Buying for a female open water swimmer should be easy… but somehow it never is.
Sizes vary, tastes differ, and the whole “what does she actually need?” question can derail even the most enthusiastic gift-giver.
So we’ve made it simple: the best ultimate gifts for women who swim, tested, loved, and approved by real women who actually swim.
What to buy for the endurance swimmer in your life?
The thing about endurance swimming whether it’s long lake crossings, chilly winter dips, or endless training miles in the pool is that there’s always another piece of kit that makes the experience smoother, safer, or simply more enjoyable. With so much gear to choose from, shopping for the swimmer in your life isn’t about finding something they’ll love… it’s about narrowing down the ever growing wish list so you don’t end up overloading Santa’s sleigh!
With that in mind, here’s my ultimate gift guide for open-water and endurance swimmer.
Whether you’re shopping for a loved one, or just looking for a handy article, keep reading for some open water and swimming themed gifting inspiration from long distance swimmer Mel Berry.
Garmin Forerunner 570For the swimmer who loves tracking every metric
The Garmin Forerunner 570 is a game-changer and I have loved using it for all of my long open water swims. Its easy to use and gives you great feedback and all open water swimmers love data! This watch monitors your heart rate (with and without a heart rate strap), pace, distance (KM or miles), and even advanced swim metrics, making it ideal for improving endurance and setting personal bests.
I link all my data to Training Peaks and you can upload swim sessions to it also and so taking out the hassle of what was my session…
A perfect gift for anyone serious about taking their swimming to the next level.
Open water wetsuits For the swimmer who want to feel comfortable in the great outdoors
A high quality wetsuit is essential for open-water swimming all year round and not just for the winter months. Both the Zone 3 and Zoggs ranges offer flexible, durable options that keep swimmers warm without restricting movement.
Over the last four years I’ve tried a variety of wetsuits and as a former competitive swimmers I look for a suit with neutral buoyancy, but everyone is different! The Zoggs Womens Hypex Pro FS Triathlon Wetsuit can also be used for open water swimming and combines great flexibility with a neutral buoyancy profile to unlock an exceptional unrestricted, natural swim feeling
It’s the ultimate gift for comfort, safety, and confidence in chilly waters.
Swimming events – ChillswimFocus the mind and get signed up for an event in 2026
Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with a Chillswim Coniston swim entry or any of the Chillswim events. These iconic swims combine stunning scenery in the Lake District with a supportive community, a perfect for swimmers itching to test their endurance or tick off a bucket-list challenge.
Long distance swimming isn’t just about being in the water, it’s about the journey. Travelling the length of a lake from one end to the other gives the swim meaning. You haven’t swum a lake until you have completed the full length of it.
I loved swimming the length of Ullswater (7.5 miles) this year and have also swam Coniston numerous times and Windermere once. You get transported to the start, fed every mile and a brilliant medal at the end. And you support crew can book a slot on the National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola for Coniston.
Coaching countsProfessional coaching can radically improve technique and confidence
Whether it’s a 1:1 or monthly group session with myself or through an app like Catch, this gift helps swimmers refine their stroke, boost efficiency, and reach new milestones in the water. If you’ve got a swimmer in your life who deserves a confidence boost, some structure or support for a big 2026 goal then this is the gift for them.
Mel Berry Coaching is for anyone who wants to discover just how far they can go. Whether you’re chasing a podium or your personal best, our expert coaching in swimming, running, and triathlon blends science, strategy, and soul. Every programme is built around you, your goals, your life, your potential, so you can train smarter, recover stronger, and perform with total confidence.
I loved coaching numerous women such as Fiona through all of the Chillswim swims this year “Mel coached me to successfully completing my first endurance swim event. Her experience as both a coach and athlete mixed with her boundless enthusiasm and energy make her the coach you want by your side”
Swimming GogglesFocus the mind
Comfortable, leak free goggles make all the difference in long swims. My 3 favourite goggles this year are the Zoggs Fusion Air, TRI-FIT Propel and BUDDYSWIM goggles as they all offer crystal-clear visibility, lightweight materials, and a secure fit making them ideal stocking fillers for any dedicated swimmer.
