The Joys of Wild Swimming
My absolute favourite way to spend time is in the water. I love to be submerged in the depths, floating on my back or slowly swimming. If I’m feeling stressed, low or anxious for any reason, nothing calms me down and makes me feel content more than swimming. Floating in the water, surrounded by beautiful countryside, I can’t help but feel happy and relaxed.
I’ve seen several articles shunning the term ‘wild swimming’ and reducing it to a trend. ‘But it’s just swimming’, they say. To me, there is a big difference between swimming in a pool and swimming outdoors, among nature. Swimming in a pool (whether indoors or outdoors) is enjoyable but just doesn’t feel as free and calming. There’s something sanitised about swimming in lanes; in warm, chlorinated water. Wild swimming - outdoors among nature, in water that is often cold and different every time - feels more real. I want to admire my surroundings, listen to the sounds of the wildlife and feel the sun on my skin when I swim. I want the bite of a colder temperature that feels rejuvenating and refreshing. I want the freedom and wildness of swimming in open water.
I’m lucky to live in an area where there are several wild swimming spots just a short walk away - from my favourite dam perched high on top of a hill, to smaller ponds and plunge pools. I love walking up the big hill opposite my house, peering down into the valley to spot my front door as I head up and up, finally reaching the dam at the summit. Here, I love swimming at any time of day, but particularly at sunset, watching the sky glow as the sun sinks behind the hills on the horizon. This can be a busy spot, and my other swimming locales are more private and secret - perfect for escaping the crowds on hot days or enjoying a secluded swim. I also love seeking out new spots wherever I go - swimming in the sea at every opportunity and trying out new rivers, lakes, pools and waterfalls on my travels.
Now I’m used to swimming in fresh and salt water, swimming in pools just doesn’t have the same appeal. Winterlong, I crave outdoor swimming and countdown until the weather is warming enough for an outdoor dip (I managed a very brief swim in March this year). This year, I’m planning on investing in a wetsuit so I can enjoy being in the water for longer. I’ve also acquired a waterproof video camera, to share more of my swimming adventures on my Instagram.
WILD SWIMMING SAFETY TIPS
Never jump into water without thoroughly checking the depth. Make sure there are no rocks or debris in the water before you jump.
Don’t swim on your own - take a friend, partner or family member who can help if anything goes wrong.
Stay within your depth. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, make sure you are close to the shore and can touch the bottom if you need to rest. If you go out of your depth, take a tow float.
Be aware of cold water shock. If you are not used to swimming in cold water, lower yourself into the water slowly to allow your body to get used to the temperature of the water.
Be respectful of the water. Don’t swim in the sea on stormy days or when there are large waves. Stay out of rivers following heavy rainfall. Be aware of the risks.
Don’t enter a body of water before you know how you will get back out.
Wear the correct gear for the situation. Water shoes if the ground is rough or sharp, wetsuits and/or waterproof gloves/socks if the temperatures are cold.
I am wearing a Small Field Swim swimsuit in these images. This was a PR product for a paid campaign on my Instagram. This blog post is not part of that campaign.