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AMA
Original poster

I’m an all year round wild swimmer AMA

60 replies

Nippydips · 25/01/2021 22:05

Just that really - I started wild swimming 5 years ago, I swim all year round in all weather. It seems to have seen a rise in popularity recently so if anyone has any questions then I’m happy to answer!

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Nippydips · 26/01/2021 23:07

@orchidsonabudget fb groups are a good way to start by going with experienced swimmers who can give you tips on local spots and what to be aware of. You don’t need fancy kit - get a cheap poncho towel and booties from decathlon. That’s all I had to start with.

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Nippydips · 26/01/2021 23:10

@Eleoura just a costume, boots and gloves all through winter. My first winter I found that when the water got under 5° I had immediate and excruciating pain in my hands - they are fine with gloves.

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Nippydips · 26/01/2021 23:11

@Kilcaple they’re a great piece of kit but I do get where that article is coming from. If I had my time again I’d do more searching and would have bought from a brand with better eco creds. There’s more around now than there was 4 years ago 🤷‍♀️

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Nippydips · 26/01/2021 23:13

@tsmainsqueeze only a few fish... they’ve never been tempted to see what I taste like!

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Nippydips · 26/01/2021 23:14

@Ifyourefeelingsinister I definitely have a reasonable level of natural insulation but know plenty who don’t and manage just as well 😂

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grassisjeweled · 26/01/2021 23:15

What advice would you have for someone who is a poor swimmer?

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Nippydips · 26/01/2021 23:16

@UnityUnited not really 😂 the few people who know (not close friends or family - so like work colleagues) tend to ask me about it a lot though

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Nippydips · 26/01/2021 23:18

@RedFrogsRule I follow lots of insta tags for hiking, cycling, swimming so yeah I get I see a lot of posts on those too. Hard to say whether it’s more popular or if I’m tuned into it more.

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Nippydips · 26/01/2021 23:20

@grassisjeweled build your swimming confidence in a swimming pool. Join a local Facebook group if you can and maybe start by dipping in colder water (later this year when warmer) but stay with feet on the floor.

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Swimbikerunmummy · 26/01/2021 23:23

This is my 5th year of swimming throughout the year too. I swim at least 4 times a week in the sea, just swimsuit and maybe a woolly hat in the winter. It’s definitely going through a huge surge in popularity this year!

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Nippydips · 26/01/2021 23:26

@Swimbikerunmummy we’ve unfortunately seen a few local places take measures to actively stop swimming due to the number of people now using them and not respecting the land. It’s a shame 😢

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Handsnotwands · 26/01/2021 23:45

Are you a Dry Robe Type?

I’m an all year round wild swimmer AMA
Original poster
Nippydips · 27/01/2021 08:28

@Handsnotwands I have a dryrobe - I only use it for changing in rain or wind as I find it much quicker without. What is a dryrobe “type”?

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pinkandblueflowers · 27/01/2021 22:33

Why don't your family and friends know?

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Nippydips · 27/01/2021 22:46

@pinkandblueflowers I just read that back 😂 they do, I meant other than close friends and family there are only a few people that know

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pinkandblueflowers · 27/01/2021 22:50

Oh ok that's good then.was just curious 😀

orchidsonabudget · 28/01/2021 22:06

Did we cover dirty water? Am I being a wimp?

Wildswim · 28/01/2021 22:09

AMA

Wink
Tigertigertigertiger · 28/01/2021 22:19

Wild swimming.
What used to be called “swimming”

Tigertigertigertiger · 28/01/2021 22:23

His long do you stay in the water ?
I swim all year round in the sea off the west coast of Scotland.
I judge the coldness by how long it takes me to stop feeling freezing and get that inside feeling of this is not so bad.
In summer it takes about 40 seconds

At the moment I need to be in for at least 4 minutes for that feeling to come on . A few times lately I’ve been in for about 10 minutes without heating up at all which is discouraging

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Nippydips · 29/01/2021 08:28

@orchidsonabudget I wouldn’t swim anywhere that was dirty. The pool closest to me does get algae blooms in summer which are best avoided, the water is peaty but not dirty.

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Nippydips · 29/01/2021 08:32

@Tigertigertigertiger same, I just wait until it’s comfortable - but that often doesn’t come at all in water less than 2°.

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SpudsandGravy · 14/02/2021 12:33

Hi, and sorry to be late :-) Do you manage to get in all at once or do you have to inch in a little bit at at time? Does the cold of the water not take your breath away?

Sparklingbrook · 14/02/2021 12:41

Why is it called 'wild' swimming. It's just swimming outdoors. I know a couple of people that do it and they do mention it a lot come to think of it. Grin

Nothing I have learned about it makes me think it's something I would want to do. I'll stick to the Lido with tiles on the swimming pool floor and a cafe. Grin

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Nippydips · 14/02/2021 13:05

@Sparklingbrook I guess no other reason than to differentiate it from swimming in a pool... I know people get precious about it but for me it’s just a term so people know what kind of swimming you’re on about 🤷‍♀️

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