9 Essential Gear Picks for Long Distance Open Water Swimming

Stepping off the shoreline into open water requires a shift in mindset from the controlled lanes of a local pool to the unpredictable currents of nature. When you are miles from the nearest dock, your gear transitions from simple accessories into critical life-support and performance systems. Selecting the right equipment ensures you stay warm, visible, and focused on the horizon rather than fighting your own gear.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Preparing Your Body and Mind for Deep Water Swims

Long-distance open water swimming is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical endurance test. Unlike pool swimming, there are no walls to push off, no painted lines to follow, and no clear visibility to reassure you. To prepare, swimmers must build up stamina progressively and learn to manage the psychological anxiety that often arises in deep, dark water.

Acclimatization is key to preventing the cold-shock response, which can cause hyperventilation and panic. Prior to a long swim, spend time wading and floating in the target water temperature to let your breathing settle. Practice breathing on both sides (bilateral breathing) to adapt to chop and waves coming from any direction.

Open Water Wetsuit – Blueseventy Reaction Wetsuit

A dedicated open water wetsuit is essential for thermal protection and buoyancy during extended swims in cool water. Unlike surfing suits, swimming wetsuits are engineered with varying neoprene thicknesses to maximize shoulder mobility while lifting the hips to improve your body position. Without this specialized design, shoulder fatigue will quickly cut your distance short.

The Blueseventy Reaction Wetsuit excels because of its 4-5-4 design profile, placing 5mm neoprene in the torso and hips for lift, and thinner 1.5mm Yamamoto neoprene in the arms and shoulders for unrestricted rotation. This specific layout reduces muscle fatigue over miles of repetitive stroking, while the reactive stretch jersey lining allows for easy chest expansion.

Fitting a swimming wetsuit is notoriously tricky, as it must feel like a second skin without restricting your breathing. Be prepared for a tight fit on dry land, and always use plastic bags over your hands and feet to slide into the suit without nicking the delicate outer skin with your fingernails.

• Materials: Premium Yamamoto 39-cell neoprene
• Thickness: 5mm torso/hips, 1.5mm arms/shoulders
• Special Tech: VO2 chest panel for unrestricted lung expansion
• Best For: Swimmers looking to maximize buoyancy and shoulder freedom in water temperatures between 50°F and 68°F.
• Not Ideal For: Warm-water swims (above 72°F) where overheating becomes a major risk.

Swim Goggles – Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles

Standard pool goggles fail in open water because they limit peripheral vision, making it incredibly difficult to spot landmarks, buoys, or support boats. Open water goggles require wide lenses, reliable anti-fog coatings, and a secure fit that won’t leak when slapped by a passing wave.

The Aqua Sphere Kayenne Swim Goggles feature oversized Plexisol lenses that provide an expanded 180-degree field of vision. The curved lens geometry allows you to sight land without lifting your head excessively, preserving your streamlined position and saving energy.

These goggles come with various lens tints, so choose a polarized or mirrored finish for bright sun, and a clear or blue lens for overcast mornings. The quick-fit buckle system allows for micro-adjustments on the fly, but ensure the silicone skirt is pressed firmly against your orbital bone for a leak-free seal before jumping in.

• Lens Type: Curved Plexisol (180-degree visibility)
• Strap System: Quick-Fit one-touch buckles
• Lens Options: Polarized, mirrored, clear, and smoke tints
• Best For: Swimmers who need maximum peripheral vision and reliable sun glare reduction.
• Not Ideal For: Those with exceptionally narrow face shapes, who may experience leaks around the temple area.

Safety Tow Buoy – New Wave Swim Buoy 15L

A safety tow buoy is your lifeline in open water, making you highly visible to motorized boats, jet skis, and kayakers. It serves as a visual marker for safety crews on shore and provides a buoyant platform to rest on if you suffer a cramp or need to adjust your gear mid-swim.

The New Wave Swim Buoy 15L is built from lightweight, durable PVC that drags effortlessly behind you without interfering with your kick. Its bright orange, pink, or yellow colorways stand out sharply against dark water, while the dual-chamber design ensures it stays afloat even if one chamber is punctured.

The 15L version includes a small dry compartment for keys, ID, or a phone, but always double-bag electronics in a waterproof pouch for extra insurance. Adjust the tether strap so the buoy floats just above your calves, keeping it out of the path of your kick while remaining close enough to grab instantly.

