what to wear before and after an outdoor swim

[@caffeinekitty8983]

Brilliant advice. I got myself a onesie and it has been a game changer, so easy to get into under a changing robe and only have one item of clothing to remember

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I’m considering a onesie too. So easy! 🏊‍♀️😀

[@janereid5147]

I love my onesie

[@marycharlebois6627]

Can somebody please tell me what a suitable onesie would be made of?

[@elizabethn7024]

Oh a onesie is a fantastic idea, just started cold/open water swimming, Im loving it, cant afford a dryrobe right now, but gonna sew 2 big towels together to change under, instead of flashing lol x

[@caffeinekitty8983]

@@marycharlebois6627 mine is made of a fleecy cotton, smooth on outside and soft and fuzzy on the inside

[@bernardinelermite1133]

Hi Rachel ! I enjoy your videos so much !! I absolutely love how down-to-earth and unpretending you are, because I just feel the same way : my swimming material mainly consists in old loosen clothes that I pile up like onion peels, lol. The camisole with thin straps turned out to be life-saving when trying to put it on under a wet sticking towel-robe. Once it's on, my decency is saved and I can just get rid of the robe and dress up much easier and quicker. For the feet, I usually take some plastic tongs just to get out of the water and change without having my feet dirty. As soon as my feet are dry and my pants are on (pyjama-like sportswear), I put my socks and some slip-in shoes. (At the moment : large Birkenstock with woolen socks). I have also devoted a winter changing robe as an "overall covering coat" to go back home entirely protected from head to knee. As I don't have a car, it's important I don't get cold when waiting the autobus. I look like a homeless crazy old hippie but I don't care ! 😅

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Homeless crazy old hippies are always welcome here, we are kindred spirits. I like the idea of something to put on your feet on exiting to keep them clean, I might have a thing about that. Crocs work well for that as I can tow them along because they float. Great that you can reach your swim spot by public transport. I quite fancy taking the bus to mine and having a cheeky post-swim drink of cider or wine!

[@bernardinelermite1133]

@@EverydayAthleteRach I wish so badly I could come and visit, but I live in the Alps, far away from Great Britain, and I can't afford traveling for the moment (I self retired due to health issues and I haven't got any pension yet). That's also why I enjoy wild swimming in that little lake so much : apart from the year-round bus pass, it costs me nothing more than a hot-drink at the local café when I have enough time before I catch the next autobus ! 😊

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Oh no I’m sorry to hear about your financial situation. I hope it isn’t too long before you can draw money from your pension. Keep swimming and enjoying the water and the beautiful alpine views that I’m sure u must get. Sending a hug x

[@bernardinelermite1133]

@@EverydayAthleteRach 🙂💜

[@fullstopnextchapter]

Fab advice Rachel. This is one thing I love about outdoor swimming is that no-one cares what you're dress in or what size you are. I also love in this video that you've said you don't need all fancy schmancy kit. It's funny how we all have our own system of getting ready. After getting dry the first thing I do is put my socks on to stop my tootsies dropping off.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Haha from one fleece wearer to another, so long as we have a system to getting dressed it doesn’t matter what the order is, but doing it give or take the same way each time reduces faffing and losing time to getting changed 🏊‍♀️😀

[@anniestreet7995]

Hi Rachel, thank you for yet another fabulous and informative video!! They are a highlight to my Tuesdays!! Your tip about clipping the tow float belt through the top clip has blown my mind and I will definitely be doing this. Hope you have a great day!!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for watching Annie! I was so chuffed with the tow float carrying technique I thought I’d show it 🏊‍♀️😀

[@nigelfranklin870]

Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest 😀

[@aurimillar9602]

Thank you for this! Stepping into my vest has changed my life! Best tip ever! 👍💙🌊

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Woohoo! Me too, great isn’t it! 🏊‍♀️😀

[@melindagreen7911]

It's election day here in New England USA and I started the day the best possible way: a bracing swim in the Atlantic. Watching your videos has given me tools and confidence to attempt a longer swim season than I had previously imagined. I have a pair of snow pants that are fleecy on the inside, windproof on the outside, with zippers at the ankles made to accommodate big boots that I plan to test for colder conditions. I've been practicing my quick change for almost a month now in prep for the cold weather - not quite where I'd like to be yet in terms of speed, but working on it. Sand and wind are the two biggest challenges for me and quick dressing. Thanks for all you do!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Melinda, welcome along. I hope election day goes your way. It sounds like in that get-up you'll be sorted post swim. Ski clothes are excellent for it. I love that you have been practicing the changing techniques, it'll pay off when it's nippier. Keep on swimming whilst it's still fun, always get out just before you really want to. Better to get out wanting to have stayed in longer, than stay in too long and dread getting back in 🏊😄

