Swimming: in a pool or in open water, the choice is yours!
What if summer were the perfect time to discover (or rediscover) the joys of swimming? Accessible, comprehensive, and gentle on the joints, swimming is a sport that works the entire body while improving endurance. Thanks to the feeling of weightlessness provided by the water and the release of endorphins, each session becomes a true moment of well-being and relaxation.
Crawl, breaststroke, or butterfly: these different swimming strokes can be practiced both in a pool and in open water. But what exactly is the difference between swimming in a pool and swimming in open water? At Boutique Randonnée , outdoor equipment specialists, we'll help you understand.
Swimming pool or open water: two ways to swim, two different atmospheres
Swimming in a pool takes place in a controlled environment, indoors or outdoors. Regardless of the weather or season, the water is calm, the temperature controlled, and the lanes marked. It's ideal for working on your technique, speed, and consistency.
In the pool, it is also possible to add training accessories to strengthen muscles, especially the legs and abdominals.
To easily carry your equipment, consider an outdoor sports bag , which you can find in our Hiking Backpacks selection.
Open water swimming, on the other hand, offers a more adventurous experience. Sea, lake, or ocean become your playground, with their currents, swells, and temperature variations. Here, the goal is often endurance: you swim long distances at a more fluid pace.
Without lines at the bottom for orientation, the swimmer must learn to navigate using the natural landscape, regularly lifting their head. This practice requires more adaptation, but it also provides an incredible feeling of freedom.
Outdoor tip: a multisport GPS watch , widely used for hiking and trail running, is also ideal for tracking your distances in open water. Discover our models in the Hiking Watches section.
What equipment should you plan for depending on your swimming environment?
Useful equipment for swimming pools
For swimming in a pool, the equipment remains simple:
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A comfortable swimsuit
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A swimming cap to protect the hair
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Swimming goggles
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A compact, quick-drying microfiber towel
These accessories can be easily packed into a compact bag , also perfect for your hiking and camping trips.
Essential equipment for open water swimming
Swimming in natural environments requires more anticipation:
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A swimsuit or a neoprene wetsuit for cool waters
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Wide-vision glasses , better suited to wide open spaces
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A safety buoy , essential for visibility to boats.
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Something to hydrate and recharge your energy
Remember to bring your snacks and water in a waterproof outdoor bag , an essential accessory for open water swimming, bivouacking, or kayaking.
Swimming pool and open water: complementary practices
Swimming in a pool and open water swimming are not opposed; they complement each other perfectly. Swimming in a pool allows for technical improvement and year-round training, while open water swimming is more suited to an outdoor lifestyle, similar to hiking, trail running, or nature camping.
However, be aware: it is recommended to have a good swimming level before venturing into natural environments, and never practice in open water below 16°C without suitable equipment.
Whether you are a fan of swimming pools or a lover of wide open spaces, swimming fits perfectly into a nature-oriented sporting activity.
Find all the useful outdoor equipment for your summer activities at Boutique Randonnée : waterproof bags, GPS watches, hiking and camping gear .
All you have to do now is choose your environment… and dive in!