Winter fitness: swimming

Finisterre Nieuwland 4s Yulex Wetsuit

£395 / go.stuff.tv/4sYulex

Neoprene is exceptionally good at keeping you warm in cold waters, but being derived from fossil fuels makes it less good for the planet. And that’s why Cornish-based Finisterre has been seeking alternative options. Yulex is a plant-based natural rubber that produces 80% less carbon emissions than neoprene, and requires no mining or drilling. And in the chilly seas of the UK, I was overjoyed that it performed just as well as neoprene.

The Nieuwland 4s is rated for 11-15°C sea temperatures, ideal for year-round coastal adventures, and while the water was a little warmer (between 13-18°C) this reviewer was grateful for the 4.5mm chest and back panels, 3.5mm arms and legs, and cosy 5mm panel on the lower back that also helps you stay buoyant. This wetsuit has a chest zip, making it significantly harder to get into than a back one (especially when new), but the shape allows more movement in the shoulders.

As well as Yulex and recycled polyester, Finisterre insists on only using AquaA glue, a solvent-free adhesive that eliminates VOCs. The internal fabric has a soft, high-pile finish that not only feels nicer against your skin but also traps in more heat, which should keep you in the water for longer. The seams are either double-blind or taped for a chaff-free wear, and it’s the most comfortable suit I’ve ever worn. Expensive, yes, but the green credentials are flawless – and you will stay warm.

Now add these…

LPKit Outdoor Swimming Cap

Keep your brain warm in this neoprene swimming cap with Velcro chin strap.

£33 / alpkit.com

Voited Outdoor Changing Robe and Drycoat

Drycoats are amazing for outdoor swimmers: use one to get changed privately and to warm up afterwards. This oversized job from Voited is one of the best. It’s especially cosy thanks to a clever combo of synthetic insulation and micro-fleece liner, with 18,000mm waterproofing on the inside and a water-repellent outer finish.

£129 / voited.co.uk

Form Smart Swim Goggles

These smart goggles are the only set on the market with an AR display and advanced machine-learning algorithms. Accurately tracking both pool and open-water swims, they allow you to see real-time metrics such as distance, time and stroke rate, automatically share your swims to your chosen fitness apps, and later get detailed analysis in the Form app.

£249 / uk.formswim.com

Dryrobe Eco Thermal Boots

Easy to slide on as soon as you get out of the water, these fleece-lined thermal boots will help you warm up quickly. Quick-drying and as comfortable as sheepskin boots (if you know, you know), they’ll become an important part of your winter swim kit. We like the adjustable ankle cord, the grippy sole and the eco credentials: 100% recycled nylon, 100% recycled polyester.

£80 / dryrobe.com

Yeti Rambler (120oz)

Whether it’s a hearty hot chocolate, a strong coffee or a good ol’ cup of tea, every swimmer has their post-dip warming drink of choice. This 354ml Rambler bottle looks great, is very light and gets extra points for its sip-from-any-side leakproof cap, which means you can stash it in your kit bag without worrying about possible seepage catastrophes.

£25 / uk.yeti.com

Garmin Swim 2

This GPS smartwatch lets you make a splash both in the pool and out in open water. Use it to monitor your heart rate as well as tracking distance, pace, stroke count and distance per stroke. There are also features for timed sets and logging drills, and a handy auto-rest function. Available in white or dark grey, its good looks mean you’ll still want to show it off when you’re flapping about on dry land.

£219 / garmin.com

Shokz Openswim

Let music move you underwater with these waterproof bone-conduction headphones. The comfortable design, which is compatible with swim caps, goggles and earplugs, has wraparound flexibility for stability in any conditions. They can withstand total submersion in up to 2m of water, while the battery lasts up to 8hrs and they include enough storage for up to 1200 MP3s.

£170 / uk.shokz.com

C-Skins Wired 5mm Gloves

Keeping your extremities warm will enable a more comfortable and enjoyable swim in cold water. These neoprene gloves will keep you warm and agile thanks to their ace craftsmanship.

£55 / c-skins.com

Orca Hydro Booties

These booties provide maximum insulation for feet while swimming. The thermal lining provides warmth and prevents chafing, while the separated toes help them stay in place.

£39 / orca.com