[@ajd6070]

Love it Rach!!! I've been psyching myself up to get back into swimming, a great reminder to keep it simple, get warm as soon as you can, and that its not a fashion parade :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Absolutley, if it were a fashion parade, I'd be running a mile! 🏊😃

[@raymondwoodster]

Love your videos. So simple and useful. I am using your tips to help me start my first winter of swimming (Suffolk UK).

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Brilliant! How lovely to hear you’re starting. Enjoy the water but don’t stay in too long 🏊‍♀️😀

[@ghengis430]

Thank-you Rachael, I now know how to address the booties issue. I've seen a few people in pjs at the beach, but I often pop in the shop first, so maybe not. Had my first swim in the fog the other day!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Don’t be worrying about post swim clothing at the shop - I see people in their pjs at my local shop and all they’ve done is get up, not immerse in cold water! Just please yourself 🏊‍♀️😀

[@AlisonBurnett-jw9nx]

Great tips, really simple but worth knowing 😊

[@Ainecaine]

Hi Rachel, you've inspired me, I have watch loads of your video, thay are brilliant, and I went for my first sea swim yesterday. It was amazing! Thank you so much. I'm going again today....can't wait.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Aine this is lovely to hear. Brave moves getting in just now but you won’t regret it. I hope today’s dip was as satisfying 🏊‍♀️😀❤️

[@krissiecatchpool4049]

Great video, I'm thinking about starting this and I'm post hip replacement and was totting up all the cost but your advice is so valuable.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You don't need loads of kit if you think about where you're getting in and stay out of the wind!

[@teresaknight438]

Morning Rachel, thanks for another useful video. I just want to learn your trick of magically holding then wearing each item! 😂

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

If only I could do that in reality, I’d be a swimming version of Mr Benn!

[@jennyreid6218]

Great practical advice as ever Rachel. The vest step in manoeuvre has become a favourite of mine

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Makes things so much easier for me 🏊‍♀️😀

[@markreynolds4226]

Rach, I am really enjoying your content and your positive personality! I haven't been in the pool in about 6 years but am inspired to see how winter swimming might go. My two daughters and I are going to jump in the ocean off Portland, Maine, this Saturday, Nov. 20. Wish us luck!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Mark that sounds like and awesome November weekend activity. I'll be doing the same in the South coast of the UK! Have a blast 🏊😄

[@philippadianethomas8436]

Brilliant video! It is good to know how we need to look after ourselves to take care of ourselves in the autumn and winter months. Thank you. Px

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Phillipa thanks for watching, I’m pleased you enjoyed it 🏊‍♀️😀

[@marycharlebois6627]

Thanks Rachel for another Tuesday instalment of valuable wild swimming info. I know this sounds ultra corny, but you’re like an encyclopedia of wild swimming knowledge... only way more pleasant and interesting! There are lots of good ideas presented here for me to try out with my post swimming attire!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Wow, thank you! Sometimes it is the simpler ideas which turn out to be the most valuable. I'm always looking out for tips, shortcuts and improvements, if I find them, I like to share them. Are you still swimming up in the chilly lakes in 🇨🇦? How's your tame bear pet?

[@marycharlebois6627]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Yes, I’m still swimming in the chilly lakes here in the 🇨🇦ian north. Thankfully it has warmed up a bit, last week was ridiculously cold and pretty hardcore for swimming. Unfortunately now, due the time change this past weekend, after school swimming is out and swimming is limited now to just weekends. As for the grizzly bear hanging around at the lake... let’s just say that we’re practicing social distancing!!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

@@marycharlebois6627 stay fit and well and hope the grizzly goes to bed soon!

[@patriciapowers3751]

Love the idea of turning the tow float into a knapsack...great idea! Do you wear the exact post swim clothes TO the swim? I never like being too warm before the swim. I was surprised that you just put on a tank top. You are a tough cookie!

[@ColemanUK2008]

Completely agree- that tow float trick is brilliant!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Pat, the clothes I put on in the vid are the ones I wear to and from a swim. When I'm done I take the cossie off before getting dressed, but I thought that would be a bit bold even for youtube!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It works a treat for carrying light stuff, I enjoy a hands-free stroll back with just my swimmers inside the bag and my drink bottle in my hand. How's the channel training going Alan?

