A wetsuit is the most important piece of equipment for most triathletes and open-water swimmers.  If the water temperature dips below 75 degrees, you’ll be glad you have one.

If you’re buying a wetsuit, the first big question is... sleeves or no sleeves.  

The more surface area you cover with neoprene, the higher you float and the easier it is to move forward.  But this comes with a price.

Full-sleeve wetsuits can restrict your arms and shoulders.  In warmer weather, full sleeves can make you feel too warm.  

And a full-sleeve suit is trickier to get on and off.  

A product like Body Glide makes it easier to get your wetsuit on and off.  It comes in a stick, and you apply it like a roll-on deodorant to your legs, arms, and around your neck.    

A bright-colored cap is essential gear for open-water swimming.  It lets your friends keep track of you, and makes it easier to find you if anything goes wrong.  

If you swim in cold water, a neoprene cap is a great investment.  You lose most of your body heat through your head, and a neoprene cap really helps keep the heat in and will increase your comfort in the water.  

Next comes goggles, and it’s a good idea to have at least two pairs in your bag -- one clear pair for cloudy days...

... and a tinted or mirrored pair for bright, sunny days.  

Some swimmers prefer a larger, mask-style goggle for open water.  

Others prefer their normal pool goggle. Go with whatever feels most comfortable to you.

And, finally, fins.  If you’re new to open water, fins can be the key to making you feel confident, comfortable, and secure.  They’ll help you cut through choppy water, and will help you get back to shore fast if you get spooked or start to feel tired.

Now that you’re geared up, let’s head to open water and try some of the skills you learned in the pool.


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Essential Gear for Open Water