The Expedition Journals

My local beach is a deserted pebble strewn strip of coast; whilst it is a pleasure to swim at, it can be a little rough on your feet. Open water swimming socks don't quite cut it for sole protection, but wetsuit boots seem a little overkill; so, I recently went searching for a compromise between the two, and discovered VE Water Shoes. Made to be super lightweight and flexible, VE Water Shoes have a quick-drying breathable upper, with a flexible rubber sole that provides protection and grip on many surfaces. They are easy to get on and off, but they also have a snug fit, so they don't fall off when you are swimming. The flexibility and lightweight materials make the VE Shoes super packable, and you can easily stash them into a bag or pocket when you head to the beach. I have also used them as lightweight shoes on camping trips, sailing adventures and sea kayaking expeditions. Founded by Victoria and Emma, just down the coast from the Isle of Wight in Dorset, this great local bra...

Neoprene has long triumphed in water sports as the fabric of choice; providing warmth, a four-way stretch, and impressive durability. Unfortunately, neoprene does not score well in its environmental credentials; containing high levels of oil-based fibres that cannot be recycled at end of life. The new Open Water Swimming Yulex® range from Zone3 looks to revolutionise the open water swimming wardrobe, in a stylish and eco-conscious design. Yulex® is made from natural plant-based rubber, combined with 100% recycled polyester fabrics, to create a fit and performance like that of neoprene, but without the negative environmental impact. Zone3 estimate compared to an equivalent product made of neoprene, Yulex® has a CO2 emission cost 80% lower. I have been swimming and stand-up paddleboarding in the Zone3 Yulex® Long Sleeve Top and Men's Jammers for the last few months, and have been impressed by their performance. Pulling them on you feel stylish, and the fabric is soft and flexib...

Throughout the 2020-21 wintertime I kept up a ritual of open-water sea swimming at least once per week. In the depths of January this became a frigid affair at best; multiple times I lost feeling in my hands and feet as I stripped off my wetsuit on the exposed beaches of the Isle of Wight. The experience, whilst exhilarating, got me searching for any means of retaining body warmth both during and after my open water excursions. The new DryCoat Change Robe from Voited is a fantastic asset for cold water swimmers, surfers, kayakers and sailors. Fleece-lined changing robes are a common sight on beaches and in coastal car parks now, but the Voited DryCoat takes outdoor comfort to the next level. The DryCoat has a waterproof outer material that shields you from the wind and spray. On the inside, there is a microfleece lining that quickly dries you and wicks away moisture. The lower back then features a CloudTouch™ insulation panel to supply added comfort and warmth for your vulnerable core...

No Fuss. Just Organised Kit. For me, the KitBrix strap-line is one that resonates loud and clear. Sloppy kit leads to mistakes, wasted effort, and sometimes even failure; I have experienced my fair share of these and learnt that kit organisation is one of the essential elements of exploration, expeditions, and general outdoor pursuits.  KitBrix bags are made for the meticulous kit organiser. With a solid base, waterproof lining, multiple zippered pockets, and the ability to zip many bags together to create an organised kit stack; these bags are a dream for those that like to have a place for everything, and everything in its place. I have been using KitBrix bags for several years for organisation on photoshoots, sailing holidays, and overseas travel. It is with my recent commitment to open water swimming though that I have really seen the design benefits of these great robust cube-shaped bags. Open water swimming in December is cold. A wetsuit and your physical effort keep you wa...