The Fusion Air has been my go to goggles this year for both the pool and open water and I have recently worn the Buddy Swim OzeanX and TRI-FITs NEW Propel goggles and can’t fault any of them. All a great stocking filler for a swimmer.
Sports NutritionFuelling does matter to all women
Fuelling properly pre and, during and post is so essential for women, and Veloforte’s delicious, natural nutrition options make it easy.
I use the Apple & Cinnamon Overnight Oats pre swim as they deliver a steady release of energy and my guts likes it. After a tough session, the Cocoa & Stem Ginger High Protein Crunch Bar and great and with 20g complete protein, 5g bovine collagen and 0g artificial nonsense they are amazing. This means they help muscle recovery, are very tasty and practical in a single wrapper.
If having a shake pre or post is easier for you then the Troppo High Protein gives you the right balance and delivers 20g of protein and is high in fibre and iron to restore strength and vitality.
Backpacks and training aidsA durable, water friendly backpack
A durable, water friendly backpack is a must have for carrying wetsuits, towels, and kit. Both the Zoggs Planet Backpack and Buddy Swim bags offer roomy compartments, drainage-friendly materials, and reliable construction perfect for training days or events.
The Zoggs bag has been my go to backpack for the last year and I can fit everything in I need such as toiletries, towel, costume and all accessories cap, goggles and training aids as such as pull buoy, fins and hand paddles etc
Hand paddles are one of my go to training aids and I use the Buddy Swim power paddle. Buddyswim Power Paddle swim paddles are designed to help build upper body strength and endurance, working like fins for your hands. I use them for technique also and with adjustable rubber straps they allow a secure, personalised fit to your hand shape and size, ensuring stability during training.
Swim Tow Float Being seen in the water matters
A tow float is an essential accessory for any open-water swimmer increases visibility, offers light buoyancy support, and provides real peace of mind during long or remote swims. It’s a practical, affordable gift that shows you care about their safety as much as their sport.
I used the Buddyswim Hydrastation PRO this summer while swimming the length of Ullswater, and it was brilliant. Along with excellent visibility and buoyancy, the Hydrastation PRO stands out because it allows you to hydrate quickly and easily using the external hose and bite valve connected to the 1-litre bladder inside the buoy. The external mesh pocket is also perfectly placed for fast access to energy bars or gels. It’s designed specifically for long-distance swimmers, where staying properly fuelled and hydrated makes all the difference.
SwimsuitsA swimming cossie is a girls best friend and style does matter.
The Zoggs Fever Strikeback Swimsuit combines practicality with comfort, thanks to its chlorine-resistant Ecolast fabric that helps the suit hold its shape and stay soft even after many swims. Its strike back cut with wide central support offers a free, unrestricted range of movement and ideal for training sessions, long sets, or open water swims where mobility matters most. With a front lining and medium leg cut, it balances secure coverage with a streamlined, comfortable fit suited to frequent pool or lake use.
If you want extra warmth then try the silver lined suits by Zoggs. My latest edition is the Sea Tribe suit with thin sports straps and a medium leg height, giving great freedom of movement for unrestricted swimming. Its my go to suit for colder waters
Scentered Sleep matters every night
We all need good sleep and the Scentered’s Sleep Well balm is a brilliant addition for swimmers who need quality rest between training sessions. Its soothing blend of natural essential oils helps calm the mind, ease post-swim tension, and support a deeper, more restorative night’s sleep. It’s a small but powerful stocking filler that boosts recovery as much as relaxation. I use mine every night and have noticed a massive difference in my sleep.
Need more ultimate gifting inspiration? Check out our other gift guides HERE>>>>>>
