Here are all the essentials you’ll need for your open water ice swim.
At the 2025 IISA Aotearoa National Ice Swimming Championships, you can expect cold, wet and foggy weather. There are no buildings lakeside – expect limited shelter! When you’re not swimming, you’ll be outdoors supporting swimmers and the crew, embracing the community spirit that makes ice swimming unique.
You’ll have a Second, who will support you to get undressed from your wet things after your swim and dressed into lots of warm, dry layers as soon as possible. It’s likely you’ll be shivering a lot, and your hands won’t work well! As you pack your gear, think about how to make your post-swim experience as easy as possible for both of you.
Ice Swimming Gear List
For your ice swim
Swimsuits – these should be dry before each swim. It is advisable to bring a separate swimsuit for each event you are participating in. Choose swimsuits that are stretchy or have a loose fit, as they are easier to remove.
Toastie robe/DryRobe/warm jacket – to wear before entering the water and after your swim
Swim caps x 2 (in case one breaks)
Goggles x 2 (in case one malfunctions)
Ear plugs (a couple of pairs, easily lost) or blue tac
Tow float – compulsory (so that the rescue crew have something easy to grab if they need to haul you out) see example below. The strap needs to be tight
Slides/Crocs/jandals for walking to and from the water
After your ice swim
Medications / INHALER that may be needed after your swim, named and in a clear plastic bag at the top of your clothes pile
Loose-fitting clothing (1-2 sizes bigger than you normally wear – easier to get on), NO ONESIES!
Merino base layer top
Lots of layers (4+ on top, 2 on bottom), e.g. wool/merino/ thermal/polar fleece (not cotton)
Woolly hat (and optional towelling hat under for a while to dry hair and stop drips)
2 pairs woolly or fleecy socks (for feet and hands – socks are easier than gloves or mittens)
3x pre-filled covered hot water bottles (top tip – store these in a cooler bin or bag to help keep them warm)
3x large COTTON dry towels for each swim
Sleeping bag – essential for all 1000m and mile swimmers
A large bag or basket for your clothes while you swim – place your clothes in the order that you’ll put them on
Warm drink in a cup with a spillproof lid AND silicone straw (juice, electrolyte drink, cup of soup, hot choc, tea, coffee, lemon/honey/ginger/turmeric drink, etc.)
Snacks (biscuits, crackers, lollies, muesli bars, etc.)
Optional
Slippers or Ugg boots
Hand warmers
General gear
Waterproof top layers – coat and pants, etc.
Umbrella
Warm, waterproof, nonslip footwear (I’m taking my neoprene-lined gumboots)
A spare pair of shoes
Warm clothes, lots of layers, gloves
Winter PJs, slippers and extra warm socks
Toiletries, medications and vitamins, etc.
GoPro or camera (Please take lots of photos and videos to share in the group and on social media!)
Sunglasses, prescription or reading glasses
Lunch and snacks for each day you are at the lake
Sausages for cooking on the BBQ
Snow chains for your car
Handy hints
Check your accommodation for a dryer
Clothing
Put your post-swim clothing in a large bag or clothes basket. Lay out your clothing in order that it needs to go on. Underclothes on top, top layers should be on the bottom of the pile. Pre-roll sleeves and legs.
Place towels on top with hot water bottles between the towels and clothes.
Try to avoid thermals with holes as your fingers get caught.
Multiple layers are best; ideally, wool or polypropylene tops and leggings.
Clothing needs to be easy to put on. Large baggy or stretchy long-sleeved clothes and layers work the best. When your hands and feet are cold, they lose dexterity, meaning they don’t work well.
Forget modesty, allow others to help you.
Dressing
Remove wet togs and put a towel around your bottom half. Then sit down.
Seconds – dry the swimmer ASAP gently, try to pat gently rather than rubbing.
Dress the top first. Forget bras! The focus is getting warm.
Put socks on the hands and feet first.
Dress the swimmer like they are a small child, placing your hand through their clothing and pulling their arm or leg through.
Keep the cap on until the top ½ is dressed.
Dry hair and place on 1- 2 beanies and remove ear plugs (blue tac may be frozen in your ears so leave them in for a bit longer if necessary. Remember swimmer will be a bit deaf until earplugs are removed
Hot water bottles on groin, round neck, lower back, chest, armpits, feet (check out the long ones and horseshoe-shaped ones).
Put your Toastie rob/warm coat on and zip it up.
Go to the recovery tent, put your sleeping bag on and enjoy the shivery shakes, chair dance and laugh at yourself (for 1000m and mile).
After you have finished your swims, it would be appreciated if you could leave your hot water bottles in the medical tent for those who need more hotties to warm up. Don’t forget to collect them before you head home.
Good luck – and enjoy! Preparation is key and we hope this checklist will help you. If you have any questions, please contact the race director.