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Getting started with ice swimming: do you need neoprene socks and gloves?

The ice swimming season is starting again. Many beginners notice the same thing during their first few times: the body adapts to the cold surprisingly quickly, but the toes and fingers do not. That is exactly what neoprene ice swimming socks and gloves are made for.

Do you need equipment right from the start?

You can start ice swimming with just a swimsuit and a towel. However, equipment can be useful if

  • your feet or hands get numb easily
  • you want to stay in the water a little longer or swim a few laps
  • the dock or steps are icy and slippery
  • the bottom of the ice hole is rocky

The socks and gloves do not make the water warmer, but they protect the parts of the body that cool down the fastest. Many find that the ice hole becomes more comfortable thanks to them and that the threshold to go back again is lowered.

How to choose ice swimming socks

Aqua Socks 2.5 mm is our warmest option. The heat-bonded seams keep the water out, and the long leg can be folded or shortened to your size. It is suitable for you if your toes get numb easily or if you stay in the water longer.

Aqua Socks 2.4 is made of 2.5 mm neoprene and has a grippy sole. A good choice if you walk on slippery docks and steps.

Aqua Socks 2.0 mm is a thinner and lighter sock with a non-slip sole. It is suitable for beginners and those who want the feeling to remain light.

Tip: if you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. If the bottom is rocky, it is advisable to wear sandals over the socks, as neoprene does not withstand sharp rocks.

Ice swimming gloves

Aqua Gloves are made of 2.5 mm neoprene. The heat-bonded seams prevent water from entering the glove, and the inner surface is seamless, so nothing chafes. Sizes XS–XL are suitable for both women and men.

How to use the equipment between the sauna and the ice hole

  1. Put on the socks and gloves on dry skin before going to the ice hole.
  2. There is no need to take off the equipment between the sauna and the ice hole – you can keep them on for the entire sauna trip.
  3. Rinse the equipment with fresh water after use and let it dry at room temperature, not directly on the heater or radiator.

Safely into the ice hole

  • Start with short, 5–10 second dips and gradually increase the time.
  • Do not go into the ice hole directly from a hot sauna, but let your body level out for a moment.
  • Do not swim alone, and listen to your body's reactions.
  • Neoprene protects against the cold, but it does not eliminate the effects of the cold on the body.

If you have heart or vascular disease or another underlying medical condition, discuss ice swimming with your doctor first.

Ready-made package for beginners

The easiest way to start is with an ice swimming package, which includes Aqua Gloves and Aqua Socks 2.5 mm. The package costs €54.90, while the products cost €69.90 when purchased separately. The package is also a popular gift.

You can find more tips in our ice swimming guide. Enjoy your time in the ice hole!

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Swimming goggles testing

Aquaction

Before we get into the different types of glasses, it's important to know how to fit glasses on your head and ensure they fit your face.

How to test glasses

► Place the glasses on your forehead and pull the silicone straps into place behind your head. Please note that the straps should not be so tight that they squeeze your head. So loosen the straps if necessary.

► Then place the glasses on your eyes and gently press the silicone seals into place by holding the frames.

► Now slowly pull the glasses away from your eyes, still holding onto the frames of each lens.

Glass is right for you when

1. The silicone seal adheres to each of your eyes like a suction cup.

2. The glasses don't weigh down your face, but sit comfortably on the skin around your eyes.

Test another glass model if

1. You won't get the suction cup effect at all.

2. The glass presses on your face very uncomfortably.

Additional notes

► If you only get a suction cup around one eye, try changing the nose bridge if your glasses have this option. An incorrectly sized nose bridge can cause a suction cup to only form on one eye at a time.

► If you are looking for very comfortable glasses, it is good to note that the further the swimming glasses sit from the sensitive skin around the eyes, the softer and more comfortable they will be.

Choosing a suitable swimming goggle model

Our choice for competitive swimming

Arena Ultra Swipe - a favorite of competitive swimmers

Arena Ultra Swipe - a favorite of competitive swimmers

The flagship model of Arena's Cobra family , the Cobra Ultra Swipe swimming goggles, is a favorite of many competitive swimmers, both for competition and training.

The swimming goggles are low-profile and have a wide field of vision and a UV-protected polycarbonate lens.

New in the swimming goggles is SWIPE technology, which renews the anti-fog treatment, making it last up to 10 times longer than traditional anti-fog treatment.

The swimming goggles come with 5 interchangeable nose bridges, which allow you to individually adjust the fit of the goggles to each face.

The swimming goggles are available in many different colors, see the models here.

