hi all, i'm 6'0" and having a hard time finding wetsuits that aren't over $500, and good for tall women. let me know what you recommend

TLDR: I’m a longtime swimmer who’s been open water swimming in Atlantic Canada for about two years, mostly in summer. I’ve just started swimming into autumn in my first wetsuit (Agile Zone 3). I know the main advice is likely to be “don’t swim alone,” but I can’t arrange a spotter. I had a humbling swim: the suit and season have made me slower, the fall break and currents were different, I pushed my time, got cold and fatigued, took much longer to get ashore, and got knocked around at the exit. I’m looking for tips on adjusting to fall / spring ocean swimming, and wetsuits, plus suggestions for quality yet reasonably priced warmer socks and gloves (I have symptoms consistent with Raynaud’s).

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I’ve been a swimmer most of my life and have been open water swimming in the Atlantic off Canada for about two years. I’m a strong, competent swimmer. I often say I’ve been swimming before I could walk and I believe that’s true. I am certainly more comfortable in the water than I am on land, although I have a healthy respect for the ocean. I’m not fast or competitive. I think about form, but my main goals are exercise, relaxation, and time in nature.

Until recently I only swam in the ocean in warmer months. My usual pattern is to swim out 300 to 500 m, pivot, then swim parallel to shore and turn around at about my halfway point. I tow a neon inflatable buoy with an emergency whistle. I know many people keep their phones in their buoys. I don’t, because I worry about ruining or losing my phone. I’m open to affordable buoy suggestions that would keep my phone safe and accessible.

Previously, and probably soon again as it gets colder, I switched to the pool in colder months. Very recently I got my first swimming wetsuit, an Agile Zone 3. The past couple of days were my first attempts at breaking it in, swimming open water in a suit, and swimming in the ocean in autumn.

I’ve noticed a few differences from summer bathing-suit swimming and would like tips and feedback from more experienced swimmers.

First, I know the main advice is likely not to swim without a spotter. That isn’t feasible for me. I live very close to the beach (a bay), usually a quiet spot. I have family and let them know when I’m going and when to expect me back, but I can’t impose on someone to watch me for the whole swim. I’m extra cautious when no one else is on the beach, which can happen anytime but is more common this time of year. I don’t rely on strangers, but I admit I feel more comfortable when others are on the beach or in the water, and sometimes that contributes to my swimming further or longer. That’s especially true with surfers. I’m familiar with many local surfers, and more than walkers, they’d have the ability and inclination to help if I got in trouble. I’d do the same for them as best I could. I don’t rely on that, but if surfers are at the break I’m a bit more relaxed and intentionally enter a bit further down the beach closer to them. That was part of my calculus yesterday and partly backfired. Several surfers were out when I started, but they left when I was less than halfway done (of course that’s their right, they’re not my lifeguards, and I don’t expect them to be). I went from a beach with multiple walkers and a few surfers to being completely alone very quickly, while getting used to the new suit and seasonal conditions.

At first I thought the suit was too small, but I’ve since decided it fits almost perfectly. It definitely changes how I swim, with more buoyancy and form adjustments, and for now I’m noticeably slower in the suit in autumn conditions. Those factors, plus the seasonal ocean change, combined so that I nearly got myself into a bit of trouble yesterday.

By “change in the ocean,” I mean that compared with summer the break was in a very different spot. I was conscious not to go further out than usual, checked my landmarks, and tried to keep a reasonable distance from shore, but I ended up further out than I’d anticipated. Maybe the tide was coming in (I forgot to check). I’m not sure and will be more careful in future. That, plus being slower in the wetsuit, possibly currents I don’t fully understand, and getting colder than ideal, made it harder to get to shore. Usually it takes me no more than 5 to 7 minutes to get in once I pivot. Yesterday, it felt like ages and I was starting to worry I’d never get in. I’d drifted further out than intended, underestimated how much slower I am in the suit right now, was fatigued, and there may have been other factors.

I’d intended to swim no more than 45 minutes. I’d comfortably done that the day before, but I felt good and pushed it a bit. Combined with the longer than expected trip to shore, I was getting worried on the way in, and ended up spending just over an hour and 20 minutes in the late October North Atlantic. Those last 20 minutes or so felt like the swimming equivalent of pushing a boulder uphill. At one point I questioned whether I was making any progress. By then I was fatigued and cold (the wetsuit keeps me quite warm, but I definitely need better socks), and the beach was empty, so I was nervous. Relatively minor, but when I finally got back to my starting point and could stand, the breaking waves had picked up and knocked me over multiple times at the exit. Not a huge deal. I wasn’t hurt and I’m used to fighting large waves, but tired and cold, it wasn’t enjoyable and made me decide I need to be much more thoughtful and measured.

The biggest issue is that I’m not used to swimming in a wetsuit or at this time of year, and maybe I was overconfident. I’ve learned from it and am very open to tips from more experienced people, especially about adjusting to the north Atlantic in fall (and eventually spring, though my head isn’t there yet).

