What clothes are best for swimming?

Swimming in 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 clothes 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 what not. 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.

Swimming Practice

Before you go out on any adventures, practice swimming in your adventure clothes in calm water, like a pool, lake or beach. You may find it quite a challenge at first, but it will get easier with consistent training.