Open water swimming

Find everything you need for open water swimming and ocean swimming here on this page. We have everything you need to get started, and probably also things you didn't even know you were missing.

If you can't find what you're looking for, you can always check our category with all our gear for watersports.

Open Water Swimming - Get in the waves most of the year

In Ireland we're so fortunate that we're surrounded by ocean. This gives us some amazing possibilities to do ocean swimming - also called open water swimming. Particularly because we usually have some pretty calm waters without too many large waves, which means it's also a great sport for beginners to get into.

Find the right wetsuit for ocean swimming

It all depends on having the right gear - also when it comes to what you want and need, and whether you're swimming for the exercise or competitively. The most important thing regarding open water swimming, is the wetsuit you pick for ocean swimming. And you have many different brands, who all offer something different - like for instance Orca, Watery or Zone3.

In the Irish climate it's best to pick the ones with a thickness between 2 and 5 mm. However, it also makes a big difference where these mm's are located on the suit - ie. where it's thickest. In neoprene suits the thickness has a big impact on the buoyancy, meaning that they are often thickest around the legs. This makes it easier to keep the legs in the surface of the water, so they don't trail behind while you're swimming.

Similarly it also matters when it comes to mobility, where you typically say that the thinner the suit, the more flexible it is. On the other way around - the thicker it is, the warmer it is.

If you still don't need which suit to pick, we recommend that you read a bit more about it, before you make up your mind. The temperature of the water also matters, which is the reason why it's not recommended to do open water swimming during the winter, since it often requires some other gear.

It's typically stated that the ocean swimming season is from mid spring to mid fall.

Remember that others should be able to see you...

It's important that other people on the ocean are able to see you. Because of this, it's important to use an eye-catching swimming cap and a great swim buoy, that can easily be seen from afar. Simultaneously it's also a good idea to have a bag for ocean swimming, so you can have a your phone, water, energy bar etc., with you out in the water, and the great thing here of course, is that you can combine the two into one.

If you swim at dusk it's also a good idea to equip your swim buoy with an LED light. It's important that it's bright and visible, even if there should be waves.

... But you should also be able to see others

It's important to pick the right swimming goggles for open water swimming, or open water in general. The best ones are often some that are slightly larger and wider, than those you typically would use in the pool. Apart from this, it's also important that they are close fitting, so they won't be knocked off by any waves.

You might not swim an ironman every time you're doing open water swimming, but it can quickly become a much longer trip than you would be expecting, if you have to constantly empty your goggles of water. There are different brands, that can all do something different, so there ought to be a pair that fits you just right!

Everything you might not think about

The thing about open water swimming, is that you need the right gear to make it as comfortable and good an experience as possible. This is particularly true in the cold months, where you might need some extra layers to keep warm.

But there are obviously methods for this, and you can extend your open water swimming season significantly, by using neoprene hoods, socks, gloves and shoes.

Another thing you might not think about, is to check your wetsuits for any small cuts and tears. It's important to get these glued with neoprene glue, so they won't expand. It would be a shame to have a wetsuit that - because of a little wear - accidentally only lasts for one season. This way it can get a very expensive hobby, very fast!

Everything you need for open water swimming, here at Watery.ie

No matter if you are a beginner or experienced when it comes to ocean swimming and open water, we have something that fits precisely your level. So if you have your swimming technique in order, we have everything in order regarding your gear.

And if you need guidance, our customer service is ready to answer all your questions, and help you find just the gear for you.

Apart from this, you also get a lot of benefits on top of this.

• Free shipping on orders over 79€
• 3-5 days delivery
• Our customer service is ready all weekdays from 8 AM to 10 PM.

So why not get started with your open water swimming, already today? It's a great way to experience the beautiful irish nature!