The first time I did an open-water swim was late summer 2013 - 500 metres around the lake at Ellerton, North Yorkshire. Having struggled into my neoprene wetsuit (no mean feat!) I headed to the jetty. Pausing at the edge, I knew the longer I hesitated, the harder it would be to take the plunge. So, within a matter of seconds I went for it! The sun was shining and the water was calm (athough I had to try hard not to think about the fish and other wildlife lurking beneath me!). I can honestly say I have never looked back! Swimming in the open air is a rejuvenating and exhilarating experience both physically and mentally.
Fear when faced, can bring huge rewards, it makes us stronger and more self confident. It pushes us to escape the mundane and be the best we can be!.
Open-water swimming is a lifetime sport that has all the health benefits of indoor swimming, such as developing cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, as well as improving flexibility, coordination and boosting energy levels. It is an excellent activity for weight control and stamina building. Because swimming does not impact on the joints like running and similar exercises, it is good for people with back or joint problems who may not be comfortable with land based exercise.
Swimming in natural environments also avoids the chlorinated water together with the general dullness of ploughing up and down in a straight line in indoor swimming pools.
I have even caught the competitive bug and have taken part in a swim at Bamburgh as part of a sprint triathlon (yes, really!) as well as the one and two mile races in Lake Windermere.
Whilst I’m glad I’ve done these, open water swimming is best taken at a steady pace, so that the tranquillity and serenity permeates your body with a ''good to be alive’’ feeling.
Of course there are some safety issues to consider when swimming outside:
Avoid swimming alone especially in a new location.
Consider wearing a wetsuit to provide warmth and aid buoyancy. They are compulsory at most organised venues when the water temperature is below 14 degrees.
Beyond keeping warm the biggest issue among beginners is anxiety. Diving into a dark, cold lake can be intimidating. As panic is often the result of perceived shortage of breath, this can be avoided by exhaling deeply, as well as allowing water to seep into your wetsuit slowly to avoid the shock of a sudden drop in temperature.
I would recommend that if you're considering outdoor swimming, you start when the water is at its warmest, so that you become acclimatised. The website wildswim.com lists places near you and notes advice from local swimmers.
Swimming in open water is something else. It doesn’t demand that you’re particularly well-conditioned before you start. Rather, it helps you to reflect and work through any psychological or emotional issues and to get in touch with your body. The water encourages a journey inward, tapping into your inner strength and yielding to a need greater than your own.
Swimming in open water is something else. It doesn’t demand that you’re particularly well-conditioned before you start. Rather, it helps you to reflect and work through any psychological or emotional issues and to get in touch with your body. The water encourages a journey inward, tapping into your inner strength and yielding to a need greater than your own.
So what are you waiting for? Find some water and get moving... the water might be freezing, but it’s lovely!
Namaste
Alison x
Namaste
Alison x
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