Wetsuits & kit for new open water swimmers at Denham
Updated: Apr 13
Swim kit
- Goggles. I use Zoggs Predator / Zone 3
- Bright colour swim cap (NO BLACK)
- Ear plugs if you used them in the pool
- Wetsuit, optional
- Swim costume
- Flip flops to walk to the lake if the ground is cold
- Swim towel
- Warm loose fitting clothes for after your swim. Try not have jumpers with zips.
- Dry bag to take wetsuit home after your swim
- An old carpet, bathmat or towel to stand on while getting changed.
Arrival
Arrive swim ready with your swimming costume on.
Wetsuit
· You can hire from Denham. The open water wetsuit, 2XU is available for “try before you buy”for £10.00. The The surfing wetsuits cost £4.00 to hire. This can be hired on the day (no bookings) and paid for in cash or card on the day.
- The cost of the 2xu wetsuits are £199.00 and then the £10.00 hire is deducted from the wetsuit cost.
· You can buy a cheap surf wetsuit from Mountain Warehouse, Sainsbury. They are not ideal but will be good enough for your first season.
· You can hire a wetsuit for the season. https://mywetsuithire.co.uk/
· If you are going to purchase a wetsuit, the triathlon, open water wetsuits are recommended and designed for swimming. Buy a few brands from Wiggle or Proswimwear to try them on at home and return the ones you’re not happy with. CHECK THE RETURN POLICY.
· Please be careful putting the wetsuit on as they can tear very easily. Especially with long nails.
· Make sure you measure yourself and use the brand’s size guide. Each brand sizing is different.
· The wetsuit must feel tight but not so tight you’re so uncomfortable and can't breathe.
· DHB, Zone 3 is a good entry level brand. Do keep an eye out as the prices change.
· I have noticed stock is limited at the moment, due to COVID and BREXIT.
Wetsuit brands
- DHB, 2XU, Zone 3, Blueseventy, ORCA, Speedo, Zonda, HUUB
Custom made wetsuits – www.snugg.co.uk
Tow floats
https://www.hutag.net/en/BOBi
Change robes
Two Barefeet - Available at Denham for £65.00
Dryrobes – definitely not essential but at the start and end of the open water season.
Smoc Smoc - https://www.smocsmoc.co.uk/
Dryrobe - https://dryrobe.com/
Charlie Mcleod - https://www.charliemcleod.co.uk/
Red - https://redoriginal.com/collections/mens-pro-change-robes
NOWCA Band
If you plan on swimming at Denham on a regular basis you will need to get a NOWCA band. No need to have the band for the intro coached session as I will have all your emergency contact details.
The band costs £15.00 for the year. The band is bought online, and you will collect at the lake on your first swim.