[@sjlewman]

Those trousers are fab! And you’re highly respectable in my book😃👍🏻

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

They are like being cuddled by a warm bear, I also have a rather fetching pair of fleecy dungarees. I have all the most fetching clothes! 😍

[@traceysq9384]

Thanks for this, love your videos, always look forward to seeing them!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Glad you like them! Thanks for the encouragement to keep going. I f you have an idea for a topic, I'm always all ears 🏊😄

[@Dunlaoghairegirl]

Thank you for the advice 😊

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for watching 🏊‍♀️😀

[@Andre.R]

Great advice as usual! Love the slippers!😁

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

They are easy to get on and do the job to get me home. They have solid soles which is helpful 🏊‍♀️😀

[@nigelfranklin870]

I suffer with cold feet, not during the swim, but afterwards they seem to get colder! Morrison’s have got some great thick & thermal socks in just now! £4 per pair, any colour as long as it’s black!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I need ot go and get some of these. There's a Morrisons nearby too. Thanks for the tip!

[@finnomara4148]

I've been practising the cold water immersion.. just need to practise the little jumps and hand claps for my clothes to go on instantaneously.. Struggling with this magic at the moment 😁

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Good luck! It is a knack, you just have to practice enough and look odd enough doing it that your clothes feel sorry for you an magic on to your body! 🏊😃

[@MaheshHayward]

Another great video Rachel, it was great to hear we have a mutual connection. I’m on day 137 of daily consecutive dips. And I share your video with The Bournemouth Sea Dippers weekly Take care X

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Mahesh, thanks for getting in contact and for sharing my videos. I think it wouldn’t take too much of your powers of persuasion to encourage our mutual connection into the water! 137 consecutive days dipping is a massive achievement - keep on inspiring others with your swimming antics. When the situation allows Id love to come for a dip with your group 🏊‍♀️😀

[@Sushithekoi]

Love the magic clothes. Must get some glovelettes. :-)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I wish they really were! The gloves are great, a super addition which block out the draught but still allows me to have use of my fingers 🏊😄

[@giorgiacavalli634]

Hi Rachel, super video as usual... my only problem is with the feet because they get super cold now. But even if I put socks and shoes on immediately they take hours to warm up.. any tips?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Giorgia I find that walking around and the using the car heaters pointed at me and at my feet works best 🏊😆

[@giorgiacavalli634]

@@EverydayAthleteRach I normally have to walk about 10 minutes to get to the car but it's still bad! Thanks for your tip! :)

[@Andre.R]

Hi Giorgia, do you wear neoprene socks? I wear socks and swim shoes and find they keep my feet bearable in winter. Pull them off when home and on with thermal socks and stand on the heated bathroom floor! Haha😎

[@giorgiacavalli634]

@@Andre.R I am trying to get some, everything is sold out at the moment and won't be in stock for months :(

[@hlstnr]

I have a little pair of swim socks that I wear in the water, but I HAVE to get my feet dry and into warm shoes pretty much immediately. I don't think I could walk back in my swim footwear like Rach does! Its probably a faff but I always put on a pair of wool socks (I knit myself, so I've made a pair that are easy to slip on) then into a pair of ugg-type boots. Everyone's a bit different but for me, it is the step where I feel functional again.

[@carostaton2367]

I love your fingerless gloves but am struggling to find any as nice and thick and warm looking as yours. Can you tell us where you got them?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Caro, the gloves are super warms and fleecy lined - I've put a link to the gloves in the video in my Amazon Affiliate shop: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/everydayathleterach 🏊😄🔥

[@yvonnewright7856]

I have a great pair of £5 fleecey joggers from Primark, they are baggy enough to go over boots if needs be. Result! 😁

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

That’s the kinda style we’re talking about! Rock the Primarni and warm up easily 🏊‍♀️😀

[@bobbiiiiiiiiii12345]

Great video! Do you keep your wet swimming costume on underneath until you're home?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

No, I always take it off even if it means I’m naked under my changing robe!

[@racheltree7533]

Rachel, Excellent. That was great can you suggest/review footwear that is good for a post swim? For those driving home this would mean presumably a change of footwaer once you are warm that is safe for driving.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Rachel, thanks for the idea. I'll have a think about this one. I drive home in the hard-soled slippers in the video.

