Fourth Element
Whilst we prefer to dip without wetsuits and other equipment where possible, during the colder parts of the year we find longer periods of time in the water and particularly cold days require a bit of extra warmth. We’ve decided to team up with Fourth Element, because of their products’ superior performance and sustainability credentials. See below for the products we’ve used whilst swimming in Cornwall during the winter and which can help to keep you in the water all year round.
By purchasing through the Wild Swimming Cornwall website, we get a 20% commission on sales.
Wetsuits
We don’t stock open water swimming wetsuits on our site at the moment, because we can’t find any that we think have appropriate sustainability credentials. Instead, we have decided to stock two Fourth Element wetsuits which we know can be used by swimmers and which we have used ourselves. The Surface Wetsuit is is made with certified sustainable natural rubber and recycled inner and outer linings. Perfect for dippers and those interested in using it for all round water activities, the Surface suit is designed for life in the water. The RF1 is made from Glideskin, Smoothskin and lined neoprene, designed to maximise your freedom of movement in the water – a feasible alternative for open water swimming and great for snorkelling or free diving. Both wetsuits are available in men’s and women’s sizes.
Surface Suit 4/3mm
£399.95
RF1 3/2mm
£349.99
Thermocline thermals
Part of Fourth Element’s OceanPositive range, Thermocline is a neoprene-free alternative to a traditional wetsuit, made with recycled ghost fishing nets. Neutrally buoyant, lightweight and with a fleece lining that provides the equivalent warmth of 2mm neoprene, Thermocline makes the perfect base layer. We use ours under wetsuits for long open water swims in the winter or as an alternative to swimwear when snorkelling or staying in the water for longer.
Women’s Thermocline One Piece
£257.50
Women’s Thermocline Vest
£79.50
Men’s Thermocline One Piece
£257.50
Men’s Thermocline Vest
£79.50
Thermocline Long-sleeve Swimsuit
£159.50
Women’s Thermocline Shorts
£74.50
Accessories
Gloves, boots and hoods are an excellent way to protect yourself from cold conditions without having to opt for a wetsuit. The Rockhopper boots are great all year round as you navigate your way across sharp rocks or protect yourself from weevers and other hazards to be found in shallow water.
Thermocline Hoods
£41.00
Thermocline Socks
£42.50
Rock Hopper
£35.95
More about Fourth Element
Founded in 1999, Fourth Element specialise in dive equipment. Over the years they have set out to design high-quality gear based around the principles of performance, innovation and function. Many of the requirements of dive gear are centred around warmth and resistance to the elements, much the same as with cold water swimming. From compostable packaging to recycled swimwear and supporting various environmental charities, Fourth element also believe in doing everything they can to preserve our oceans for the future. They are working towards zero waste, zero carbon, zero plastic and zero impact on the environment.
We feel that Fourth Element’s values and approach to sustainability align with our own and so we are proud to share their products via the WSC website.