I’m an all year round wild swimmer AMA

[Nippydips]

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!

@SpudsandGravy depends on the person, some people get in real slow, some very quickly, others favour a bit of splashing water on torso before submerging. Yes it can take your breath away when cold - that’s why you don’t jump or dive straight in, your head needs to be above water when you gasp 😁

[quote Nippydips]@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 🤷‍♀️[/quote]
'Wild' makes it sound way more exciting than it is. But 'I went swimming' is enough info for me personally.

@Sparklingbrook great 👍🏻 but it’s an AMA so I was just trying to be clear.

What’s the furthest it would be safe to walk home without getting changed first? With a towel poncho? Is it a case of getting as warm as possible as fast as possible, otherwise hypothermia sets in?

@GwendolineWindowlene yes when it’s cold you need to get warm and dry as quickly as possible. People tolerate cold differently so it would vary. If I had a pool in my garden then I’d consider it, otherwise only in summer.

@Sparklingbrook

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.

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.

Just found this thread and have to admit I do mention it a lot! Swimming and then winterswimming has been a life changer for me. I was in a terribly poor state and started swimming to try to build myself up and have. Three years ago I started swimming in the outdoor pool, went in a couple of times when it was 16 and then 10 degrees for a dare, and then found it gave a wonderful high. Leaves me feeling good all day!

I started outdoor swimming at about 16 degrees and then gradually worked my way down. Two weeks ago I manged 3 / 2 degrees by my diver's watch, but that was a bit too much. It's now a nice 5 - 6 degrees.

I go about 3-4 times a week and it's heaven. If I don't go I really miss it. But yes, I do rave a bit

nippy and tiger how long do you actually stay in at 5 degrees? :)

I'd like to build up to 25 mins but have to be careful not to get hypothermic as it's a 25 min drive home.

@SeaEagleFeather hi 🙂 I’m in for about 20 mins or so at that temperature. I have over done it on a couple of occasions and had to wait before driving home.

I actually cannot swim. I think because my school lessons were in a smelly chlorine pool plus they wouldn't let me wear my glasses so I was effectively blind in the pool.
Any tips for learning to swim for adults? Do you think it would be easier to learn in fresh / salt water instead of chlorine pools?

Where I live they run adult sessions in the pool. Might private sessions be possible?

As an adult, no one can tell you not to wear glasses! I wear them myself and getting prescription swimming goggles completely changed how much I enjoyed swimming. Wouldn't be without them now. it's basically goggles with a plaster sticker on 'em which is to your prescription.

I use Aquaeagle as you can get different prescription for each lens. They don't last forever, but they're good.

Salt / fresh water ... maybe. If the chlorine is distracting you it won't help learn plus salt water is more buoyant.

good luck. If you take to swimming, it's wonderful.

Bumping this to ask whether any of you experienced swimmers swim solo?