[@finnomara4148]

I put my neoprene feet in cheap lidl crocs in a bigger size with band at my heel. Very secure. Hot water bottle water a godsend but not standing on concrete or cold ground after is key. Put crocs on asap for insulation

[@kellypattison4566]

Love your videos. Thank you

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for watching and for the encouragement 🏊‍♀️😀

[@lovestruck-dl9kj]

Fingerless gloves for the win 🙌

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

so easy to do everyting else, blocks out the draught!

[@joannecarey244]

It might be a stupid question but do you keep your swimming costume on?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Not once I get out. Get the wet stuff off and then put the dry stuff on 😀

[@tubetastic999]

You're just Fab :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thank you, we’re all part of this fun activity so that makes us all fab x 🏊‍♀️😀

[@user-zj4gz9tr8s]

Well u hv give me some good tips ..I will b in north sea on Sunday 1st time 4 me ... bring it on ..ps u look perfect :)

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Have fun! Looking forward to hearing how that goes K 🏊😄

[@user-zj4gz9tr8s]

hi went canny thanks :)

[@paulinew8680]

Hi Loving your videos....I'm playing catch up as only just recently subscribed. Can I ask about the tow float. Do you prefer the one in this video or the rucksack one? I have a small doughnut one at the minute but it only hold a small amount (not my dry robe).

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi Pauline, thanks for subscribing ❤️. The tow float in this video is the dry bag to float ruck sack. I just left the detachable shoulder straps in the car for this one as I wanted to show how to carry it using the waist band.

[@carolineneil3796]

do you leave your kit by the shore whilst swimming?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

No. I almost always put it all in a towfloat and swim with it.

[@carolineneil3796]

@@EverydayAthleteRach many thanks apprecizate your fast repsonse. I am a complete newbie and getting more nervous than I should be at doing my first swim. Going with a very experienced friend who is going to lead me through. Live in the lake district, klnow any classes?

[@11millionMHD]

“If you want to keep the girls under control” ?? We love you Rach!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It’s an important factor 😀👯‍♀️

[@MD-ok2oo]

Ermmmm where does one swim during lockdown. Everything near me got shut... 😭

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Have you got and lakes or rivers that are calm enough to swim in nearby? If not sometimes I find that taking my hot drink and changing robe somewhere quiet to sit and indulge in just being in nature is a good second place to actually swimming. I’m not one for cold baths or showers though. I hope you can find somewhere peaceful to hang out and get an outdoor fix ☕️🍂🍁🦆🐞🦉❤️😊

[@dugongpoo]

A bit disappointed that you haven't done any lunges for a few weeks. Haha.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Not really had cause to for a while. Keep an eye out, they'll be back. 🏊😄🏃

[@mikeskala7797]

🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️👍❤️

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

🏊‍♀️🌧🌞🌙🌦☃️😀

[@Daveonarave]

Rach re 1:15 you are indeed sexy - seriously! Not a 'beast' though :) Love love love your editing so that you snapped on every piece of clothing. Makes sense not to have shoes other than crocs with you on float - a bit like luggage on a flight or holiday - shoes take up all the space!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I just wish I could change at the speed of the edit. I'd just get out and start clapping!

[@Daveonarave]

@@EverydayAthleteRach haha like Mary Poppins! Well you have a Mary Poppins tow float :D Practice makes perfect :)

[@Daveonarave]

Lovely swimming or boating lakes often seem to be under pylons or national grid power lines it seems. Tips on staying safe around them could be another video?

[@katarzynafiszer119]

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thank you! Hope you're finding stuff to smile about in these challenging times! 🏊😄

[@Daisyworld743]

Are you walking back to the car in a wet swimsuit? And are you driving home in a wet swimsuit?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

No, definetly not. I hadn't swim. For visual effect it was a toss up between a boring background at home or a watery one at a swim spot. This is the kit I put on to go to a swim, it's the same kit that goes back on when I get out, minus the swimmers. I thought that filming from scratch what I wear after a swim was a bit bold for KZbin and may have cost me a strike and loss of subscribers 🏊😄

[@junewong5119]

Minimal kit! I always have hot water bottles and more layers than you - so am lugging a lot of stuff - proper bag lady sometimes!! but I don’t go back to the car immediately...

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hi June! Hot water bottle is great work, I'm just not organised enough for it. Whatever keeps you swimming is what you need in your kit! 🏊😄