water in its most authentic, primal form. Get ready to discover a world where effort meets beauty, and every swim leaves its mark.

2. Essential equipment

To start swimming in the sea or lake with total safety and comfort, only a few key technical accessories are needed. These items not only improve performance, but also ensure protection and visibility in potentially unpredictable natural environments.

• Open water or triathlon wetsuit: essential for thermal insulation and improved buoyancy. Indispensable during cold months, the wetsuit is also useful in summer thanks to shorty or sleeveless versions that provide freedom of movement and more efficiency in the water. Materials like Yamamoto neoprene offer flexibility, comfort, and a better body position, reducing fatigue.
• Race suit: used during sessions where wetsuits are not allowed or required, it provides muscle compression, drag reduction, and ergonomic fit. In the sea, it also acts as a barrier against irritation and jellyfish stings. Advanced models are designed to resist saltwater and ensure hydrodynamics over long distances.
• Open water swimming goggles: with wide lenses, often polarized and/or mirrored, they are designed to offer a broad field of vision and protection from sunlight glare on the water. They allow clear vision both underwater and on the surface, improving safety and swimming effectiveness.
• Safety buoy: an essential personal safety item that makes the swimmer highly visible to boats, lifeguards, and others. Advanced versions include waterproof compartments to carry items like phones, keys, energy bars, and bottles, ensuring autonomy and peace of mind during long sessions.
• Silicone swim cap: protects the head from the cold and improves swimmer visibility thanks to its bright colors. During winter, it's advisable to wear a neoprene cap over the silicone one, as the head is one of the main areas of heat loss. A good cap allows you to swim longer in cold water, reducing the risk of hypothermia.

3. How to choose a wetsuit

The ideal wetsuit for open water is not the same as those used for surfing or diving, but a model specifically designed for swimming: flexible, lightweight, and built to facilitate your stroke. Key features to consider:

• Thickness: ranges from 1.5 mm (mobility) to 5 mm (buoyancy and insulation).
• Cut: ergonomic, snug yet comfortable, allowing natural breathing and movement.
• Finishes: sealed seams, back zipper, and low collar to prevent chafing.

Discover our selection of open water wetsuits from top brands like Speedo, Sumarpo, TYR, and Zone3.

4. Race suit for open water

In races or training sessions where a wetsuit isn’t required, the race suit plays a key role. Open water models must offer muscle compression, quick drying, and hydrodynamic design.

Choose suits made with technical fabrics like polyamide and elastane, built to withstand saltwater and provide comfort even after many kilometers of swimming. Options include open-back or closed-back designs, depending on personal preference.

Check out our collection of open water race swimsuits for men and women.

5. Safety and practical tips

The sea, like the mountains, can be fascinating but also unpredictable and dangerous. Taking it lightly is a mistake to avoid: open water swimming requires awareness, preparation, and respect for the environment. Before any session, always follow these essential safety guidelines:

• Always swim with others or in supervised areas. Avoid venturing out alone in unfamiliar waters. Having a buddy or lifeguards nearby greatly reduces the risk in case of trouble.
• Always use a safety buoy, preferably with an integrated waterproof pouch. It helps you stay visible to boats and other swimmers, and allows you to carry essentials like keys, phone, or a bottle with electrolytes.
• Get used to the water temperature gradually. Enter slowly: start with feet and hands, then submerge your body. This helps prevent thermal shock and allows your cardiovascular system to adapt more smoothly.
• Start with short distances and stay close to shore during your first swims. Only increase distance once you're confident with the environment, currents, and your open water swimming pace.
• Always check weather and water conditions before entering. Learn about currents, tides, wind, and temperature. Avoid swimming if there are red flags, incoming storms, or waves that are too strong for your level.

❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a wetsuit to swim in the sea?

In summer it might not be necessary, but in cold water it’s essential for safety and thermal comfort. Even in warmer months, we recommend a dedicated open water suit for buoyancy and protection from jellyfish stings.

2. What are the best lenses for open water goggles?

Polarized and/or mirrored lenses are ideal to reduce sun glare and improve visibility.

3. What’s the difference between a surf wetsuit and a swim wetsuit?

Swim wetsuits are more elastic, lighter, and designed to support arm movement during the stroke.

4. Is it dangerous to swim alone in open water?

Yes, it’s always recommended to swim in groups or under supervision and to use buoys and safety devices.

5. What is the right distance for a beginner?

Start with 200–400 meters along the coast, then increase the distance as you gain experience.

(Article reviewed in 2025)