As the Co-Founders of Catch – a coaching app built for outdoor swimmers – we spend a lot of time in the water, testing & experimenting with the best gear. Over the years, we’ve tried a huge range of swimming kit, from the best wetsuits to the most durable goggles, so we know exactly what works (& what doesn’t).
As the Co-Founders of Catch – a coaching app built for outdoor swimmers – we spend a lot of time in the water, testing & experimenting with the best gear. Over the years, we’ve tried a huge range of swimming kit, from the best wetsuits to the most durable goggles, so we know exactly what works (& what doesn’t).
If you're about to dive into the world of outdoor swimming, the right gear can make all the difference. It’s the difference between a comfortable, enjoyable swim & one that leaves you battling the elements. Whether you're training for your first open water event, fine-tuning your technique, or simply looking to enjoy the water more, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the top 10 essential pieces of swimming equipment – in priority order – that every outdoor swimmer needs in their kit bag.
1. Swimsuit or Wetsuit – Unless You Plan to Skinny Dip
Before diving into any gear specifics, start with the right swimsuit or wetsuit. Whatever kind of swimmer you are, a comfortable, well-fitting suit is essential. Whether you’re swimming in a lake, river, or the sea, a suit that fits snugly with minimal drag will make a huge difference in your swim.
Why it’s useful:
A good swimsuit reduces drag & helps you glide more efficiently through the water. Plus, it’s the foundation of your swimming kit, so invest in one that fits perfectly & is made to last.
In the UK’s cooler waters, opting for a wetsuit is often a no-brainer – especially if you plan on doing longer swims, even in the summer. It adds buoyancy, helping you maintain a better body position & reducing effort. A high-quality wetsuit will make those longer swims much more comfortable.
Check out our wetsuit guide here & our women’s swimsuit guide here.
Rebecca wears: Zone3 Women’s Aspire
Will wears: Zone3 Men's Advance
Goggles are an absolute must-have for outdoor swimmers if you plan to put your face in the water. The ability to see underwater really enhances the experience of swimming outdoors, even if the water’s murky. It’s also safer to have good visibility & protect your eyes. You’ll want a pair with durable, scratch- & fog-resistant lenses to ensure clear vision throughout your swim. Sadly, goggles don’t last forever before they start to fog up & get scratched, so to enjoy your swim, you’ll want to upgrade to a fresh pair every so often – particularly if you’re swimming multiple times a week.
Why it’s essential:
Without goggles, you’re just swimming blind. A good pair of goggles allows you to see clearly underwater – well, as much as the water clarity allows.
Will & Rebecca wear:
Rebecca: Speedo’s Fastskin Speedsocket 2
The Good-to-Haves:
3. Swimming Hat – Keep Your Head in the Game
A swimming hat does more than just keep your hair out of your face – it helps you stay visible, sleek & streamlined. A bright hat will help you stand out in a spot where there’s boat traffic or similar. By reducing drag, it lets you cut through the water more efficiently. Plus, it's a must-have for keeping your head warm in chillier conditions, especially for outdoor swimmers braving cooler temperatures.
Why it’s useful:
A cap helps you stand out & be seen, which is useful for stayong safe. It also helps keep your head warm, protects your hair & ears from the elements, & makes you feel a little more streamlined as you swim.
Will & Rebecca wear:
Our Catch hats, which are highly quality than others we’ve worn. They’re made of a thicker, premium suede silicon. All of our Catch Gold members get them as part of their Welcome Pack – & anyone will be able to buy one soon, so watch this space!
4. Tow Float – Float Your Boat (& Your Gear)
A tow float is an essential piece of kit for outdoor swimmers, especially if you’re swimming in open water. Not only does it help you stay visible to others – which is crucial for safety – but it’s also super useful for stashing anything you might need along the way. Whether it’s your phone, snacks, water, or even a spare pair of shoes/clothes (perfect if you’re planning to hop out & grab a bite at a pub after a river swim), a tow float keeps your essentials dry & easily accessible while you swim.
Why it’s useful:
Tow floats make you more visible in the water, which adds an extra layer of safety, particularly if you're swimming in areas where’s there’s boats. Plus, they're a handy storage solution for anything you need on the go – from your phone to your post-swim snacks!
