Zone3 Cold Water Kit List

Many triathletes will agree that swimming in open water is the best to properly train for a triathlon. However, this isn’t always feasible due to weather conditions and water temperature. When the weather starts to warm up and open water venues open for training, it’s tempting to jump straight in. Make sure you’re properly equipped before your next cold-water swim using this handy guide:

1. Wear a Wetsuit

Wetsuits are designed to keep you warm, and we at Zone3 take pride in our extensive collection of wetsuits as not only do they help you stay insulated; they also help provide extra flexibility, buoyancy and above all – comfort. It may seem obvious, a wetsuit can be made compulsory in waters below a certain temperature, dependant on the event regulations. A wetsuit such as the Aspire or the Vanquish is perfect for those colder water swims as both work to insulate you as well as providing you with extra speed, which is definitely ideal.

2. Wear a Warmth Vest

Sometimes a wetsuit might just not be enough to help keep you feeling toasty in the water, and that’s usually the case in the earlier months of the year, when open water venues first open. Water temperature can sometimes be unpredictable, so it’s best to prepare for the coldest temperatures by wearing a Neoprene Warmth Vest underneath your wetsuit for some extra, much appreciated, insulation.

3. Wear a Hat

By ‘hat’, we mean a Neoprene Swim Cap. This will help keep your head warm and prevent you from losing body heat through your skull, which is crucial in helping you, stay insulated and comfortable. We suggest either our standard Neoprene Cap.  Sometimes, in extremely chilly waters, it can be advisable to wear a Silicone Swim Cap under your neoprene one for extra insulation.

4. Keep your hands and feet warm using Neoprene Accessories

When racing in cold waters, your hands and feet are going to feel the chill the most. Cold extremities can make your swim extremely uncomfortable and can often become painful, which is something that you’ll want to avoid during your race. Keep your hands warm in our Neoprene Swim Gloves your feet toasty in our Neoprene Swim Socks.