• Capacity: 15 Liters
• Material: High-grade PVC with nylon strap
• Visibility: High-visibility orange, pink, and yellow
• Best For: Solo swimmers who need to carry small personal items and want maximum visibility to boat traffic.
• Not Ideal For: Swimmers looking to pack bulky gear, who should opt for the larger 20L or dry-bag backpack models.

Neoprene Swim Cap – Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap

Because a massive amount of body heat escapes through the head, a standard silicone cap is rarely enough for long swims in cool water. A neoprene swim cap insulates the scalp and ears, preventing brain freeze and keeping you comfortable during extended training sessions.

The Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap stands out because of its under-chin strap design, which prevents the cap from riding up or slipping off during heavy surf. Made from 4mm high-stretch neoprene, it provides superior thermal insulation while maintaining a comfortable, non-restrictive fit around the jawline.

Neoprene caps can feel constricting at first, so it is vital to select the correct size based on head circumference. Pair this cap with a bright silicone cap worn over it to maximize both heat retention and visibility to onlookers.

• Thickness: 4mm neoprene
• Closure: Adjustable hook-and-loop chin strap
• Seams: Glued and blind-stitched for warmth
• Best For: Swimmers tackling water below 62°F who struggle with standard, strapless neoprene caps slipping off.
• Not Ideal For: Warm-water swims, as it will quickly cause overheating.

GPS Multisport Watch – Garmin Forerunner 955

Tracking distance and pace in open water is impossible without a dedicated GPS watch that utilizes specialized swim tracking algorithms. Standard GPS watches struggle with water interference because the satellite signal is lost every time your hand submerges, requiring advanced software to stitch your route together.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 features a dedicated Open Water Swim mode that utilizes multi-band GPS to accurately track distance, pace, and stroke rate even under difficult conditions. Its bright, always-on display is easy to read through foggy goggles, and the physical buttons are simple to operate with cold, wet fingers.

To get the most accurate track, wait for a strong GPS lock before entering the water, and try to use a steady freestyle stroke, as breaststroke keeps the watch submerged too long for reliable tracking. Keep the software updated via the Garmin Connect app to ensure the latest satellite positioning files are loaded.

• GPS Tech: Multi-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo)
• Battery Life: Up to 31 hours in GPS mode
• Metrics Tracked: Distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, heart rate
• Best For: Data-driven swimmers and triathletes who want highly accurate open-water tracking and long battery life.
• Not Ideal For: Casual swimmers who only need basic time-tracking and prefer a minimalist, low-profile band.

Anti-Chafe Balm – Body Glide Original Balm

The combination of salt water, repetitive motion, and a tight neoprene wetsuit neck can cause severe, painful chafing within minutes. A reliable anti-chafe barrier is non-negotiable for protecting the neck, underarms, and groin during long swims.

Body Glide Original Balm is the industry standard because its allergen-free, plant-derived formula creates an invisible, dry barrier that resists water and sweat. Unlike petroleum jelly, it will not degrade the delicate neoprene of your wetsuit or leave greasy stains on your gear.

Apply the balm generously to all high-friction areas—including the back of the neck, armpits, and wrist cuffs—before putting on your suit. Keep the stick out of direct sunlight in your gear bag, as high heat can soften or melt the product.

• Ingredients: Plant-derived, allergen-free, neoprene-safe
• Application: Twist-up stick applicator
• Resistance: Water and sweat-resistant
• Best For: All wetsuit swimmers looking for long-lasting protection without damaging their gear.
• Not Ideal For: Swimmers who prefer spray-on application, though the stick remains more precise for high-rub areas.

Swimming Earplugs – SurfEars 3.0 Earplugs

Constant exposure to cold water and wind can lead to “surfer’s ear” (exostosis), a condition where the ear canal develops abnormal bone growths to protect itself. Earplugs are crucial for preventing this condition, as well as keeping cold water from entering the inner ear and causing dizziness or disorientation.

SurfEars 3.0 Earplugs are unique because they block water while allowing sound to pass through, keeping you aware of your surroundings and support kayakers. They feature an acoustic mesh membrane and customizable wings and tips to ensure a perfect, watertight seal that won’t budge during long swims.

Take the time to swap out the included wings and gel tips to find the correct fit for each ear, as left and right ear canals often differ in size. Always attach the leash to your wetsuit zipper or swim cap strap to prevent losing an earplug if it gets knocked loose in heavy surf.

