Summer Open Water Swim Essentials: 10 of the Best

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a fair-weather warrior this article includes all of the best summer swim essentials you will need as the weather starts to improve.

We’ve scoured the internet to find 10 of the best open water summer swim essentials to ensure you have fun in the sun this year.

1. O’Neill Reactor 2mm Reef Boot

Price: €28.00

Booties are a must-have for everyone looking to brave the open water this summer. They just make everything about swimming in wilder locations so much more enjoyable. Not only do they protect the soles of your feet from rocks, shells, and dreaded weaver fish, they also keep your toes warm.

Buy Now: Surfdock

2. Swim Secure Dry Bag Medium 28l

Price: €45.00

Summer is the perfect time to start your sea swimming career as the water is just that little bit warmer. However, even with the warmer temperatures, it is best not to become complacent when it comes to safety. With more boats and water users in general it is imperative you are visible in the water. The Swim Secure buoy is a multi-functional piece of kit – it will ensure you are visible to other water users, it gives you something to hang on to if you need a rest (it can support an adult’s weight when used as a buoy) and it will keep your valuables safe and dry.

This is one piece of kit no open water swimmer should be without.

Buy Now: Portwest

3. ION Amaze 2.5mm Shorty Womens Wetsuit

Price: €105.95

This is the perfect wetsuit for a summer swim, combining practicality with fashion. This 2.5mm thick neoprene wetsuit will keep you warm in the summer water and also add a pop of colour to your swim.

Buy Now: Surfdock

4. Surflogic Waterproof Phone Case

Price: €25.00

A must-have piece of water sports gear for anyone wanting to bring their phone with them for a dip. This cover allows you to use your phone through the cover for amazing videos and pictures of your underwater adventures.

Buy Now: Surfdock

5. FCS Surf Bucket

Price: €30.00

Often overlooked, but any swimmer will tell you that a surf bucket is one of the best pieces of water sports gear that you can get. Not only does it make carrying your gear down to the beach easier, it also keeps your car clean by ensuring all your wet and sandy gear stays in the bucket and not thrown all over the car.

Buy Now: Surfdock.

6. Dryrobe Organic Cotton Towel Robe

Price: €60.00

Now that summer’s here, it’s time to ditch the fleece-lined Dry Robe and hop into a towel robe after your swim instead. Towel robes are much lighter and compact than a standard changing robe, much more suited to summer months.

Buy Now: Surfdock

7. Typhoon Changing Mat

Price: €20.00

Often overlooked, changing mats are an absolute must to ensure you don’t get left with sandy or muddy feet when getting back into your clothes. They can also act as a way to keep your clean kit off of the ground while you are changing. The Typhoon Changing Mat is particularly good as it is both lightweight and folds up for easy transportation.

Buy Now: Portwest

8. O’Neill Epic 2mm DL Glove

Price: €33.00

You won’t find a better pair of neoprene gloves out there and as most of you know it’s your hands and feet that often get too cold forcing you out of the water on that hot summer’s day. These gloves will leave you feeling invincible in the water and never wanting to get out.

Buy Now: Surfdock

9. Red Original Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle Black 750ml

Price: €35.00

This sleek insulated stainless steel bottle is perfect for an after-summer swim drink. It will keep your drink of choice at the perfect temperature no matter how hot it gets in the sun and you’ll be helping the environment by avoiding single-use plastics.

Buy Now: Surfdock

10. Outsider’s Enamel Mugs

Price: €12.00 – €20.00

The perfect mug to enjoy your hot cuppa tea after a long day on the water. Lay down your changing mat, fill your mug and enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach. The perfect way to end a perfect day.

Buy Now: Outsider.ie