Will & Rebecca wear:
5. Session Slate – Your Plan in Your Hand
Forget soggy paper printouts or trying to keep track of your workout on your phone. Use a waterproof Session Slate to write down your training plans. A session slate helps you stay organised, ensuring you stick to your session plan without worrying about where you left your notes. You can use it to write down notes during your session, track the pace of your timed reps, or even jot down a hot swimmer’s number... you do you. Just erase the session with an eraser & reuse it again & again.
Why it’s useful:
Whether you're doing drills, intervals, or long swims, a session slate helps you stay on track without the hassle of soggy paper. It’s a simple yet highly effective tool for training.
Will & Rebecca use:
Our very own Catch Session Slates! & as a bonus, any Catch Gold members get a Session Slate as part of their Welcome Pack. We’ll also be opening them up for anyone to buy soon, so keep an eye out!
6. Pull Buoy – No Legwork Required
The pull buoy is a game-changer for isolating your upper body & focusing on your technique. It lifts your legs to prevent them from sinking, allowing you to concentrate purely on arm movements & building upper body strength.
Why it's useful:
By isolating the upper body, the pull buoy allows you to refine your technique, build arm strength & improve your swimming efficiency. It’s a low-cost, high-impact tool for improving your swimming.
Will & Rebecca use:
We both use Speedo’s adult pull buoy. Catch ones are coming soon...
7. Kickboard – Power Up Your Legs
The kickboard is ideal for focusing on your lower body, whether you’re working on your kick form or strengthening your legs. It’s perfect for drills that require you to isolate the kick while maintaining proper body position.
Why it's useful:
A kickboard allows you to strengthen your legs, improve your ankle mobility & focus solely on the lower half of your body. It’s a great way to boost your leg power & improve overall efficiency in the water.
Rebecca & Will use:
We both use Speedo’s kickboard, a classic. Catch ones are coming soon though, so WATCH OUT.
8. Hand Paddles – Build Power
Hand paddles are fantastic for increasing resistance in your pull, which helps build strength in your arms & shoulders. They improve your "catch" phase, making your stroke more powerful & effective. Start with smaller paddles to avoid shoulder strain & build up gradually.
Why it's useful:
Hand paddles add resistance, helping you build upper body strength & improve the effectiveness of your stroke. They also increase your ‘feel’ for the water, making your swimming more efficient. Plus, they’re great for building the upper body strength you’ll need in open water, especially when swimming through chop or tackling long distances.
Rebecca & Will use:
Rebecca: Speedo Adult Swim Training Paddle
Will: Zone3 Ergo Swim Training Hand Paddles
But Catch hand paddles are on their way soon…
9. Flippers – Propel Yourself
Flippers (or short fins) are ideal for improving your kick power, ankle flexibility, & speed. They allow you to perform drills without losing momentum, helping you maintain a strong, consistent kick.
Why it's useful:
Flippers help you swim faster with less effort & build a stronger, more flexible kick. They're also great if you have stiff ankles or want to slow down your stroke to focus on perfecting your technique. & let’s not forget – they’re also really fun to use!
Rebecca & Will use:
Our own Catch flippers. They’re extra flexible & come in a beaut shade of blue.
10. Thermal Hat, Gloves & Booties – Stay Cosy
If you're swimming in colder waters, thermal accessories like hats, gloves & booties are a great shout for staying warm & comfortable. They provide insulation for your extremities, which are the first to feel the cold. They're especially useful for long-distance outdoor swims in chilly water.
Why it's useful:
Thermal hats, gloves, & booties are your best friends when the water gets cold. They keep you warm, reduce the risk of cold water shock or hypothermia, & keep you swimming no matter the conditions.
Outdoor swimming is an incredibly rewarding activity, but it’s vital to have the right equipment to stay safe, warm, & comfortable. From the basics like your swimsuit & goggles, to the more specialised items like wetsuits & pull buoys, each piece of equipment plays a key role in helping you maximise your performance - & enjoyment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your technique, make sure you’ve got the kit to get the most from your swims.
So, dive in, gear up, & have an incredible adventure!
Looking to build up your outdoor swimming technique, confidence & fitness?
