Wild Robes Review: A Cornish Holiday Essential for Wild Swimmers
At Porth Holidays, we welcome hundreds of guests each year who come to Cornwall for one reason above almost everything else...the sea. Whether it’s an early morning dip at Porth Beach, a bracing winter plunge at Watergate Bay, or a family paddle after a coastal walk, wild swimming has become a huge part of the Cornish holiday experience. Recently, we were sent a Wild Robes changing robe to try for ourselves.
With so many of our guests embracing open water swimming year-round, we were curious to see how it would perform in real coastal conditions, not just on a calm summer’s evening, but in proper Cornish weather. Here’s our honest review.
With so many of our guests embracing open water swimming year-round, we were curious to see how it would perform in real coastal conditions, not just on a calm summer’s evening, but in proper Cornish weather. Here’s our honest review.
First Impressions: Built for the Coast
The first thing we noticed was the weight and feel of the robe. It doesn’t feel flimsy or overly technical. Instead, it feels like something designed to handle wind, salt air, sand, and repeated use, which is exactly what you need on any beach. The outer layer is properly windproof, which matters more than people realise.
On a still day, getting changed by the sea is easy.
On a windy February afternoon at Marazion? That’s when you discover whether your kit works or not. The inner sherpa lining is thick, soft, and warm without being heavy or stiff. It immediately feels like something that would help prevent that sudden post-swim chill many wild swimmers experience.
On a still day, getting changed by the sea is easy.
On a windy February afternoon at Marazion? That’s when you discover whether your kit works or not. The inner sherpa lining is thick, soft, and warm without being heavy or stiff. It immediately feels like something that would help prevent that sudden post-swim chill many wild swimmers experience.
The Real Test: After the Swim
We tested the robe after a sea dip in typical Cornish conditions, cold water, brisk wind, and damp air.....and a little sunshine ...maybe! As many swimmers will know, the hardest part isn’t always the swim itself. It’s the few minutes after you get out.
That’s when:
Read our guide on wild swimming in cornwall to learn more about the risks and rewards of cold water swimming. The Wild Robes changing robe performed exactly how you’d hope. It blocked wind effectively and allowed us to get dry and changed without rushing or feeling exposed. There was enough space to change comfortably.
Importantly, it allowed us to warm gradually rather than going from cold sea straight into overheated discomfort, something experienced swimmers will recognise as important for avoiding that intense shivering phase that can follow cold water immersion.
That’s when:
- The wind hits wet skin
- Body temperature starts dropping
- Fingers become clumsy
- Getting dressed feels harder than it should
Read our guide on wild swimming in cornwall to learn more about the risks and rewards of cold water swimming. The Wild Robes changing robe performed exactly how you’d hope. It blocked wind effectively and allowed us to get dry and changed without rushing or feeling exposed. There was enough space to change comfortably.
Importantly, it allowed us to warm gradually rather than going from cold sea straight into overheated discomfort, something experienced swimmers will recognise as important for avoiding that intense shivering phase that can follow cold water immersion.
Cost, Durability and Coastal Wear
Cornwall isn’t gentle on gear. Salt, sand, and repeated drying cycles can quickly ruin cheaper alternatives. After several uses, the Wild Robe held its shape well, dried nicely, and didn’t feel waterlogged or damp. The zip feels sturdy, the cuffs sit securely without letting wind in, and the hood is deep enough to offer real protection rather than being purely decorative. These details matter if you’re swimming regularly rather than just once during a holiday.
If we were to suggest one small improvement, it would be the addition of an internal zipped pocket for valuables. While the existing pockets are practical and roomy, a secure inside compartment for keys or a phone would make it even more convenient for swimmers heading straight from the water to a café or car park.
They cost £99.95 and are currently on sale at £69.95, which represents great value for money, particularly when compared to bigger-name brands like Dryrobe, which typically retail at around twice the price or sometimes even more! For something that performs reliably in real coastal conditions, the price point feels refreshingly accessible without sacrificing on quality.
If we were to suggest one small improvement, it would be the addition of an internal zipped pocket for valuables. While the existing pockets are practical and roomy, a secure inside compartment for keys or a phone would make it even more convenient for swimmers heading straight from the water to a café or car park.
They cost £99.95 and are currently on sale at £69.95, which represents great value for money, particularly when compared to bigger-name brands like Dryrobe, which typically retail at around twice the price or sometimes even more! For something that performs reliably in real coastal conditions, the price point feels refreshingly accessible without sacrificing on quality.
Final Thoughts
As a local Cornish holiday agency, we’re always interested in products that genuinely enhance the coastal experience for our staff or guests. The Wild Robes changing robe feels like something designed by people who actually understand British coastal conditions. It’s practical. It’s warm. It reduces the stress of post-swim recovery. And it makes year-round sea swimming more comfortable and accessible. For anyone visiting Cornwall who plans to embrace the sea, whether for a quick dip or a daily ritual, this is the kind of piece of kit that earns its place in the boot of the car. And for those brave enough to try a winter swim during their stay with us, it might just become the most-used item of the holiday. Check out the Wild Robes drying robe here and grab one for yourself.
Say HelloFor all questions and enquiries to do with your holiday in Cornwall, our properties or joining us with your holiday let - Please don't hesitate to get in touch, we really look forward to hearing from you.
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