Swimming in warm clothes is an essential skill for most water sports because a good soaking is often part of their appeal. Be it sailing, canoeing, kite surfing or adventure racing, you wouldn't do it just in swimming briefs. Swimming in your sports clothing is great fun to learn and practice. Here are some tips so you get the most out these activities.

Get dressed to get wet

Many myths are out there on what to wear and not wear. Let common sense be your guide. Open water swimming has different challenges to pool swimming. The water is colder, wind may chill you, rocks and other obstacles can get in your way. While safety precautions should be taken, the nature of adventure sports recommends that you wear attire that reduces the possibility of mishap.

Adventure Swimming Kit

Dressing for swimming in rivers is an integral part of river walking, even on routes where it is possible to stay dry. The water can be quite cold, so dress up warm as you would for canoeing or sailing.

You should bring to every adventure swimming session:

1. Comfy Swimming Clothes
   You will definitely get wet and possibly muddy, so older clothes and shoes may be advisable. You should be able to swim at least 50 metres in light clothing like jeans and pullover. T-shirt and shorts, sweatshirt or hoodie, trousers or a tracksuit are most comfortable for swimming. Cotton clothes will chill you rapidly. Manmade fibres are warmer. Wear comfortable clothes that are unlined so they don't hold a lot of water and air pockets. In spring and fall, wear wool or polypropylene and a windbreaker over swimwear, wool or Polartec socks under sneakers or wetsuit booties.

2. Windproof Cover
   Keep some windproof clothes ready to keep warm. Rainwear is a most practical outfit as it dries quickly, doesn't weigh much when wet and protects you from windchill. Depending on it's design it holds more or less water when swimming.

3. Shoes Protect Your Feet
   Flexible secure footwear is required (old sneakers or river sandals). Robust lace-up trainers or boots with socks should be worn when you train outdoors to avoid injury and chafing. Avoid heavy boots which can impair your ability to swim unless you have trained for this.

4. Wetsuit
   For cold and wet weather, wear a 'steamer' wetsuit and paddling jacket or polypropylene, pile fleece and a windbreaker. You can wear the wetsuit under your clothes which keeps it protected from dirt or cuts.

5. Safety Kit
   Be prepared to wear appropriate safety equipment when necessary, like a life jacket. Put on a buoyancy aid and helmet in more challenging terrain. A ball cap or visor, sunglasses and sunscreen are useful. If you wear glasses then it is advisable to tie them on.

6. Creature Comforts
   Bring a large beach towel, sun block, plenty to drink, and dry clothes to change into afterwards. If you plan to swim several times you may want a set of dry clothes for each time. It is not nice to put on cold and clammy clothes, better start your swim in a dry outfit.

   Dressed like this you are snug and safe for hours of fun in and around the water. Your local Army Surplus Shop may have most of the robust clothes and shoes you want.

Emergency Water Crossing

Sometimes it may be necessary to swim in clothes and without a buoyancy aid or lifejacket. You may be on a sinking boat, or you are cut off by a rising flood or tide. In most cases you simply want to cross a stretch of open water that is in your way or you just fancy a swim outdoors. Whatever may happen, you should practise and prepare for it.
1. Reduce initial waterflow.
   Before you enter the water tighten neck openings and cuffs. This traps air for buoyancy and slows the water soaking your upper body. Eventually the water will find its way in, but you can delay that. How long the water takes to fully saturate your clothing depends on your movement in the water and how watertight your oversuit is at neck, cuffs, waist and leg. On short crossings that can make a difference.

2. Enter the water carefully.
   You can slow the water coming in if you move carefully. Keep your clothes tight as long as you have buoyancy for airpockets. You may notice that you float up higher than usual. Eventually the water will seep in anyway.

3. Let water flow out.
   Once your clothing is fully saturated, loosen it a bit to allow the water to flow out so it doesn't collect anywhere. The action of swimming tends to cause water to collect within your outer clothing, in sealed cuffs, sealed ankles or boots. This somewhat restricts movement and slows you down.

Keep warm clothes dry

Cold water will rapidly cause fatigue. Hypothermia will be a major factor to consider prior entering the water. It may be worth removing relatively dry warm under suits prior to the swim and placing them inside a waterproof bag for the duration of the swim.

If a fibre pile or fleece suit gets saturated it provides little or no thermal insulation. Take it off and wring it out to expel as much water as possible before you put it back on. This reduces the risk of subsequent hypothermia.


Hooded tops keep windchill off.