You might be interested in our membership, Catch Gold. Take a look at the key benefits - & see how it can help you get more from your swim training: Catch Gold Membership.
As the Co-Founders of Catch – a coaching app built for outdoor swimmers – we spend a lot of time in the water, testing & experimenting with the best gear. Over the years, we’ve tried a huge range of swimming kit, from the best wetsuits to the most durable goggles, so we know exactly what works (& what doesn’t).
If you're about to dive into the world of outdoor swimming, the right gear can make all the difference. It’s the difference between a comfortable, enjoyable swim & one that leaves you battling the elements. Whether you're training for your first open water event, fine-tuning your technique, or simply looking to enjoy the water more, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the top 10 essential pieces of swimming equipment – in priority order – that every outdoor swimmer needs in their kit bag.
1. Swimsuit or Wetsuit – Unless You Plan to Skinny Dip
Before diving into any gear specifics, start with the right swimsuit or wetsuit. Whatever kind of swimmer you are, a comfortable, well-fitting suit is essential. Whether you’re swimming in a lake, river, or the sea, a suit that fits snugly with minimal drag will make a huge difference in your swim.
Why it’s useful:
A good swimsuit reduces drag & helps you glide more efficiently through the water. Plus, it’s the foundation of your swimming kit, so invest in one that fits perfectly & is made to last.
In the UK’s cooler waters, opting for a wetsuit is often a no-brainer – especially if you plan on doing longer swims, even in the summer. It adds buoyancy, helping you maintain a better body position & reducing effort. A high-quality wetsuit will make those longer swims much more comfortable.
Check out our wetsuit guide here & our women’s swimsuit guide here.
Rebecca wears: Zone3 Women’s Aspire
Will wears: Zone3 Men's Advance
Goggles are an absolute must-have for outdoor swimmers if you plan to put your face in the water. The ability to see underwater really enhances the experience of swimming outdoors, even if the water’s murky. It’s also safer to have good visibility & protect your eyes. You’ll want a pair with durable, scratch- & fog-resistant lenses to ensure clear vision throughout your swim. Sadly, goggles don’t last forever before they start to fog up & get scratched, so to enjoy your swim, you’ll want to upgrade to a fresh pair every so often – particularly if you’re swimming multiple times a week.
Why it’s essential:
Without goggles, you’re just swimming blind. A good pair of goggles allows you to see clearly underwater – well, as much as the water clarity allows.
Will & Rebecca wear:
Rebecca: Speedo’s Fastskin Speedsocket 2
The Good-to-Haves:
3. Swimming Hat – Keep Your Head in the Game
A swimming hat does more than just keep your hair out of your face – it helps you stay visible, sleek & streamlined. A bright hat will help you stand out in a spot where there’s boat traffic or similar. By reducing drag, it lets you cut through the water more efficiently. Plus, it's a must-have for keeping your head warm in chillier conditions, especially for outdoor swimmers braving cooler temperatures.
Why it’s useful:
A cap helps you stand out & be seen, which is useful for stayong safe. It also helps keep your head warm, protects your hair & ears from the elements, & makes you feel a little more streamlined as you swim.
Will & Rebecca wear:
Our Catch hats, which are highly quality than others we’ve worn. They’re made of a thicker, premium suede silicon. All of our Catch Gold members get them as part of their Welcome Pack – & anyone will be able to buy one soon, so watch this space!
4. Tow Float – Float Your Boat (& Your Gear)
A tow float is an essential piece of kit for outdoor swimmers, especially if you’re swimming in open water. Not only does it help you stay visible to others – which is crucial for safety – but it’s also super useful for stashing anything you might need along the way. Whether it’s your phone, snacks, water, or even a spare pair of shoes/clothes (perfect if you’re planning to hop out & grab a bite at a pub after a river swim), a tow float keeps your essentials dry & easily accessible while you swim.
Why it’s useful:
Tow floats make you more visible in the water, which adds an extra layer of safety, particularly if you're swimming in areas where’s there’s boats. Plus, they're a handy storage solution for anything you need on the go – from your phone to your post-swim snacks!
