Wetsuit for wild water swimming

[tralalaa1225]

I want to join a local group to go swimming in a lake.
I am a size 14 unfit 53 year old!

I need a wetsuit and am looking on Vinted as don’t want to spend a
fortune if I don’t enjoy the experience.

should I get a size 14, are they generally true to size? I’ve been told
i I need a bright swim hat and a tow float but do I need anything else? a dry robe maybe to recover from the shock of the cold?! 🥶

I just got some shorty wetsuits for my kids from Mountain Warehouse, they have some good offers on.

With Vinted, I'd look up the size chart for the brand and hope it's accurate, or ask for actual measurements from the seller (but that's pot luck if they bother or are accurate too).

I do wild water swimming, and I bought this EUPTE 2mm Wetsuits Women/Men Long Sleeve Jacket UPF50+ UV Protection Diving Skin Suit Top for Scuba Diving Snorkeling Surfing Swimming (men, 3XL) : Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Outdoors and just wore bikini bottoms. I am a size 16-18 and had to buy a 3XL, but it worked well.

You don't need a bright hat unless you are swimming in the middle of winter (I did). You do need a float if you are wild swimming in choppy water. If I swam in the sea, I always wore a float. I did a few night swims too, so I put a light in the float to glow me up.

I did have a dry robe, and you will be super thankful for it when it gets chilly - so buy a decent one, and you need a large towel to dry you off quickly and disrobe under.

Wild swimming is brilliant, and I miss it. I used to live by the sea, and you could either go in the sea or the lagoon. Unfortunately I move a few months ago and I am now inland, and it would take me quite a while to reach any water.

Hi! Hope it’s okay for me to jump in, just to be upfront, I help run a small Scottish outdoor clothing company called Stravaig, so I’ve chatted with loads of wild swimmers over the years.

For wetsuits, sizing can be a bit brand-dependent, so if you’re buying secondhand, I’d definitely recommend checking the brand’s size chart and maybe sizing up if you’re unsure. Comfort is really important, especially when you’re just starting out!

A bright swim hat and tow float are spot on for safety. And yes, a changing robe can make a huge difference after a cold swim, getting warm quickly is honestly a game changer, especially with UK weather.

Since you mentioned cost, I wanted to share that we have a more affordable “Heritage” range of changing robes at Stravaig. These use our older materials but still do a great job keeping you cosy and dry. Here’s the link if you want to have a look: Stravaig Heritage Collection.

If you’ve got any questions about what to look for in a robe or any other kit, just ask I’m always happy to help, whether you buy from us or not. Hope you have an amazing first swim!