I know the first advice will probably be never swim without a spotter. I have to say straight up: I know it’s well-intentioned and wise, but I’m not going to take it. I want to be out there, and while I have family and friends, there’s no one I can really impose on to spend an hour or so on the beach playing lifeguard. I basically always let my family know when I’m going and when to expect me back. I know that’s far from foolproof, but it’s something. We all take calculated risks in our sports and daily lives. What I want is advice on navigating this season’s ocean conditions and getting used to the suit.

The suit is definitely breaking in. Yesterday, I felt much more comfortable mobility wise than on my first wetsuit swim, which is part of why I think I got overconfident and stayed out longer and further than I otherwise would have. Lesson learned there. I’d also benefit from better socks. Mine are cheap, and my son, who’s a surfer, is going to hook me up with warmer ones. If that fails, I’m open to purchase suggestions. My current gloves are also quite thin and I may buy warmer ones, so suggestions for good, relatively affordable brands are very welcome. My current ones are webbed and I like that feature.

I’m also curious at what water temperatures others continue to swim outdoors. I’m tempted to call it soon and head into the pool instead, but now that I have gear it’s tempting to continue as long as possible, especially since it’s a not insignificant drive to the pool and the ocean is basically at my doorstep

I’m almost certain I have Raynaud’s syndrome, which affects my blood flow, makes me get cold faster than many people, and can make my extremities look paper-white or even blue.

I know this is long. Apologies, I’ve never really been concise. Thank you to anyone who read this far.

Hi everyone,

I'm a 36-year-old beginner swimmer in Bangladesh. I don't have access to a coach, and my only available pool is 50 meters long, with a depth ranging from 5 to 10 feet.

I can currently swim 21 meters using breaststroke and 50 meters using elementary backstroke, but I struggle with treading water.

My goal is to become a confident swimmer so I can enjoy open-water swimming in lakes, rivers, ponds, and the ocean. I'd also like to try related water activities, such as surfing, water skiing, jet skiing, kite surfing, kayaking, and canoeing.

I also want to be better prepared for emergencies, such as falling overboard or getting into difficulty in open water due to currents, tides, rip currents, waves, and choppy water.

Could you suggest a specific swimming proficiency test I could work towards in the pool before attempting open-water swimming? For example, swimming certain distances using different strokes, treading water for a specified duration, floating to rest, practicing other essential techniques, and so on.

I'm looking for a concrete set of tests with measurable benchmarks that I can use to assess my progress independently.

Thank you!

Has anyone done the Bozburun SwimTrek trip, or even better both Bozburun & Lycian Way?

I have done Lycian Way (which was great) and on the website Bozburun seems to be a very similar trip (Similar boat, food etc), apart from being based in a small village rather than a large town. However, Bozburun does not seem to be as popular, it doesn't seem to sell out and I am really curious as to why? Makes me hesitant to book it.

Has anyone done both trips that can make a comparison for me?

Many thanks

Only my second time ever seeing dolphins, but my first having them swim past me 20ish meters away on my swim this morning. Magical 🥰

I took swimming classes for 6k rs for 21 days and also spending some 4k+ more on process and transport and attire everything. 

I learnt swimming. I can do freestyle easily. But my ever regret is that i can not back float or do backstroke. My classes were done and after that by myself how much ever i tried to do i couldnt, even though i look straight up.

Whatever the hell i try i couldnt my lower body doesnt come up at all when im trying backfloat waist to leg always inside water. And also sometimes i keep neck and head stiffen.

Also I still have a deep fear of depth. When im in freestyle pose I'll be all okay, but when try to do backfloat and when i want to stand back its really hard for me i get sudden panic

Please help me with suggestions or any day or two courses or workshop in banglore available.

I'm looking for a rash vest (or other torso+arm garment) for sun protection; my current rashie has too wide a neck and creates a bit of drag. Are there swimming-specific rashies, or do you just find ones with turtle-necks? Or has anyone swum with a hooded rashie? I'm in Australia.

I’m in London, and trying to swim in Hampstead ponds three times a week. It’s now getting cold, so need an option that isn’t my swimming suit.

What can I use? I think tried with a shorty wetsuit once, and it felt difficult to swim in.

Cheaper uk options are best!

I surf in the N Pacific Ocean with regular 50* water temps, and I use a 4/3 wettie even in the winter. I’ve tried swimming in my wetsuit but I get too hot and the movement is really restricted.

How much insulation does a triathlon style suit provide? Any brands I should look at in particular, preferably reasonably priced as this will be my first time open water swimming and would not like to spend big money on something that doesn’t work quite right.

I’m a strong swimmer so buoyancy and body position isn’t a super high priority, but I’m looking for some insulation and freedom of movement in the shoulders.

Thank you!

