Hero Douglas and the Vitalis Thermal

At Orca, we believe you shouldn’t stop swimming in open water just because the temperatures drop, which brings us to the Vitalis Thermal: a suit designed specifically for swimmers like Hero Douglas, our ambassador. We’re talking about swimmers who aren’t prepared to turn their backs on the sea once the summer ends, who know that some of the most authentic moments they’ll spend in the water occur when the conditions get tough. 

Hero’s relationship with the water was never a conscious decision. It was inherited. “I don’t remember learning to swim; it’s something I’ve always been able to do,” she tells us. In her family, swimming comes more naturally than learning to walk, and her own surname ‘Douglas’, meaning ‘dark water’, seems to foresee this deep connection she now shares with the water. She also began swimming competitively very early on, which gave her structure and a place of refuge during her teenage years. At just 14 years old, she swam the Hellespont, a historical crossing between Europe and Asia, and over time, the ocean slowly became her main focus.

In open water, Hero appreciates something that can’t be found in a swimming pool: unpredictability, presence and a very particular calm. The sea forces you to listen to your body, adapt to the rhythm of your surroundings and be really present. It’s a meditative experience as much as it is stimulating. 

Her connection to Orca goes back much further than her role as ambassador; Hero has relied on the brand’s material for over a decade, and since 2022, she’s been a member of our team. What she values most highly is the clear philosophy guided by those who share a connection with the water and the sport, who understand the cold, the currents and the importance of having confidence in your gear when swimming in open water.

For Hero, representing Orca is a way that she can share this confidence, a way of supporting others who are taking their first steps in open water swimming and who show us that, with the right approach and equipment, the sea can be a space for growth and enjoyment.

Swimming isn’t something that Hero has to fit into her schedule - it’s part of her daily routine, whether at sunrise before going to work or at sunset to let go of the day. As part of her PhD, she even recorded the sounds of rivers and lakes, developing a special awareness of the patterns and states of the water as a result. This sensitivity to the water is something she brings to every training session, reinforcing a more mindful way of swimming. Whatever happens, Hero always has time for the water. 

Before using the Vitalis Thermal, the biggest challenge in winter was to get past the initial shock of the cold. Controlling your breathing, relaxing your body and reaching the stage where you enjoy the session all require a huge effort. “With this suit on, I can stay warm, relax in the water and train consistently throughout the winter,” she explains.

A combination of accessories such as thermal gloves and a hat are key for both staying warm and for visibility and safety. The Vitalis Thermal helps Hero train for longer, protecting her hands from the cold and allowing her to swim in greater comfort, even on the coldest days.

Designed specifically for use in cold water, the Vitalis Thermal stands out for its insulation, keeping you warm without limiting your range of movement. Hero sums it up in a nutshell: “Even when it gets really cold or when the sea’s rough, I feel safe and I can swim with ease.” The wide range of movement in the shoulders provided, essential for maintaining an efficient technique during longer training sessions, offers the perfect balance between warmth and fluidity of movement.

For those of you who feel the water calling but need that last little push to get you started, she offers a simple piece of advice: start slow, be patient and listen to your body. Perseverance transforms your initial sensation of the water; the cold stops feeling like a threat and becomes a source of energy. Sharing the experience with other swimmers can also make a difference - you feel safer and have more fun. 

Thanks to the Vitalis Thermal, her trusted companion, Hero’s next challenges lie just beyond the horizon. Crossing the Menai Strait, circumnavigating Shell Island and embarking on new adventures in the Outer Hebrides, swimming around islands such as Eriskay, are all part of her plans.