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The best wild swimming gifts: practical and beautiful present ideas

If you know someone who loves a dip in the great outdoors - or you’re looking for birthday list inspiration - check out these beautiful and functional wild swimming gifts.

Published: November 7, 2023 at 8:57 pm

Wild swimming can have a whole host of benefits for our physical and mental health, from boosting our immune system to preventing anxiety and depression. As time goes on, more and more of us are braving the cold water.

These wild swimming gifts are the perfect presents for anyone who enjoys a spot of al fresco bathing. Not only are they practical and durable; they’ll also add a touch of luxury to any swim session.

See our guide to wild swimming in Britain for tips on water safety and how to get started.

The best wild swimming gifts

Ocean Bottle 500ml

Ocean Bottle 500ml on a blue background

Several clever features make the Ocean Bottle one of the best drinks canisters around, so it’s great for gifting a wild swimmer, even if the recipient already has a flask.

Either drink directly from the small opening at the top of the bottle or use the upper section as a cup - perfect for sipping a warm beverage after a cold swim. The flask can keep drinks cold for 18 hours and hot for nine.

Other handy features include the carrying loop, anti-leak seals and dishwasher safe construction.

As the name implies, the Ocean Bottle is made from discarded plastic on its way to the sea, as well as repurposed stainless steel. You can recycle the entire bottle at the end of its life too.

Plus, the makers fund the collection of 1,000 ocean-bound plastic bottles for every item sold. Through their partner organisation Plastic Bank, local collectors across the world can swap waste for essentials like healthcare, tuition and money.

Dryrobe Advance Adult Short Sleeve Changing Robe

Dryrobe Advance Adult Short Sleeve Changing Robe on a blue background

A dryrobe is so useful for outdoor watersports it’s almost an essential in our eyes, and makes a wonderful wild swimming gift.

We love this particular changing robe as it’s made from 49% recycled polyester. It’s water- and wind-proof to keep you protected in stormy weather, and it has huge A4-sized internal pockets to hold all your bits and bobs.

The two-way zip is useful for staying cool on warm days, and fleece-lined external pockets keep your hands toasty warm in cold weather. You can buy this dryrobe in blue, red, pink or grey.

See our pick of the best water shoes in 2023.

Tide Clock

Tide clocks on a blue background

A tide clock makes a practical gift for anyone who likes to swim in the sea. Not only will it help you plan and get excited about your next dip, it also makes a quirky décor piece for your home or beach hut.

Just set the hand to ‘high tide’ at the right time for your chosen beach, and the clock will continue to keep track of the tides by itself.

Thanks to its powder-coated steel construction, this accessory is weatherproof, so you can install it inside or out.

Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack, 45L

Dry Bag Waterproof Backpack, 45L

A waterproof backpack is a no-brainer for wild swimming trips - and, let’s face it, any activity in the great outdoors. This one might just be the best on the market, as it floats when dropped in water.

It also has the added benefit of a high-vis finish and reflective strips for low light sessions.

The ventilated back panel, padded shoulder straps and top handle make it comfortable to carry for long periods of time.

The Orca Neo Swim Cap

The Orca Neo Swim Cap

The Orca Neo Swim Cap is made from 3mm 100% Neoprene to enhance warmth, comfort, and durability. Ideal for colder waters, this thermal swim cap can be worn with your wetsuit, ensuring extended water time. Its adjustable chin strap guarantees a snug fit, and the added warmth keeps you comfortable in the water. Plus, it's highly visible, making it a sensible choice for wild swimmers.

Dippy Tow Floats For Open Water Swimming

Dippy Tow Floats For Open Water Swimming

Make a splash with this great gift for wild swimmers of all ages. Its fun design helps swimmers stand out, the built-in whistle enhances safety, and the dual-purpose swim float and dry bag is a must-have for cold water swimming.

The C Skins Storm Chaser 2mm wetsuit beanie

The C Skins Storm Chaser 2mm wetsuit beanie

The C Skins Storm Chaser 2mm wetsuit beanie is an essential cold-weather companion for water sports.

Made with 100% Free Flex neoprene for flexibility and durability, it features ThermoTech Poly Pro lining, keeping your head warm and preventing heat loss.

Ideal for winter months, this beanie ensures you stay cosy in the water, making it a must-have for all water sports enthusiasts.

Available in small, medium and large

Osprey Neoprene Gloves and Boots

Osprey Neoprene Gloves and Boots

Stay warm and protected in the water with Osprey's 3mm Neoprene Protective Gloves and Boots.

Ultra-strong flatlock stitching, akin to active outdoor wear, provides increased support and durability, and a comfortable nylon inner fabric feels great on your skin.

How to Wild Swim by Ella Foote

How to Wild Swim by Ella Foote

An essential manual for amateur wild swimmers, offering guidance for exploring remote waters, boosting confidence, refining technique, and preparing for challenges.

Expert Ella Foote provides the ultimate guide, answering common questions and ensuring you can swim safely, have fun, and re-energize.

Wild Swimming Walks Lake District by Pete Kelly

Wild Swimming Walks Lake District by Pete Kelly

Embark on 28 remarkable adventures in the Lake District with this guide.

Revealing hidden waterfalls, pristine mountain tarns, and glistening rivers, enriched with local history and legend, you'll be captivated by this book.

From the highest waterfall in Cumbria to Ullswater's islands and the deepest tarn beneath Mardale's crags, it offers an array of scenic wonders.

The guide includes practical information, detailed directions, maps, and downloadable route information for your convenience. Dive into the natural beauty of the Lake District's waters.

Wetsuit Change Mat and bag

Wetsuit Change Mat and bag

Our heavy-duty wetsuit changing mat, made of high-quality oxford cloth, measures a generous 86cm in diameter and can accommodate you and your children.

The 10cm high polyester fiber sidewalls, along with a drawstring, keep sand and stones out, ensuring your wet wetsuit stays secure. This versatile mat is easy to carry with drawstring closure, wrap handles, and a removable shoulder strap - a great gift for friends and family.

Lifesystems Rechargeable Hand Warmer

Lifesystems Rechargeable Hand Warmer on a blue background

Any wild swimmer would be glad of a pair of hand warmers after an icy dip in cold waters. These ones from Lifesystems are a convenient option, as you can easily recharge them in four hours with the included USB cable.

They also double as a power bank, allowing you to top up your phone battery when out and about.

Turn on these hand warmers and they’ll provide up to six hours of warmth. You can choose between four heat levels, indicated by LED lights and ranging in temperature from 42°C up to 50°C.

Wild Swimming Mug

Wild Swimming Mug on a blue background

Every chilly swim session should end with a warming drink - preferably from a mug as charming as this one. The maker, Carrie, is a wild swimmer herself, and took inspiration from fellow enthusiasts at her local Devon beach to create the colourful sketch on the side.

Thanks to its enamel construction, this mug is hard-wearing yet light enough to throw in your swim bag.

Check out Carrie’s Etsy store to find a treasure trove of wild swimming gifts.

From wetsuits and neoprene gloves to swim floats, changing mats, and guidebooks, this kit ensures you're well-prepared for any open water environment. Safety, comfort, and exploration are key, and with the right gear in your bag, you'll be ready to dive into the wonders of wild swimming.

So, pack your essentials, venture into the great outdoors, and embark on unforgettable journeys in the world of wild swimming.

And if you're looking for inspiration about places to swim in the great outdoors, check out our guides to the best swimming spots in Britain, as well as the best places to swim outside London.

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