Hi there,

An orca apex flex has popped up on Facebook marketplace in my size brand new for less than half the price new.
I’m looking for advice if this would be an alright wetsuit for me, I’m doing my first Ironman 70.3 in march, it’s just coming into summer where I live and will start open water swimming - I haven’t done open water before

Thanks

One of the things I most like about swimming is the sensation of freedom and to have no where to go, neither goals to achieve. I also enjoy the cold natural water freshness but then I'm forced to train at pools and I feel kinda bored and overwhelmed at pools.

At the pool everybody are desperate and looking at their watches all the time, the vibe at the pools is everybody hurry and stressed, nobody is there for the sake of swimming but just to compete the daily task.

The water also is normally too damn warm, one of the things that kills the experience for me but I have no option but to swim at pools during my week.

What are your go to items for winter swimming?

I’m in town from AZ and want to hop in one of these gorgeous lakes while I am here! anyone in the area swimming somewhere in the next few days? I’m a confident swimmer with a decent level experience, happy to join any level group for a swim.

bonus if you have blonde hair. i am starting to train for a 10km swim many months out. It's getting cold here, so lots of swimming indoors. how do you all keep your long hair healthy and happy with chlorine?

28C water, 2.5km. Can I now brag that I am a channel swimmer? /s

Well, I did it. Made a rather spontaneous decision and officially booked my solo English Channel swim for late September 2027!
I’ve been swimming since I was a child, and it’s always come naturally to me. I’d consider myself a reasonably confident swimmer, but here’s the catch: I’ve never swum more than 4 km in a single day. That’s largely been down to time constraints rather than feeling physically incapable of going further.
I’m fully aware that swimming the English Channel is an entirely different beast compared to swimming in a pool, and I don’t want to underestimate what I’ve signed up for.
I have just under a year to prepare, and I’m determined to give this everything I’ve got.
For those who’ve completed the Channel or have experience with long-distance open-water swimming, I’d really appreciate some advice:

Training: Where do I even begin? How should I progressively build up my distance and endurance over the next 11 months?

Coaching: How do I find a coach who specialises in English Channel swims? I’m based in London, so any recommendations would be brilliant.

Cold-water acclimatisation: How and when should I start preparing for the temperatures?

Open-water experience: Where around London or the South East would you recommend training?

Lessons learned: What do you wish you’d known before attempting your first Channel swim?

I’d also love to hear from anyone who started with a similar swimming background and successfully made the crossing.
I’m excited, slightly terrified, and fully aware I’ve got a mountain of work ahead of me.
Any advice, recommendations or reality checks would be massively appreciated. Cheers!

This is me (35M) in the final meters of a 2km swim, thoughts in my style and biggest improvement point?

Bonus: guess my pace

Are there any swimmers in here from the south sound around Tacoma/gig harbor? I tried using the subreddit search and didn't find any posts from more recent than 3 years. I'm a strong swimmer but not terribly fast, around 2:00/100 grew up OW swimming in rivers and lakes but not really any ocean environments and I'm looking for a group or buddy to go with for safety reasons.

Use this thread to announce or recommend swim events. Please include the country, distance, cost and any other relevant details such as experience required.

Such posts outside this thread will be removed.

Thought I’d share my experience swimming on the South Carolina (North Myrtle Beach)coast this past September.

I was able to get 3 legit swims in, 2x 2000+ yard swims and a 3600 yard swim. The goal for the long swim was to beat 90 minutes swimming 3000 meters, and beat 60 minutes for the 2000 yard distance. All three beat my goals by 9+ minutes, so I was pleased with that. In spite of a significant sea nettle encounter on my first swim it was a blast!!!!

My equipment is a bit unconventional in the world of open water swimming. My swims were much closer to “surface finning” than conventional open water swimming.

Anyway, thanks to this sub for all the insight and nuggets of wisdom that helped me accomplish this.

I just came back from one and I am thinking about my next one: does anyone know why the prices are so different even in the same country? For instance Patmos for 7 days is 1,900£ and Ithaca for 7 days is 1,190£.

While riding my bike on a local trail recently, I witnessed something that really shook me up. A man collapsed about 15 feet in front of me. He was unresponsive and gasping occasionally. I called 911, and EMS arrived incredibly quickly and worked on him for quite a while before taking him away. I never found out whether he survived.

Before this, I guess I always assumed there would be warning signs before a serious cardiac event. Seeing someone go down so suddenly was a reality check.

As an open water swimmer, it's really affected my mindset. I always swim with others and use a tow float, but now I can't stop thinking about how far we sometimes are from immediate medical help. The same thoughts hit me when I'm backpacking in remote areas.

Rationally, I know the risks haven't changed. Emotionally, though, I find myself hesitant to push harder in open water. I'm approaching 50, carrying a few extra pounds, and for the first time I'm wondering whether I'm taking risks I hadn't fully considered.

Has anyone else experienced this after witnessing a medical emergency? How did you work through it and regain confidence?