Wild swimming is in vogue. It’s a booming outdoors trend, with an ever-growing fan base addicted to the revitalising boost you get from an al-fresco, cold water dip. This movement has spawned a growth in specialist wild swimming kit and equipment (such as the RuckRaft By Above Below and these open water swimming wetsuits) – and now there’s a new entrant looking to make waves in this market. Ireland-based water accessories brand TekraSport has launched in the UK with some innovative-looking and forward-thinking products. Here’s the full lowdown.

First up, the name TekraSport – what’s that all about? “It’s a quiet nod to Tetrapods – our aquatic ancestors who first ventured from sea to land”, explains John Hanley, the firm’s founder. “Ultimately our brand is founded on a sheer love of nature, a passion for swimming in the open ocean and a desire for safe and adventurous outdoor discovery. Our mission is to empower all individuals to overcome their physical and mental limits safely, innovatively and with the support of first-hand knowledge and engineering expertise.”

Inspired by Ireland’s rugged ‘Wild Atlantic’ coastline, John is a passionate triathlete, open water swimmer and multiple Iron Man contestant – and his product innovations are born out of these experiences.

“The internal bladder inflates at the pull of a cord.”

TekraSport’s hero product is the TekraPod, which is confidently billed as “a revolutionary alternative to a traditional tow float.” It’s a race legal, safety device that you wear on your back (almost like one of those super-streamlined, minimalist hydration bladder backpacks). When you need support or need to alert people for help, it can be easily inflated within an instant.