• Acoustic Tech: Hydrophobic mesh for sound preservation
• Customization: Multiple sizes of wings and gel tips included
• Security: Integrated leash and storage case
• Best For: Swimmers who swim in cold water and want to hear support paddlers, coaches, or passing boats.
• Not Ideal For: Swimmers on a very tight budget who are satisfied with cheap, sound-blocking silicone putty plugs.

Packable Towel – Nomadix Original Towel

Once you exit the water, your body temperature can drop rapidly, making quick drying and warm layers essential to prevent hypothermia. A highly absorbent, fast-drying towel is critical, but traditional cotton towels are too bulky and stay wet too long in a gear bag.

The Nomadix Original Towel is made from post-consumer recycled materials and performs like a high-performance chamois while feeling like a soft beach towel. It absorbs four times its weight in water, dries four times faster than cotton, and is naturally slip-resistant, making it perfect for standing on while changing on sandy shorelines.

Because it is tightly woven, it sheds sand with a quick shake and rolls down to a fraction of the size of a standard bath towel. Wash it before your first use to optimize absorbency, and avoid using fabric softeners, which can coat the fibers and reduce its drying efficiency.

• Material: 85% Post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
• Size: 30″ x 72.5″ (Full beach towel size)
• Properties: Sand-resistant, slip-resistant, odor-resistant
• Best For: Swimmers looking for a compact, highly absorbent towel that packs small and dries quickly.
• Not Ideal For: Swimmers who prefer the plush, heavy feel of traditional thick cotton loop towels.

Handheld Flask – Salomon Soft Flask 500ml

Staying hydrated during multi-hour open water swims is difficult because you cannot carry a rigid water bottle in your hand or tuck it into a pocket. A soft, collapsible flask can be easily tucked into the waist strap of your safety buoy or slid down the chest of your wetsuit for quick access during feeding stops.

The Salomon Soft Flask 500ml features a high-flow bite valve that seals automatically after each sip, preventing saltwater from leaking into your fresh water or sports drink. As you drink, the flask compresses, eliminating annoying sloshing and keeping the profile as streamlined as possible against your body.

If storing the flask inside your wetsuit, place it against your chest or back where it won’t impede your shoulder rotation or hip drive. Rinse the flask and bite valve with warm water immediately after using sports drinks to prevent mold buildup in the crevices.

• Capacity: 500ml (17 fl oz)
• Material: TPU & RF welded seams (BPA and PVC free)
• Valve Type: High-flow blast bite valve
• Best For: Swimmers needing a flexible, low-profile hydration solution that fits inside safety buoys or wetsuit panels.
• Not Ideal For: Keeping drinks cold on hot days, as it lacks insulation.

How to Master Sighting and Navigation in Open Water

Sighting is the art of looking forward during your swim to check your alignment with landmarks or buoys without disrupting your stroke rhythm. Swim in a straight line, and you will save immense amounts of energy; fail to sight properly, and you can easily add hundreds of meters to your swim.

To execute a proper “crocodile eye” sight, lift only your eyes above the water line during the catch phase of your stroke, just before turning your head to the side to breathe. Keeping your mouth submerged prevents your hips from dropping, maintaining a streamlined body position and saving valuable energy.

Rely on large, stationary objects like trees, towers, or hills on the horizon rather than small, bobbing buoys which can easily disappear behind waves. Check your direction every 10 to 15 strokes, adjusting the frequency based on wind strength and current drift.

Extending the Lifespan of Sensitive Neoprene Gear

Neoprene is a highly sensitive material that degrades quickly if exposed to chlorine, saltwater, heat, and direct sunlight. To protect your investment in a high-end wetsuit and swim cap, establish a strict post-swim cleaning routine.

Always rinse your neoprene gear inside and out with cold, fresh water immediately after every swim to remove salt, sand, and organic buildup. Hang the wetsuit folded over a wide, padded hanger at the waist rather than by the shoulders, which can stretch out the material and ruin the fit.

Never leave your gear drying in direct sunlight or locked in a hot car trunk, as extreme heat destroys the elasticity of the neoprene and causes it to crack. Once completely dry, store your wetsuit flat or loosely folded in a cool, dry place away from heavy items that could crease the foam permanently.

Conclusion

Investing in specialized open-water gear ensures that you stay comfortable, safe, and visible during long hours of training. By selecting items engineered for the unique demands of natural bodies of water, you can focus entirely on your rhythm and the beauty of the swim. Prepare carefully, respect the elements, and enjoy the freedom of the open water.