Winter swimming: Kit up for the cold

You don’t have to retreat to the pool when temperatures drop. With the right kit, you can keep swimming outdoors throughout winter. Discover Orca’s range of thermal and high-visibility wetsuits, plus the accessories to help you stay warm, comfortable and visible in cold water.

Sponsored content

With winter fast approaching, our training content in the magazine tends to switch to the pool, recommending readers to hone their technique indoors for next year’s open water season.

But who says your training has to end outdoors just because it’s winter? What if you want to continue your training in the open water throughout the colder months?

It’s all about having the right kit – kit what will keep you warm, keep you visible in the water and not hinder your stroke while you train.

Orca’s Vitalis and Zeal wetsuit ranges are made from Yamamoto neoprene, designed to offer a combination of flexibility, lightness and durability.

The Zeal range is aimed at frequent, competitive and demanding open-water swimmers, while Vitalis offers mid-range and entry-level options for beginners and more casual swimmers.

For the casual winter swimmer

New to open-water swimming, or simply looking to enjoy a leisurely dip throughout winter? The Vitalis Thermal wetsuit is designed with you in mind.

Its Thermal X lining and 5mm panels provide additional insulation in cold water, while the batwing hood helps prevent water from entering around the zip. Despite its focus on warmth and buoyancy, the suit is designed to maintain flexibility. Technologies 39+ and 39FS are incorporated into the shoulders and underarms to help you move comfortably through the water.

Complete your winter swimming kit

Swimsuit: Core one-piece swimsuit

Head: Hi-Vis Hood

Hands: Thermal Gloves

Feet: Swim Socks

Goggles: Killa 180 goggles

Safety: Bungee Safety Buoy

For the competitive winter swimmer

If you want to maintain your technique through the colder months or take part in a winter swimming event, the Zeal Thermal offers another level of thermal protection and flexibility.

Its Thermal X2 lining and 40X+ Yamamoto neoprene are designed to provide warmth and freedom of movement. The batwing hood helps limit water entry around the zip, while close-fitting cuffs at the arms and legs help create a snug fit.

Designed for swimmers who train regularly in cold water, the Zeal Thermal combines insulation, flexibility and buoyancy to support your winter swimming sessions.

Complete your winter swimming kit

Swimsuit: Core one-piece swimsuit

Head: Hi-Vis Hood

Hands: Thermal Gloves

Feet: Thermal Booties

Goggles: Killa 180 goggles

Safety: Bungee Safety Buoy

Be safe, be seen

Visibility is an important consideration when swimming outdoors. High-visibility kit can help lifeguards, rescuers and other water users spot you more easily, giving them a better chance of identifying your position in the water.

The Zeal Hi-Vis wetsuit features bright orange panels designed to stand out against the surrounding water. Its high-visibility detailing helps you remain conspicuous from different angles, while added buoyancy supports your position in the water. The neoprene construction is designed to provide flexibility without restricting your stroke.

A second layer of batwing neoprene at the back creates an additional barrier between your skin and the cold water, helping to improve comfort and reduce water entry around the zip.

Unlike the Vitalis Thermal and Zeal Thermal, the Zeal Hi-Vis does not have the same insulating thickness. However, you can combine it with neoprene accessories to add warmth when temperatures drop.

Complete your winter swimming kit

Swimsuit: Core one-piece swimsuit

Extra insulation: Heatseeker Vest

Head: Hi-Vis Hood

Hands: Thermal Gloves

Feet: Thermal Booties

Goggles: Killa 180 goggles

Safety: Bungee Safety Buoy

With the right combination of warmth, visibility and flexibility, you can make the most of your time in open water throughout the colder months. But remember, a thermal wetsuit and accessories don’t make every winter swim safe. Conditions, exposure time and individual cold tolerance still matter, so do bear that in mind when planning your winter swim.

Explore Orca’s cold-water swimming range at orca.com