I have always loved being in the water, whenever we were on holiday as kids, my sister and I would spend all our time in the pool and my parents would call us mermaids – which of course we loved.
Through my adult life I continued to swim but in swimming pools for fitness or in the sea when on holiday. I only started swimming outdoors in the “wild” maybe three years ago after which being in the water became something very different for me. There’s nothing else quite like it. It releases endorphins, it’s thrilling, invigorating, refreshing and definitely gives you a wake up if you’re feeling a bit lethargic.
It calms me like nothing else. I recently had a hugely stressful few weeks where I was away with work, when I got back to my beloved Wales, all I wanted was to be in the cold water and almost craved it. The moment I slipped into that chilly river where it simultaneously numbed me and heightened my senses at the same time, I felt relief with the stress almost washing out of me.
There are other benefits too. It increases your metabolism, the cold water makes your body work harder which increases the number of calories you burn. It also boosts your immune system – apparently the cold water shocks the immune system and helps produce more white blood cells and antioxidants.
So how to get started? Everyone is different and I can only speak of my own experiences and what works for me so here it goes.
I always swim in a swimming costume and never a wetsuit, I feel like I’m defeating the purpose if I do. I want to feel the cold, let it numb me and wash over me. On a handful of occasions, I have worn neoprene gloves as it can be quite painful on the hands but I’m not a fan of those either. What I do always wear though are swim shoes, the rocks can be painful and I’ve even had a fishing hook wrap around my foot so they offer protection. I’ve created a list on amazon with some of the items I use but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Cold water shock is a real thing. It happens when the body is immersed in water less than 15˚c when the sudden cooling of your body will make your breathing rapid and cause you to inhale water, panic and drown. It can also cause a heart attack because the blood vessels in your skin will close causing strain on your heart.
My advice, get into the water slowly, take your time. I usually walk in to about my waist and then wait there for a minute or so, I dunk my hands in and out and swirl them around until they numb a little bit. I always find that my hands are the most painful when immersed in cold water. I then walk out a little further to about chest height, it always takes my breath away so I spend a few seconds getting control over my breathing and then off I go. My main tip is to keep moving and just keep breathing, I promise you’ll adjust to the temperature.
So how do you actually get started? My advice would be to join a swim group, I have two fantastic groups that I swim with; the DawnStalkers in Penarth who swim every day at sunrise and the Burry BlueTits who are in Burry Port. It’s a great way to dip your toe for the first time and to build your confidence – it’s also a way to meet lots of likeminded people who can join you on wild swimming adventures.
Ready to venture out into the wild?
I’m a massive fan of waterfalls and usually find my swim locations while I’m out hiking. The Salty Sea Sisters have created a swim map of Wales (and England, Scotland and Ireland) with 100 wild swimming spots scattered throughout the country. When you do pick your spot, make sure it’s easily accessible and you can get in and out of the water safely. Please don’t jump in and never swim in reservoirs unless you’re allowed to do so.
Most people won’t share their favourite swim locations and unless they are well-known, obvious places, I won’t either. I know it seems unfair but these spots are special to us, they are where we go to quiet our anxieties and feel peace. Please don’t take it personally when someone won’t share their location with you, half the fun is finding your own spot.
I personally don’t like to swim alone, even the strongest of swimmers can get into trouble so it’s nice to have someone looking out for you. I have been solo though and when I do, I always take my swim float, light and whistle.
Don’t stay in too long and have your change robe, warm clothes and a hot drink ready and waiting for you. I also bring a bath mat along as a “luxury item” because, in all honesty, its lovely having something clean, warm and soft under my feet.
I can’t really put into words why I love it as much as I do. My mind empties and I just get this overwhelming sense of calm and peace. The beauty of my surroundings, the tranquillity, exploring the magical and enchanted pools and rivers of the Brecon Beacons is like something out of a fairy-tale.
I feel so completely wild and free.
