A mini guide to wild swimming
It's that time of year again when our Instagram feeds start filling up with posts about wild swimming in dropping temperatures. Especially since lockdowns started in 2020, it seems like everyone and their dog got the wild swimming bug. I was one of them. Check out this blog post for more on how I used it as a 2020 coping mechanism while struggling with the early days of motherhood and all the other 2020 stresses!
Perhaps you're feeling that call to join the hoards of people who will be heading for chilly open waters this winter? If so, read on for my tips on how to get started.
Find a safe spot
Not all bodies of water are safe, or even legal, to swim in. Find a spot where swimming is allowed and waters are clean and safe. Be especially carefully on beaches, where there are likely currents and rip tides that you need to be aware of. If in doubt, don't swim. Need help finding a spot or knowing if your local one is safe? Ask questions in Facebook groups like this one.
Don't swim alone
Going swimming alone is not a good idea when temperatures are low. You never know how your body might react to the cold so having a swimming buddy is common sense. Even strong swimmers can get caught out sometimes, so please always err on the side of caution. Plus, swimming in a group is always so much more fun! Why not take a flask of tea and some cake to enjoy together after the swim? I often go with my sister-in-law and we take turns looking after my toddler and going in for a dip. It's even better if we can go in together but at least with this set up there's someone on the shore looking out for me!
Be prepared
You don't need much to get started with wild swimming throughout the year, but there are a few basics to make the experience safe and enjoyable Basics: swimming costume, towel/basic changing robe, flask of tea, warm clothes, mobile phone (for post-swim photos/emergency calls). Nice to have and essential for colder climates: a super warm changing robe like these ones from Dry Robe. It's also a good idea to have your car parked close by to the swimming spot so you don't have to walk for ages after a cold swim. If you live within short walking distance of a beach, lake or river then even better!
Breathe smart
When swimming in chilly waters, your instinct might be to hold your breath or even take in big deep breaths through the mouth. This isn't very calm-inducing so try breathing in and out through the nose, sending the breath low into the belly and slowing down the pace to help keep you calm. If it feels good, you can exhale through the mouth, making the exhale longer than the inhale. Also, by focussing on your breath, it might help take your mind off the discomfort of the cold.
Start small
A few minutes or even just a few seconds in cold water can feel so amazing. There is no need to stay in for a long time and it would actually be unsafe to do so without proper training and preparation. Even though wild swimming in chilly waters is all about stepping outside your comfort zone, please don't push yourself to stay in for x number of minutes because someone on the internet say that's how long you're meant to go in for. Listen to your own body and enjoy the benefits of even the tiniest of chilly dips! Think of it as a self-care practice rather than a work out.
Go slow
Don't jump into cold water, no matter how tempting it may be! Walk or slip into the lake, sea or river slowly and let your body become accustomed to the cold bit by bit. If it feels right, putting your head under the water can feel amazing but only do so once your breathing is under control. Listen to your body and let it guide your experience.
Keep it up!
Momentum is key when it comes to wild swimming in colder waters. Top tip: start now in October (if you haven't started already) and commit to going in at least once a week so you don't feel the change in temperature so much as they drop and drop. It's also nice to have a routine to your swims so you can look forward to them each week.
Above all, stay safe and have fun!
