1. Thermal Open Water Wetsuit (Warmth + Buoyancy + Confidence)
Cold water steals energy fast. A real swim-oriented wetsuit keeps your core warm, gives you extra buoyancy so you float easier, and helps you relax instead of fighting the water. This is especially useful for lake/ocean swimmers and triathlon prep.
- Insulated neoprene core keeps you warmer in cold water.
- Added buoyancy helps you float easier and waste less energy.
- Flexible shoulders let you pull without feeling locked up.
- Good for early-morning ocean swims, lakes, and triathlon training.
- Lets you swim longer in cold water.
- Makes you float easier = less panic.
- Serious open-water swimmers use this, not just casual people.
- Not cheap.
- You’ll still feel cold in extreme winter water.
2. Open Water Swim Safety Buoy (Visibility + Emergency Float)
If you swim in lakes or ocean, you should not be out there without one of these. The buoy clips to your waist, makes you super visible to boats and jetskis, and gives you something to hold if you get tired or cramp. Some models also include a dry pocket for phone and keys.
- High-visibility float so boats/kayaks see you immediately.
- Acts like a mini rest station if you get tired.
- Beginner-friendly, good for solo swimmers.
- Some have waterproof storage for phone/keys.
- You’re way more visible in open water (safety).
- You can grab it and rest if you panic or cramp.
- Good for long-distance training sessions.
- You swim slightly slower with it attached.
- Cheap versions can slowly leak air over time.
3. Swim Earplug + Nose Clip Set (Comfort = Longer Sessions)
Not fancy, but super underrated. If you get water stuck in your ears or you hate sinus burn from lake/ocean water, a basic earplug + nose clip kit can literally keep you in the water longer with zero drama. Cheap, light, always in the swim bag.
- Protects ears from cold/dirty water irritation.
- Helps avoid water pressure pain after long sessions.
- Nose clip keeps water out of sinuses in waves/flip turns.
- Tiny, cheap, easy to keep in your swim bag forever.
- Very cheap but solves annoying problems.
- Good if you swim in lakes/ocean, not just pools.
- Perfect backup kit in every swim bag.
- Some people hate nose clips, feels weird at first.
- Earplugs can fall if not fitted right.