Ever keen to get firsthand experience from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, we asked one of NCW’s wild swimming customers, Elaine MacPhail, a few questions about her watery pastime.
When did you first start wild swimming?
January 2020.
What appealed?
I think it was the challenge of getting in the water in winter strangely enough, also, at that point it was a group of women from my small town in the Highlands. They were so welcoming and inclusive. It felt like your own little crazy club. Was it an instant addiction or did it take a while to click? I absolutely loved it the first time, yes! The way you have to learn to control your breathing, it takes your mind away from anything else going in life.
Are you into it because of the freedom wild swimming gives? Or is it about the health benefits of cold water immersion?
For me it’s a mixture of both, it started with the freedom and nature, a few months in I had dolphins beside me for a moment. You won’t get that in the local pool now will you? This winter however, I have continued to swim, but also do cold water immersion as well. When I swim distance it’s wetsuit, and when it’s cold water immersion it’s swimming costume.
How often do you dip and where (generally)?
3 times a week or so. Nairn beach, The Moray Firth.
Tell us about the wild swimming gear you’ve used in the past (wetsuits and so on)?
I had a 5/4/3 Alder wetsuit I used when I first started swimming. also neoprene socks and gloves. The wetsuit was quite restrictive and I got terrible chaffing on my neck from the back zip.
5/3mm chest zip Gulf Stream Yamamoto neoprene winter wetsuit (men).
All sizes in stock of North Coast Wetsuits Gulf Stream front entry / mini chest zip 5/3mm winter wetsuit steamer. Updated for additional performance.
NCW’s 5/3mm winter chest zip streamer wetsuits been very popular for a number of years and now come with some new features:
- Now built with Yamamoto 100% lightweight high stretch limestone neoprene which is more eco friendly.
- Double glued and double blind stitched seams.
- Fully taped internal seams.
- Chest and back panels feature durable anti wind chill finemesh neoprene exterior and plush lined heat holding insulative interior.
- Interior lining made with low water absorption materials for quick drying.
- Anti-flush envelope overhead entry system.
- Tape and liquid welded reinforced overhead seam closures.
- Snug fit anti-flush wrists with internal silicon grip tape.
- Rubberised anti-flush neck lining.
- DuraFlex reinforced kneepads.
- High quality YKK metal zip.
- Anatomical suit shaping.
- Our new neoprene blend is more scratch / snag / velcro hook resistance than standard neoprene.
This wetsuit will keep you amazingly warm in the coldest waters, such as the UK and Northern Europe. It works well for surfing, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, siton kayaking and a whole host of other watersports. We get a lot of recommendations from wild and open water swimmers that find this suit really flexible to swim in and durable too, take a look at our wild swimming knowledge page here. If you’re looking for performance, quality and a product that won’t let you down the NCW Gulf Stream 5/3mm winter wetsuit is just the ticket.
Check out the review from SUP Mag UK HERE
A note on ankle and wrist seams. All seams are snug fitting and prevent flush. Silicone anti slip stops riding up.
Size guide below. For any sizing questions get in touch.
|
Size |
Height |
Chest |
Waist |
Hips |
|
Extra Small |
5’2″-5’4″ |
32″ – 34” |
25″-27″ |
30″-33″ |
|
Small |
5’4″-5’7″ |
34″-36″ |
27″-29″ |
32″-34″ |
|
Small Tall |
5’8″- 6′ |
34″-36″ |
27″-29″ |
32″-34″ |
|
Medium Small |
5’6″-5’9″ |
36″-38″ |
29″-31″ |
32″-34″ |
|
Medium Small Tall |
5’10”-6’4″ |
36″-38″ |
29″-32″ |
32″-34″ |
|
Medium Short |
5’4” – 5’7” |
38″-41″ |
31″-34″ |
35″-39″ |
|
Medium |
5’8″-5’10” |
38″-41″ |
31″-34″ |
35″-39″ |
|
Medium Tall |
5’11”-6’4″ |
38″-41″ |
32″-34″ |
36″-39″ |
|
Medium Large |
5’10”-6’4″ |
40″-44″ |
35″-37″ |
38″-41″ |
|
Large Short |
5’7″-5’11” |
42″-45″ |
35″-38″ |
40″-43″ |
|
Large |
6’0″-6’5″ |
42″-45″ |
35″-38″ |
40″-43″ |
|
Xtra Large |
6’2″-6’5″ |
44″-47″ |
37″-39″ |
42″-45″ |
|
Xtra Xtra Large |
6’2″-6’5″ |
46″-49″ |
39″-42″ |
44″-46″ |
Scroll down for more info.