Speedo Fastskin - developed with the world's top swimmers

Speedo Fastskin - developed with the world's top swimmers

Speedo Fastskin is a product line developed with the world's top swimmers. Speedo Aqualab works with Team Speedo athletes, including Adam Peaty, to create optimal training equipment for swimmers. The result is the Fastskin line of gear, which includes goggles and equipment.

Speedo's Fastskin Hyper Elite goggles are low-profile and feature a dynamic design that minimizes water resistance and ensures maximum speed. The goggles feature Qfit™ technology, which allows the goggles to be customized to fit you.

Fastskin Hyper Elite goggles are available in both mirrored and non-mirrored versions and in different colors. See the available models here.

All Racing Goggles

Our choice for training swimming

Speedo Vanquisher 3.0 - an excellent model for active swimming

Speedo Vanquisher 3.0 - an excellent model for active swimming

Speedo Vanquisher 3.0 racing goggles are designed for tough use. They offer top-notch performance in both training and racing. The soft seal fits snugly on the face for added comfort.

The Anti-Fog treatment of the goggles ensures clear vision throughout your workout. The low-profile, close-fitting design and two-piece silicone strap keep the goggles in place even during fast strokes.

The package includes 4 Slide & Lock nose bridges to ensure a personalized fit. An excellent choice for targeted training swims.

Check out all Vanquisher 3.0 colors here.

FOR WHOM?

The model is suitable for all ambitious trainers and active swimmers who need a soft but close fit. Anti-Fog and UV protection ensure clear visibility even during longer swimming sessions.

AirSpeed ​​- for narrow faces

AirSpeed ​​- for narrow faces

Innovative and very comfortable swimming goggles for beginner competitive swimmers, training swimmers and fitness swimmers. AirSpeed ​​fits very well on narrow faces and is therefore a favorite goggle especially among women.

The wide lenses allow for a wide field of vision and the honeycomb-like seals on the lenses help direct pressure only where it is needed, making the goggles comfortable to wear even during longer workouts.

Three interchangeable nose bridges and a two-piece tension strap ensure a personalized fit. The lenses have anti-fog and UV protection.

You can find all of our AirSpeed ​​goggles here.

FOR WHOM?

Air-Speed ​​Mirror goggles are designed for active and competitive swimmers with narrow faces who want larger lenses than most competitive goggles. The larger lenses provide increased comfort around the eye.

All active and fitness swimming goggles

Our choice for open water and fitness swimming

Orca Killa 180 - an open water swimmer's favorite

Orca Killa 180 - an open water swimmer's favorite

Orcan Killa 180 are a popular goggle for open water swimming year after year, but they are also great for the pool. If you are looking for a soft and well-fitting goggle,
Combining both comfort and streamlined design, this Killa 180 is the absolute number one.

The goggles feature an ergonomic 3D silicone pad designed to fit the face to reduce pressure on the eyes. A convenient adjustment mechanism makes it easy and quick to adjust the goggles in open water. A highly durable anti-fog treatment keeps the goggles clear in all weather conditions.

Swimming goggles are available in both mirrored and non-mirrored versions. Mirrored lenses are good in sunny weather, reflecting light and keeping the field of vision clear.

See available colors here.

Arena The One - the sure choice for fitness swimmers

Arena The One - the sure choice for fitness swimmers

Arena's The One swimming goggle series is designed based on Arena's research into face shape.

Arena The One goggles are often the safest choice for fitness swimmers. The streamlined The One goggles are designed to fit a variety of faces. The fit of the goggles is based on product development results from the structure of different face shapes. Based on these results, The One goggles are designed with Arena's unique Orbit-Proof technology. The area around the eyes is the most important part of the face when designing goggles that do not leak. The seals of the One goggles are designed so that the wider seal covers a wider area of ​​skin around the eyes. The wide-angle polycarbonate lenses provide the best possible underwater view forward and to the edges of the field of vision.

In addition to unisex swimming goggles, The One series also includes a separate version for women and children, as well as a swimming mask.

See available The One models and colors here.

Speedo Biofuse 2.0 - for the fitness swimmer with an excellent fit

Speedo Biofuse 2.0 - for the fitness swimmer with an excellent fit

Speedo's best-selling Biofuse swimming goggles have been updated to an even better 2.0 version.

Biofuse 2.0 swimming goggles are the first to use biosynthetic materials in the frame and lenses.

• Very soft seal
• Flexible and snappy frame
• Patented adjustment button on the silicone strap
• Renewed lens shape
• Well-fitting and low-profile design
• Anti-Fog technology reduces lens fogging, UV400 protection

You can find all Biofuse 2.0 swimming goggles here.

All open water and triathlon goggles