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: Josie
Typical dress size: 16 (height 5ft 10in (6ft 4in armspan!)
Wetsuit size: 2XL
Swim/Triathlon event: Bantham Swoosh
Distance: 5.2km
Weather conditions: Beautiful clear day!
Water temperature: (Not sure, sorry, but warm…!)
Open Water Swimming Experience: I have quite a lot of open water swimming experience, primarily wearing a wetsuit. Most of my skins experiences are dips in the sea with friends!
Tell us about why you chose this event.
I swam The Dart10k last year and had such a brilliant experience at a Level Water event, so I wanted to take part in another, and it was a great excuse to explore more of the beautiful rivers in Devon.
What drew you to Wilda and The Dart?
I first saw Wilda at Underfall Yard Christmas market and was initially drawn in by the fab design of The Dart wetsuit. As soon as Caitlin and Mike told me about their sustainability initiatives I knew that Wilda was a company that shared my values.
What were your first impressions after putting The Dart on? Was there anything you particularly loved about it during your swim?
The Dart is so soft and easy to put on, which is an absolute dream for someone who has been struggling for years to find a wetsuit that is a good fit. I found that my arms could move so freely while swimming, and while I have found my shoulders to ache after wearing other wetsuits on long swims, that wasn’t the case in The Dart.
How does The Dart compare to other wetsuits you have worn?
As a woman with long arms I’ve struggled for years to find a suitable wetsuit. I previously owned a women’s wetsuit which cut off the circulation to my hands as the sleeves were too short, and then I tried a men’s wetsuit which was a real struggle to get over my bum and thighs! The sleeve length on The Dart is longer than that of the other women’s wetsuits I have tried and considering how easy it is to put on I’ve found it to be a lot more suitable for me than the previous suits I’ve owned.
Tell us about your swim! How did it go?!
The conditions were absolutely glorious and it is a beautiful route, plus the swoosh at the end was so much fun! I’ll definitely be returning in the future, maybe to take part in the Bantham Boomerang next time.
What advice would you give to someone considering their first open water swim or triathlon?
Relax and enjoy the scenery! As someone who spends a lot of time in a swimming pool I can confirm that open water is so much more exciting, and you’ll really appreciate the views. It’s also brilliant for your mental health - even when swimming in the worst weather conditions, I’ll always get out of the water feeling positive and refreshed.
Anything else you’d like to share about your experience?
Thanks so much to Caitlin and Mike for supporting my swim and being lovely throughout the process.
