A Beginner’s Guide to Outdoor Swimming

Last updated: January 2026

Looking to challenge yourself or embark on a new hobby? Or do you just fancy swapping your regular pool swims for the lakes, lochs, rivers, reservoirs, streams or sea, in search of more freedom? Perhaps you have become more aware of the amazing mental and physical benefits of outdoor swimming.

Whatever your reasons….. if you are ready to dip a toe into the uplifting, exhilarating world of open water or ‘wild’ swimming, you have come to the right place! We've put together everything you need to know to get you started! 

I think we all know what open water swimming is, but it’s still a reasonable question. Technically speaking, open water swimming takes place anywhere that isn’t a swimming pool. It is essentially any form of swimming that takes place in a natural body of water.

Open water swimming has become increasingly popular but.... before you hot-foot it to your nearest lake or river, there is still a bit of preparation to be done. So let’s get started!

Why open water swimming vs pool?

We all know swimming is an amazing form of exercise, wherever you swim, so what makes open water swimming so special? First of all ‘wild swimming’ brings with it an amazing sense of community. For many swimmers, it is as much about the laughter, a good old natter and sharing a hot chocolate and a slab of cake, as it is about the swim itself. People of all ages, shapes and sizes getting together in a supportive environment and having a good time.

Another biggie – and one that’s finally getting the recognition it deserves – is the impact on mental health and wellbeing. Open water swimming has been shown to help manage anxiety, depression and stress, while boosting energy levels. The endorphins (or happy hormones) released when immersing yourself in cold water and reconnecting with nature give you a real sense of achievement. Add to that the freedom of being out ‘in the wild’, and it’s pretty hard not to come out smiling.

Open water swimming also increases ‘mindfulness’. When stepping into cold water, you have to focus on your breathing and be present in the moment – and being outdoors definitely helps you see the world from a different perspective.

The physical benefits are impressive too. Wild swimming can help boost your immune system, improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and yes... it is even said to increase libido!

And last but not least, there’s the simple joy of not fighting for lane space, not dealing with cramped changing rooms (just the battle of the robe!), and not smelling of chlorine for the rest of the day.

So, can anyone do it and how do I get started?

Pretty much anyone who can swim, can open water swim. You certainly don’t have to be an athlete. Open water swimming is for everyone, regardless of age or ability, as long as you're confident swimming without always being able to put your feet down. When swimming outdoors it’s likely you’ll be out of your depth for some - if not most - of the time.

You can make your own way, find a local venue, or join a club. While many experienced open water swimmers are happy swimming solo, if you’re new, we’d strongly recommend swimming with others. It’s safer, more sociable, and a great way to make new friends.

What is the best time to start?

For beginners, it’s generally best to start in the warmer months. You may see people swimming throughout winter all over social media, but those swimmers are usually experienced and acclimatised. If you’re new, swimming in slightly warmer water is safer and more enjoyable, especially here in the UK, where open waters are notoriously freezing. 

Open water temperatures in the UK are usually at their ‘peak’ in late August/early September when waters have warmed up over the summer months. And, although the temperature will start to drop after this, October and November may still be a bit warmer than, for example, March/early April, so autumn is still a good time to start. This is not to say that you can’t start in spring – just be prepared for chilly water. This is where wetsuits and neoprene come into their own… more on that below.

So now the age-old question… what do I need?

Your swimming may be up to speed, but open water swimming requires a little more kit than the warm embrace of a pool. Here’s our beginner’s guide to open water swimming essentials.

First of all, and this probably goes without saying, you'll need a cossie (women’s swimwear) or some jammers or swim briefs (men’s swimwear). This really is the very basic requirement, alongside a towel! That said, swimming au naturel seems to be having a moment, with more bare bosoms and bottoms appearing on Instagram by the day. If you dare, go bare. Who are we to judge?

Swimming Cap

An essential part of your kit, a brightly coloured swimming cap helps keep your head warm and, more importantly, makes you visible in the water. Many venues now insist on one being worn. 

Swimming caps are available in silicone, latex, or even neoprene for the colder months. And for those wanting to add a little flair, Silk & Lawn have created a lovely collection of swimming cap toppers which can be worn comfortably over silicone swim caps and are bound to bring a bit of joy (and laughter) to the water.

Dive in, we’ve got you covered! Well… your head at least!

Goggles

Comfortable goggles are a must. At its most basic, they protect your eyes, avoiding irritation and infections and they obviously also help you see clearer underwater. Swim goggles come in a variety of designs and price ranges, but with changing weather and light levels (particularly in the UK!), goggles designed specifically for the outdoors will make your swims much easier. 

Ear Plugs

Not essential for everyone, but if you’re prone to ear infections, earplugs can be a game changer. Regular swimming can increase the risk of swimmer’s ear, and anyone who’s had it will tell you it’s no fun.  

Wetsuits

Not only do wetsuits keep you warm when open water swimming (after all, the UK is not known for balmy water temperatures), they also provide some buoyancy. Whether you need one is very personal; some people just feel the cold more than others. Some swimmers happily break ice in a swimsuit; others turn blue in August. If warmth equals happiness for you, invest in a wetsuit.

And if you are a beginner and don’t want to spend your life savings on your new hobby, there are some pretty good, affordable options specifically designed for open water swimming available on the Outdoor Swimmer Shop. 

Lubricant or anti-chafing cream

We all know a wetsuit can get uncomfortable during long swims. It rubs against your skin and can create uncomfortable rashes!  Using a lube or anti-chafing cream can save you from some very uncomfortable post-swim souvenirs.

Neoprene gloves and socks

Some kit isn’t essential but can make a huge difference to comfort – neoprene gloves and socks being prime examples.

If warmth is important, a little bit of neoprene can help you stay in the water longer and enjoy your swims more. Whether you choose to wear a wetsuit or not, neoprene gloves and neoprene socks will give you an extra bit of insulation, as it is always the extremities that get cold first.

And neoprene doesn’t stop there – there are body warmers, swim caps, headbands and tops too. If you feel the cold, the world really is your oyster so check out our dedicated section on Cold Water Swimming. Show me the Neoprene!!!!!

That said, warmth might not be your driver! My other half at the Outdoor Swimmer Shop has a serious issue with anything between her toes – mud, seaweed, plants… you name it.  Bizarre right? Well, not necessarily! Water shoes and swimming socks are hugely popular! Great for holidays on the beach, they protect your feet from stones, urchins and other ‘nasties’ but we are becoming more and more aware that open water swimmers love them for the sole reason that they make walking in and out of the water much more pleasant underfoot!

Changing Robes

We all know changing outdoors is an art form. A towel works, but many swimmers prefer to keep certain body parts for private viewing only. Changing robes are also something warm to climb into, they protect you against the elements, provide an extra layer on your way to your swim and they are great for making a quick getaway post-swim... throw it on and hit the road.

Open-water swimming is COLD! Staying warm and avoiding after drop is crucial to swim safety, and a robe is a great piece of equipment to help you do this. 

As we’ve only recently published a full review of changing robes, we won’t repeat ourselves here – but we highly recommend giving it a read here