COLD WATER SWIM KIT

Training in the open water this winter? Then you might want to add some extra things to your kit bag to keep you warm and comfortable. Here are the latest products, tested.

- WORDS AND PHOTOS HELEN WEBSTER ADDITIONAL TESTING BECCA SMITH

Come the winter months and triathletes are few and far between at the lake I coach at. It’s understandable too –swimming in colder water is difficult and with time at a premium with three sports to tick over at, you get far more training bang for your buck if you head to the pool.

Winter swimming still has a lot to offer triathletes though. Getting outdoors is good for our mental health and there’s a valuable boost of Vitamin D to be had that you won’t find in the local leisure centre. Plus the positive effects of immersion in cold water are well-reported and come next spring, it will be so much easier getting in if you’ve kept acclimatised through winter (though if you have any health concerns, do check with your GP before getting in cooler water).

There's no doubt that some quality kit can make things a lot more comfortable though, whether it's for during your swim or for getting warm again afterwards. First up though, a bit of housekeeping. Over the next few pages I’ve tested a range of new products, but you'll find plenty more online at 220triathlon.com. I also haven’t tested any winter thermal swimming wetsuits as there are no new ones on the market at the moment, but again, head online to find reviews of the ones available.

Finally I’ve tried out some winter swimsuits which isn’t very helpful for the chaps reading this... A male equivalent would be to wear a neoprene vest. Again, we've got reviews online!

All that sorted, it’s time to head for the water and see how the latest releases of neoprene accessories, changing towels and robes perform when it comes to enjoying a winter of cold water swimming.

ORCA THERMAL PARKA £125

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