Do you need a wetsuit for open water swimming?

Open water swimming can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The sights, sounds, and sensations are unique to this type of swimming. However, it’s important that you have the right gear before you head into open water. One of the most common questions swimmers ask is “Do I need a wetsuit?” Read on to find out what you should consider before diving in.

The Weather and Water Temperature
The first thing to consider is the weather and water temperature. If the air temperature is warm, then you probably don’t need a wetsuit—unless the water temperature is much colder than the air temperature. In this case, a wetsuit will help keep your body temperature regulated and prevent hypothermia from setting in. If it's cold outside and the water temperature is also low, then wearing a wetsuit may be necessary for comfort reasons as well as safety reasons.

Your Level of Comfort
Another factor to consider is your level of comfort in open water without a wetsuit. Some swimmers feel more secure when they are wearing one because it provides them with some buoyancy and warmth. On the other hand, some swimmers prefer to swim without one because they feel more agile and free when their body isn't constrained by a neoprene suit. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference so make sure you try out both options before deciding which one works best for you.

Your Swimming Speed
Finally, consider your swimming speed when deciding whether or not to wear a wetsuit while swimming in open water. If you're an experienced swimmer who moves quickly through open water with strong technique then a wetsuit may not be necessary—especially if the weather conditions are favourable (i.e., sunny and warm). But if you're new to open water swimming or lack confidence in your technique then wearing a wetsuit may help increase your speed as well as your overall comfort level in the open water environment.

As we've seen, there are many factors that go into deciding whether or not you should wear a wetsuit while swimming in open water including weather conditions, personal preference, and swimming speed/technique level. It's important that swimmers take all of these factors into consideration before heading into open water so that they can make an informed decision about which option works best for them—with or without a wetsuit!