Will & Rebecca wear:
5. Session Slate – Your Plan in Your Hand
Forget soggy paper printouts or trying to keep track of your workout on your phone. Use a waterproof Session Slate to write down your training plans. A session slate helps you stay organised, ensuring you stick to your session plan without worrying about where you left your notes. You can use it to write down notes during your session, track the pace of your timed reps, or even jot down a hot swimmer’s number... you do you. Just erase the session with an eraser & reuse it again & again.
Why it’s useful:
Whether you're doing drills, intervals, or long swims, a session slate helps you stay on track without the hassle of soggy paper. It’s a simple yet highly effective tool for training.
Will & Rebecca use:
Our very own Catch Session Slates! & as a bonus, any Catch Gold members get a Session Slate as part of their Welcome Pack. We’ll also be opening them up for anyone to buy soon, so keep an eye out!
6. Pull Buoy – No Legwork Required
The pull buoy is a game-changer for isolating your upper body & focusing on your technique. It lifts your legs to prevent them from sinking, allowing you to concentrate purely on arm movements & building upper body strength.
Why it's useful:
By isolating the upper body, the pull buoy allows you to refine your technique, build arm strength & improve your swimming efficiency. It’s a low-cost, high-impact tool for improving your swimming.
Will & Rebecca use:
We both use Speedo’s adult pull buoy. Catch ones are coming soon...
7. Kickboard – Power Up Your Legs
The kickboard is ideal for focusing on your lower body, whether you’re working on your kick form or strengthening your legs. It’s perfect for drills that require you to isolate the kick while maintaining proper body position.
Why it's useful:
A kickboard allows you to strengthen your legs, improve your ankle mobility & focus solely on the lower half of your body. It’s a great way to boost your leg power & improve overall efficiency in the water.
Rebecca & Will use:
We both use Speedo’s kickboard, a classic. Catch ones are coming soon though, so WATCH OUT.
8. Hand Paddles – Build Power
Hand paddles are fantastic for increasing resistance in your pull, which helps build strength in your arms & shoulders. They improve your "catch" phase, making your stroke more powerful & effective. Start with smaller paddles to avoid shoulder strain & build up gradually.
Why it's useful:
Hand paddles add resistance, helping you build upper body strength & improve the effectiveness of your stroke. They also increase your ‘feel’ for the water, making your swimming more efficient. Plus, they’re great for building the upper body strength you’ll need in open water, especially when swimming through chop or tackling long distances.
Rebecca & Will use:
Rebecca: Speedo Adult Swim Training Paddle
Will: Zone3 Ergo Swim Training Hand Paddles
But Catch hand paddles are on their way soon…
9. Flippers – Propel Yourself
Flippers (or short fins) are ideal for improving your kick power, ankle flexibility, & speed. They allow you to perform drills without losing momentum, helping you maintain a strong, consistent kick.
Why it's useful:
Flippers help you swim faster with less effort & build a stronger, more flexible kick. They're also great if you have stiff ankles or want to slow down your stroke to focus on perfecting your technique. & let’s not forget – they’re also really fun to use!
Rebecca & Will use:
Our own Catch flippers. They’re extra flexible & come in a beaut shade of blue.
10. Thermal Hat, Gloves & Booties – Stay Cosy
If you're swimming in colder waters, thermal accessories like hats, gloves & booties are a great shout for staying warm & comfortable. They provide insulation for your extremities, which are the first to feel the cold. They're especially useful for long-distance outdoor swims in chilly water.
Why it's useful:
Thermal hats, gloves, & booties are your best friends when the water gets cold. They keep you warm, reduce the risk of cold water shock or hypothermia, & keep you swimming no matter the conditions.
Outdoor swimming is an incredibly rewarding activity, but it’s vital to have the right equipment to stay safe, warm, & comfortable. From the basics like your swimsuit & goggles, to the more specialised items like wetsuits & pull buoys, each piece of equipment plays a key role in helping you maximise your performance - & enjoyment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your technique, make sure you’ve got the kit to get the most from your swims.
So, dive in, gear up, & have an incredible adventure!
Looking to build up your outdoor swimming technique, confidence & fitness?
You might be interested in our membership, Catch Gold. Take a look at the key benefits - & see how it can help you get more from your swim training: Catch Gold Membership.
What to eat, drink & avoid during open water events longer than an hour.
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