Rowan Clarke

Swimming Gear Contributor

Rowan Clarke

More at home in the water than on it, Rowan Clarke is a freelance specialist writer and journalist, open water endurance swimmer and coach. With a lifelong compulsion for flinging herself into any body of cold water, Rowan started swimming in open-water endurance events in 2015. As well as swimming in open water marathons like the Dart 10k, she has competed in National and World Winter Swimming Championships, sprinting in water as cold as -1 degrees Centigrade. She coaches in Clevedon, Somerset, and also specialises in writing about outdoor swimming.

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Outdoor swimming cold water changing mat

dryrobe Changing Mat Best changing mat for warmth When it comes to post-swimming training, dryrobe knows its business. And this handy little changing mat feels like luxury for your cold…

Outdoor swimming cold water changing mat

Orca Changing Mat Accessory Best lightweight changing mat for lots of kit This brilliant changing mat packs down super small – and then opens up to create a large changing…

Outdoor swimming cold water changing mat

byBettyBlue The Pasty Wet Bag Changing Mat Best sustainably made changing mat We went searching for an independently made changing mat and came up trumps. By far the best-looking changing…

Outdoor swimming cold water changing mat

Après Plunge Stepping Stone Changing Mat Best changing mat for drying cold feet In our hunt for changing mats from independent sellers, we came across Après Plunge. Creating limited edition…

Deakin & Blue X-Back Swimsuit for outdoor swimming

Deakin & Blue X-Back Swimsuit Best overall swimsuit for open water swimming This is hands-down the most comfortable, supportive, beautiful swimsuit I’ve found. On its own or underneath a wetsuit,…

Deakin & Blue Sports Swimbra for open water swimming

Deakin & Blue Sports Swimbra Best outdoor swimming bikini Sometimes I prefer to wear a bikini, especially under a wetsuit. So, it’s a joy to find a supportive bikini that…

Chilly Swim Neoprene Swimsuit for cold water swimming

Chilly Swim Star Bum Best swimsuit for winter dipping Sometimes you put on a swimsuit that makes you walk a bit taller. This beautiful limestone neoprene swimsuit does just that.…

Lomo Nuotare Best Plus Size Open Water Swimming Wetsuit for curvy women

Lomo Nuotare Ladies Swimming Wetsuit in Tall Wide A Best multisport durable wetsuit Lomo’s inclusive sizing is unbeatable. Not only catering for different sized curves, it also accommodates different heights.…

Batoko open water swimsuit

Batoko swimsuit Best vibrant sustainable swimsuit If you’re an outdoor swimmer, you’ve probably seen a Batoko swimsuit. These gorgeous sea-themed swimsuits are everywhere. And, with great eco-credentials and fun designs,…

Yonda Spook plus size wetsuit women's open water swimming wetsuit

Yonda Spook Wetsuit in XXXL Best entry-level all-round outdoor swimming wetsuit Yonda’s size range is probably the most inclusive out there. So, wonderful for someone who struggles to find a…

Alpkit Dulsie Best long-sleeved open water swimsuit Comfortable and flattering, we love Alpkit’s long-sleeved swimsuit for added protection and coverage when swimming outdoors. A long-sleeved swimsuit is great for keeping…

Orca Core One-Piece Swimsuit for open water swimming

Orca Women’s Core One Piece Swimsuit Best sporty one-piece swimsuit The Core One Piece is Orca’s good-looking, quality take on the classic, sporty swimsuit. A big fan of the sea…

HUUB Araya Siren Best Plus Size Open Water Swimming Wetsuit for curvy women

HUUB Araya Wetsuit in size ‘Siren’ Best performance wetsuit for plus-size outdoor swimmers HUUB is renowned for its high-performing open water swimming kit. And so, it is exciting that plus-size…

Wallien Yemaya Swimsuit for open water swimming

Wallien Yemaya Swimsuit Best sustainable swimsuit for pool and open water Stylish, durable and sustainably made – we love Wallien’s swimwear for wild swimming. The Yemaya swimsuit is a beautifully…

7 of the best open water swimsuits for women

What’s the best swimwear for outdoor swimming? And how do you choose what to buy? From wild swimming dips to open water training and events, the right swimwear will make…

The best plus size swimming wetsuits

For plus-size swimmers, wetsuit shopping can be a nightmare. While average women’s dress sizes in the UK and US are 16 to 18 (EU size 44), most wetsuits don’t go…

Orca Killa Comfort Open Water Goggles

Orca Killa Comfort Swimming Goggles Most comfortable open-water swimming goggles Killa Comfort by name, killer comfort by nature – you’ll forget you’re wearing these fantastic all-rounders. Named after the apex…