Unique jewelry, dri-fit shirts, polos, bikinis, hats, bags, beach slippers and all kinds of cool things are coming for open water swimmers.

Marine artwork, books, DVDs and videos for those immersed in the open water swimming world are available online and in retail stores.

Digital water thermometers, GPS units, practice turn buoys, specialty swimming vacations, certification programs, and customized swimwear are becoming more popular.

And the latest in jellyfish preventive ointments and salves will help reduce the pain and discomfort of stings from a wide variety of marine invertebrates.

Yes, the commercialization of open water swimming has arrived to meet the market needs and consumer desires. Triathletes, runners, cyclists and athletes of all kinds brand and identify themselves as aficionados and connoisseurs of their sport…and so increasingly are open water swimmers.

Copyright © 2012 by World Open Water Swimming Association