Windshirt Swim Test

by Robert, Jetski Operator, Mindanao, Philippines

All day long I go in and out of the water when renting out jetskis which are moored near the shore. Whenever a customer wants to rent one, I swim out and bring it to the beach.

For this I need functional clothing to avoid sunburn and jellyfish. My windshirts and long pants feel comfortable in the water and are easy to swim in, with good freedom of movement to fit the intended purpose for outdoor sports or as waterwear.

When I first tried on a golfing windshirt I thought I may need a larger size, but the it had a good fit, especially in the sleeves and hem length. It is just not as baggy as an anorak because you won't wear thick clothing underneath.

Wind

I always wear a windshirt in really windy conditions, like during an approaching rainstorm. Wearing a short sleeve tee-shirt underneath I feel only very little wind on my bare arms. The fabric feels very comfortable and doesn't flap around much due to the relatively tight fit compared to an anorak.

Rain

When it starts to rain I soon get soaked to the skin as the windshirt is not waterproof, just a windbreaker. However, it still reduces the wind somewhat. I stay reasonably warm and comfortable which was quite a surprise to me. I thought the windshirt was designed for much lighter conditions then those on stormy day. It soaks up very little water and doesn't get heavy when wet.

Swimming

When I got my first windshirt, I wore it for swimming in the sea on bare skin which felt like almost no weight, just a soft touch. Then I wore it over my swim shirt. In either case the fabric felt soft and comfortable in the water without getting the the way.

Swimming in a windshirt is easy due to the slim fit and the correct length of the arms. The cuffs avoid too much water coming in and keep the sleeves from riding up. The slim cut sleeves don't billow up with each swimming stroke.

Anorak vs Windshirt

My anoraks are more loose fitting which is better for ventilation on hot days, but slow down swimming a bit. They have a zipped front pocket for money and small stuff. During the midday heat I swim in an anorak because the hood protects me from the intense sun.

Better windshirts have side pockets but usually no hood. They are lighter and easier to swim in.

Summary

This windshirt is great for hot days on the beach. It gives good sun protection without being too hot. If you buy it one size larger you get good ventilation.

I enjoy swimming in this windshirt a lot. In the water the soft nylon fabric feels smooth and very lightweight, not heavy. After swimming I let it dry quickly while still wearing it on the beach. Some windshirts have a knitted collar and cuffs which may take longer to dry.

My friends and I swim in anoraks and windshirts with matching long pants, depending on the tasks and weather. We highly recommend this as multi-purpose beach and pool clothes. Available from good sports stores and many golf shops.