Outdoor swimming kit we love this spring
A thermal swimsuit, paddles that improve your swim stroke and a
Tiny Pace Clock that attaches to your water bottle: read on for our round up of the best pieces of outdoor swimming kit we’ve tried, tested and loved this spring
SWIM GADGET Tiny Pace Clock
£34
The original essential tool for those who swim. A classic way to check your time and control your rests on any pool, no matter the distance and the stroke. With two available strap sizes, you can hold your Tiny Pace Clock to any bottle you use for drinking while you are swimming, and it won’t bother when you drink.
Why we love it: We love this novel invention by independent Spanish brand Swim Gadget, a dinky pace clock that attaches to your water bottle so you can time your laps and rests with ease. It’s really useful if you can’t see the pool clock or swim somewhere that doesn’t have one. We also like that can also customise your clock, choosing a darker dial that works better in outdoor conditions or a white dial for indoor pools, changing the length of the strap, or even get your name engraved on the back. We also like the little crocodile clip that folds out so you can attach a session plan.
OTINOVA Ear Spray
£14.99
Up to 4% of the UK population will suffer from an outer ear infection or irritation every year. Otinova Ear Spray is an easy-to-use medical device used to treat ear canal inflammation. It is simple to use and easy to carry with you. Just spray twice a day for a few days for relief from your symptoms.
Why we love it: When a case of Swimmer’s Ear (otitis externa) kept returning and preventing us from getting back into the pool recently, we tried out Otinova Ear Spray to see if it would help. It’s easy to apply, with a single spray into the ear morning and evening. After a couple of days, the tenderness around our outer ear began to fade. By around the fourth day, we felt back to normal. We carried on using it for another two days as a preventative measure but on reflection, it’s best to stop as soon as symptoms ease.
OTION Swim Paddles
£48
Our revolutionary hand paddles are designed to help a swimmer establish great hand positioning and effective pressure in the catch and pull phases of their stroke. This promotes better technique and improves your swimming by rewarding better pulling pathways. It creates an effective hold on the water, allowing the body to travel past efficiently. The paddles are also ergonomically shaped to reduce shoulder strain and they float for easy retrieval.
Why we love them: We’ve been testing the Otion Swim Paddles, created by Dan Bullock at Swim for Tri, and we love them. The Otion paddles are meant to improve your hand shape and finger position. The innovative and unusual design features ‘finger fins’ to guide your fingers, plus a thumb hook to keep them secure. Using them is straightforward. They fit comfortably, matching the natural curve of your hand. Initially, your fingers might ache, but you’ll soon learn to relax and hold them just right. These paddles also help you improve your catch and pull, and they float, so no worries if you drop them.
SHOWERS PASS Cloudburst Hoodie
£199
One thing you’ll notice about your new Cloudburst right away is how comfortable it is, even when you’re not doing something strenuous. It’s soft, it’s deceptively lightweight, but it really performs. It’s incredibly waterproof, breathable, and that softness also means that it’s whisper quiet: no crinkling or swishing when you’re out there being fast. It’s also got a 100% recycled face fabric, it folds up into its own back pocket, and it looks cool when you’re just running errands.
Why we love it: While we’re all for throwing on a thick changing robe after a cold water swim, some dips call for less bulk – hiking to a remote tarn or cycling to an impromptu swim after work, for instance. It’s at times like this when the Cloudburst Hoodie excels. Layering two or three warm and breathable garments is a more effective way to warm up, after all. Pop this lightweight and waterproof jacket over a baselayer and fleece and you will feel the benefit surprising quickly. The material is soft with a four-way stretch; it moves with your body without so much as a whisper.
TIMEX Ironman Adrenaline Ana-Digi Watch
£120
With its durable 46mm resin case and sturdy stainless-steel bezel, this watch is built to withstand the toughest conditions. Featuring an ana-digi movement, it provides the perfect combination of analog and digital timekeeping. The 50-lap memory and 100m water resistance makes it easy to keep track of your progress during workouts, while the countdown timer and daily alarm help you to stay on track throughout the day.
Why we love it: Sports watches come with a host of features from heart rate monitors and GPS tracking to oxygen readings and calories burnt – at a price. But sometimes it’s good to keep things simple (and affordable). The Timex Ironman Adrenaline Ana-digi watch will time your laps, with a 50-lap memory, countdown a workout and is water resistant to 100m. If you’re after a robust and functional watch that can wake you ready for a morning training session, time your lengths then help you boil the perfect egg after a workout, this might just be the watch for you.
ZONE3 OWS Ti+ Thermal High Neck Swimsuit
£75
The new women’s OWS Ti+ Thermal High Neck Swimsuit boast features for enhanced warmth and comfort, without compromising performance. The Titanium-infused lining on the internal front and back offers improved thermal efficiency, a centre rear zip allows easy access and a high neck design provides increased warmth and coverage against cold water and wind. The shiny outer material offers UPF50+ protection and is designed to retain its shape even after repeated use. Finally, the seams are concealed to provide maximum comfort against the body and to minimize drag in the water.
Why we love it: This is a simple style with a sleek, black fabric that offers some thermal qualities through the Titanium infused lining. If you like to swim with bare skin on your legs and arms to get that winter zing from the water but still get a little bit more from a swim, then this suit is ideal. The high neck decreases drag in the water and helps keep the elements off the upper body. The lining certainly feels warmer compared to Zone3’s similar style suits. The leg cut and length in the body is perfect! It’s probably not great for bigger busts as the arm cut is open, allowing for movement but not great support around the chest. It is a great fabric for retaining its shape.
All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews.
Jo Tinsley
Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.
