Welcome to the Swim Report Series. From first timers to seasoned pros, The Dart has been put to the test across the UK's finest open water swimming events and triathlons. Dive in and be inspired by these bold swimmers taking The Dart on some epic adventures.
Name: Angharad
Age: 21
Wetsuit size: Small
Swim/Triathlon event: SwimRutland
Distance: 4km
Weather conditions: Cloudy
Water temperature: 20ºc
Open Water Swimming Experience: After years of competitive swimming, I was introduced to open water in 2018 by one of my old coaches, and since then haven’t looked back! I’ll usually start my open water season in late April and finish in September. The first couple swims of the year I will always go in with a wetsuit, and if I know I’ll be in the water for a longer period of time. That being said I do love swimming in skins…weather dependent of course!
Tell us about why you chose this event.
When looking for events, SwimRutland looked like a great one to tick of the list with its impressive landscape that surrounded the reservoir! When signing up, I saw it was hosted by Pace Setter Events, so I knew we would be well looked after!
It also happened to be an event that my older brother (and open water guru) could also attend, so it was very special to be racing together for the first time, despite many years of training with each other!
What drew you to Wilda and The Dart?
I discovered Wilda through Instagram where a few people that I followed were sharing it. ‘The Dart’ was the first functional open water swimming wetsuit that I had seen, which encompassed colour to the design – and I LOVED it.
The ‘Loch Long Sleeve T- Shirt’ has also proved an excellent throw on for after training sessions!
What were your first impressions after putting The Dart on? Was there anything you particularly loved about it during your swim?
In the lead up to the event I have been mixing up my training environments…. The Dart has taken on Clevedon Marine Lake, Vobster Quay in addition to a sea swim from Clevedon Pier to Layde Bay, all of which it has proved its success! For every swim the wetsuit has been easy to put on and take off, as well as its in water functionality where I haven’t felt at all restricted.
How does The Dart compare to other wetsuits you have worn?
The Dart is by far my favourite wetsuit that I have worn. The joyful design plus Caitlin and Mike’s effort to source it as sustainably as possible makes it a real winner for me. 10/10
Tell us about your swim! How did it go?!
SwimRutland was an ‘out and back’ course for the 4km distance, a design I personally prefer to doing laps. We set off just after 7am and I managed to cross the finish in 1 hour and 21 minutes. The water was beautifully clear and very healthy as there was lots of vegetation in parts of the course - who needs aid stations?!
I was really happy with my final event of the summer and can’t wait to get training for next year where some longer distances could be on the cards.
What advice would you give to someone considering their first open water swim or triathlon?
If you’re debating it, just do it! Though there is a competitive side to open water swimming, it doesn’t have to be. There are so many health benefits, physically and mentally. I have also found that the community makes it all so worth it, there’ll always be someone to chat to!
Not to mention it’s a great excuse for some cake afterwards!
Anything else you’d like to share about your experience?
SwimRutland was another great event that provided a range of distances (500m, 2km, 4km & 8km) that enabled all abilities to get involved - it was fantastic to see such an inclusive event!
You can follow Angharad and be inspired by her adventures on Instagram @swimcoachharri or TikTok @outdoorharri.