Want to read our fair returns policy first?£185.00 – £229.95
How have you adapted to the NCW chest zip wetsuit you’re now wearing – are you still adjusting?
Totally yes, I remember when I first tried the NCW chest zip suit, I felt like a failed Houdini!! It was really tricky when you were used to back zips. Mark had sent a video showing me how to put it on and take it off, he also advised it would take several tries to get the hang of it. I think after maybe 3 or 4 uses, I really got the hang of it, and I’d much prefer to stick with chest zips from now on, they are much comfier.
What do you find the benefits of the NCW chest zip wetsuit are for wild swimming?
It’s flexible enough for swimming, I get absolutely no issues with chaffing on the neck. It’s also a really, really good price for a quality bit of kit.
You also use Merino Wool glove liners. How do these help?
When I do cold water immersion (costume rather than wetsuit) the liners under my gloves are absolutely brilliant. Your extremeties get cold very, very fast (our lowest sea temp was 3-4 degrees this year so far) ,and with the merino liners my hands fair much better. I can still feel them when I get out the water, rather than the usual numb fingers.
Cold hands in the water ? GET MERINO WOOL WARM WETSUIT GLOVE LINERS FOR YOUR WETSUIT GLOVES
Cold hands in the water ? GET MERINO WOOL WARM WETSUIT GLOVES LINERS
PATENTED liners add SIGNIFICANT warmth – these work with all wetsuit gloves.
Features include :
Made from Pinnacle’s patented 260 Gram Merino lining.
Designed for specifically for wetsuit glove use.
Adds SIGNIFICANT warmth to ANY wetsuit glove.
Can also be worn under any type of glove, wet or dry or even with other outdoor gloves for extra warmth.
Five sizes available. These do have plenty of stretchy so size isn’t too critical. If you measure your centre finger, from the finger tip (top) to the base (bottom) where it meets your palm you will get a measurement that you can use on the chart below.
Extra Small – older kids (13+) and folks with fingers less than 7cm in length
Small – guys with very small hands and ladies with smaller hands
(centre finger 7 – 8cm).
Medium – fits guys with smaller hands and most ladies
(centre finger 8 to 8.5cm).
Large – fits most guys and ladies with larger hands
(centre finger 8.5 – 9.5cm).
XL – fits guys with big hands
(centre finger 9.5cm plus).
£26.95
Is there any other gear you can’t do without these days?
I also use the merino sock liners for winter, same thing goes. I would almost go as far to say my feet don;t get cold at all.
Cold feet in the water ? GET MERINO WOOL WARM WETSUIT SOCK / BOOT LINERS FOR WETSUIT BOOTS
Cold feet in the water ? GET MERINO WOOL WARM WETSUIT SOCK / BOOT LINERS
PATENTED liners add SIGNIFICANT warmth – these work with inside all wetsuit boots & socks.
Features include :
- Made from Pinnacle’s patented 260 Gram Merino lining.
- Designed for specifically for wetsuit boot use.
- Adds SIGNIFICANT warmth to ANY wetsuit boot / sock
- Can also be worn inside any type of shoe or boot, wet or dry or even with other outdoor gloves for extra warmth.
Five sizes available. These do have plenty of stretchy so size isn’t too critical.
Small = UK 3,4,5
Medium = UK 6,7,8
Large = UK 9,10,11
XL = UK 12,13,14
£26.95
Any particular wild swim goals for 2021?
Just to keep going, and keep the sanity.
What about other outdoor activities, got any plans there?
I am doing my first ever triathlon this year… Well, if the event doesn’t go ahead because of Covid I will still be doing the training for it, and a friend and I will do our own wee event in our home town. I’m not putting myslf through learning to run and not do the triathlon :D. It’s a beginners one, but a huge milestone for me as I turn 50 this year. 750mtr open water swim, 25k bike ride, and 5k run. That’s probably laughable to the hardcore athlete, but will be a massive achievment for me.
Any final thoughts on wild swimming or NCW gear?
Wild swimming is not for everyone, I get that. I do have that “what’s that touching me fear” in the water (mind over matter). It’s challenging, it’s fun, and it gets you closer to nature. I am so glad I found you guys early last year, I really am! NCW has to be one of the best independant businesses I have came across in the past few years. Product variety, quality, good value and always super helpful and informative. I may be the other end of the country (and saying that, delivery is always very prompt), but you’re stuck with me as a customer. Thanks NCW, have a great year ahead!
Cheers Elaine!
If wild swimming’s your bag then be sure to check out NCW’a wild.swimmimg knowledge page for more –