Why We Strongly Recommend a Wetsuit for Wild Swimming Holidays
This Blog Relates to the following trips from Large Outdoors:
Wild Swimming Adventures
When it comes to wild swimming, the question of whether to wear a wetsuit often sparks debate. While it’s not compulsory on our Large Outdoors trips, we strongly recommend bringing and wearing one – here’s why.
Wild swimming holidays are unique adventures, involving multiple swims or dips throughout the day in stunning locations. While there are plenty of opportunities for skin dipping (swimming without a wetsuit), having a wetsuit with you will ensure you make the most of the experience.
A group of swimmers from Large Outdoors about to dip in the Scottish Highlands.
Why Wear a Wetsuit?
Maintain Your Body Temperature
Most wild swimmers or dippers at home take one dip, head back for a hot shower, and warm up for the rest of the day. On our trips, you’ll be swimming or dipping multiple times, travelling in between, and getting back into the water. Without a wetsuit, your body temperature will drop steadily, making it harder to enjoy subsequent swims.Even with wetsuits, we find that our swims tend to get shorter as the day goes on, with longer swims in the morning and quicker dips by the afternoon. Wearing a wetsuit helps you stay warmer for longer, ensuring you don’t miss out.
More Swims, Less Sitting Out
Those who choose not to bring a wetsuit often find themselves sitting out swims as the cumulative effect of cold water takes its toll. A good wetsuit lets you participate in more swims and makes the experience far more enjoyable.Protection From Nature’s Surprises
Scotland’s seas and rivers are full of beauty – but they can also be home to jellyfish and rough, barnacle-covered rocks. A wetsuit acts as a shield, reducing the risk of scrapes, stings, and abrasions.Extra Buoyancy
Wetsuits are made of neoprene, which provides natural buoyancy. This is especially handy if you’re exploring deeper waters or just want to relax and float.Flexibility With Skin Dipping
While wetsuits are a great way to extend your time in the water, we know that skin dipping is an important part of the wild swimming experience. Our trips often end the day with shorter dips in places like waterfalls, which are perfect for those wanting to take the plunge without a wetsuit. You’re also welcome to remove your wetsuit at the end of each swim or dip if you prefer a mix of both styles.
Wetsuits offer protection against jellyfish stings such as from this Lion’s Mane Jellyfish off the coast of Scotland
What Kind of Wetsuit?
A full wetsuit provides the best overall protection from cold, jellyfish, and scrapes. However, even a well-fitted shortie wetsuit can help keep your core warm, allowing you to join more swims. For additional comfort, consider neoprene gloves, boots, and hoods, which can make a huge difference in colder conditions.
Our Final Advice
We’ve seen it time and again – those who ignore the wetsuit recommendation often miss out on half the swims because they get too cold. Bringing and using a wetsuit will let you enjoy more of the magical locations we visit, from remote lochs to pristine coastal coves.
If you are considering buying a wetsuit to take wild swimming please read our blog which gives you more of a steer on making the best purchase from the mind-boggling array of different suits on the market.
https://www.largeoutdoors.com/news-blog/what-wetsuit-should-i-use-wild-swimming
