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Frequently Asked Questions
For most cold water swimmers, yes. Feet are often the first part to go numb, and numb feet end a swim early. The Orca Hydro Booties use 3 mm neoprene with a thermal lining, and the 2.5 mm Openwater Swim Socks are a lighter option that tucks under your wetsuit leg.
Orca's Openwater Gloves are 3 mm neoprene, enough to keep fingers working in cold water while still letting you feel your catch. Liquid-sealed seams stop water seeping in, and the long cuff overlaps your wetsuit sleeve so the wrist stays covered.
A neoprene swim cap covers your head and ears and suits cool water. A hood also covers your neck and seals into your wetsuit collar, which helps in properly cold water. The Neoprene Headband covers only forehead and ears for swimmers who want less coverage.
How to choose swimming booties, gloves and hoods
• Booties or swim socks:How to choose swimming booties, gloves and hoods
• Booties or swim socks: the Hydro Booties are Orca's warmest, with 3 mm neoprene, a Thermal X lining and a split toe that stops them sliding on your foot. The Openwater Swim Socks are 2.5 mm and pull on like a sock under your wetsuit leg, a lighter option.
• Wetsuit gloves: Orca's men's and women's Openwater Gloves are 3 mm neoprene with liquid-sealed seams and a long cuff that overlaps your wetsuit sleeve, cut to the hand's swimming position. The women's gloves are XS only; the men's come in a size run.
• Hood, cap or headband: a hood covers head, ears and neck and tucks into your wetsuit collar. The Thermal Neoprene Hood has a Thermal X lining, and the Hi-Vis Neoprene Hood adds bright orange panels in three sizes for 53–62 cm heads. Caps cover head and ears: the Hi-Vis Neoprene Swim Cap is 2.5 mm, the Thermal Neoprene Swim Cap 3 mm with a thermal lining. The 2.5 mm Neoprene Headband covers only forehead and ears.
• Fit: neoprene should be snug with no gaps for water to flush through. Check Orca's size guide on each product.
Cold water swimming gear for Australian water
Southern ocean and lake swimmers feel it first: a July swim in Port Phillip Bay, a Hobart beach in winter or an alpine lake in the Snowy Mountains in spring. Your hands and feet go numb first, then your catch and kick fall apart. Booties also protect your soles on cold sand, gravel and boat ramps. In busy water, a hi-vis cap or hood makes you easier for boats, paddlers and lifeguards to spot. Wear them with an open water wetsuit or triathlon wetsuit and open water goggles. If you race, check your event's rules on booties and gloves before race day.
Swim accessories in this collection
You will also find Orca safety buoys, a changing mat, a poncho towel, mesh bags and Gear Aid Revivex wetsuit shampoo here. The full set is in swim accessories.
Why buy from Oz Backcountry
Free shipping Australia-wide over $150 (T&Cs apply), sent from our Helensvale warehouse on the Gold Coast. The "In stock – ships immediately" filter shows sizes ready today.
Related: Open Water Wetsuits · Triathlon Wetsuits · Swimming Goggles · Swim Accessories · Orca Wetsuits & Swim Gear · Triathlon Gear