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Original poster

Sea swim effect

27 replies

AIMD · 30/12/2020 20:51

Keep reading about the health/mental health benefits of sea swimming. I have always loved being in or by the sea and have felt positive effects after. I feel calmer and refreshed.

However....I don’t live by the sea and covid is also making it harder to travel to the sea also.

Any suggestion on activities that might have similar effects/outcomes?

I’ve thought about sitting outside looking at the stars in quiet in the eve. Any other suggestions on how to get that “sea swim effect” outcome?

OP posts:
BadgertheBodger · 30/12/2020 20:53

Any cold water will do! Rivers are a bit tricky in winter as very cold and fast but are you near any lakes, reservoirs or quarries where swimming is allowed? If there’s a Wild Guide for your area they are brill for finding spots

Original poster
AIMD · 30/12/2020 20:58

I actually think we have a river near by that people swim in (as in it’s an official ver swimming place). I remember reading about it but it didn’t even come to minds. There is also a quarry near by that is used for diving but the thought of a quarry scares me for some reason.

Maybe I’ll invest in a dunk pool for the garden 😜

OP posts:
CMOTDibbler · 30/12/2020 21:01

If you can't get to somewhere safe for cold water swimming, any cold water works - I have an inflatable plunge tub off ebay in the garden and immersing in that works if I can't go to the river or lake.
There are specific physiological things that happen when you are immersed in cold water, and its thought this is what is good for your mental health - of course doing it somewhere nice is best in general, and you'd be amazed how many places there are.

Yogatomorrow · 30/12/2020 21:05

I think just being out in nature is good enough. I can't bring myself to swim in cold water, but I love going for walks in forests when it is bloody cold and I am wrapped up warm. It has been addictive to go out for a bracing walk for 1-2 hours. Much more palatable than sea swimming.

Original poster
AIMD · 30/12/2020 21:08

@CMOTDibbler

If you can't get to somewhere safe for cold water swimming, any cold water works - I have an inflatable plunge tub off ebay in the garden and immersing in that works if I can't go to the river or lake. There are specific physiological things that happen when you are immersed in cold water, and its thought this is what is good for your mental health - of course doing it somewhere nice is best in general, and you'd be amazed how many places there are.
I’ve heard this. Do you have a link to the type of tub you bought? Sorry to sound silly but do you fill it each day or chlorine it like a pool?

I really want to try the cold water stuff as I have in the past felt so great after periods of sea swimming.

OP posts:
Original poster
AIMD · 30/12/2020 21:09

@Yogatomorrow yes I love a good walk through the woods and am lucky enough to have loads of options for good walks near me.

OP posts:
Eckhart · 30/12/2020 21:19

Switch the shower from very hot to very cold 2 or 3 times, and finish on cold.

You may need to provide your family with earplugs unless they enjoy opera singing, but you'll feel very good after.

Original poster
AIMD · 30/12/2020 21:20

@Eckhart I’ll try that tomorrow!

OP posts:
WotWouldCJDo · 30/12/2020 21:32

Is it Vim Hoff who does all the cold water / breathing stuff?

CMOTDibbler · 30/12/2020 21:36

This is the tub I have. As I'm not putting my face in it, and its nice and cold outside I haven't done much to the water at all - it is a bit green now so I'll wash it out at the weekend - I am swimming at the lake the next 3 days though!

umpteennamechanges · 30/12/2020 21:36

[quote AIMD]@Eckhart I’ll try that tomorrow![/quote]
Have a look at the Wim Hof website

longestlurkerever · 30/12/2020 21:39

I've been swimming in our local reservoir. It's all set up with life guards etc and is brilliant. Cycling is my other activity but is hard to switch off in the same way as you're too busy trying to stay alive. You might enjoy meditation?

ChillyB · 30/12/2020 21:46

Hope you find somewhere safe to swim.

Just to say please don’t swim in quarry lakes it’s so incredibly dangerous to do so. The water is ground water so very very cold and you really don’t know what’s in it.
My DH manages a quarry and people swimming in lakes has given him endless worry at times particularly so as if something were to happen to somebody he personally is at risk of an extremely large fine and a potential prison sentence.

Original poster
AIMD · 30/12/2020 21:56

@ChillyB sorry I should have been clear, the quarry near me is an actual outdoor swim and dive place with lifeguarded swim sessions. I’d never just pop off to a random quarry because your quite right about them being dangerous.

OP posts:
Eckhart · 30/12/2020 21:57

@umpteennamechanges

I've had a look at Wim and his website doesn't mention about whether the cold therapy has improved his opera singing Wink

Original poster
AIMD · 30/12/2020 22:14

In getting confused by the wim hoff website. Seems to be a course with a cost.
Thinking maybe I’ll look into but just start with the cold water stuff.

OP posts:
BadgertheBodger · 30/12/2020 23:03

OP are you in the North West by any chance? And yes sorry I should have been MUCH clearer - swimming in random quarries is bad but there are 2 near me used as OP says for diving and open water swimming with lifeguards and a cafe

DipSwimSwoosh · 30/12/2020 23:14

Do not start swimming in open water at this time of year. It is very easy to get hypothermia. You need to start in Spring, Summer or Autumn and swim all the way through. It is bloody freezing now!

umpteennamechanges · 30/12/2020 23:42

@AIMD

In getting confused by the wim hoff website. Seems to be a course with a cost. Thinking maybe I’ll look into but just start with the cold water stuff.

I think the introductory session is free.

Definitely don't pay for it. It's just breathing techniques and cold water.

There will almost undoubtedly be loads of YouTube videos that go through it.

Original poster
AIMD · 31/12/2020 09:07

@BadgertheBodger no I’m south west!

I’m not planning to swim in open water, though I have sea swam in summer and surfed in January previously (with a bit fat winter wet suit).

Actually downloaded the win hoff free app in the end so going to start with the breathing and short cold showered and build up to maybe a cold water bath outside over a month or so.

OP posts:
Original poster
AIMD · 31/12/2020 09:08

Sorry I mean winter swim I’m not planning....wouldn’t be brave enough for that! Will save that for sprint/summer. X

OP posts:
CherryRoulade · 31/12/2020 09:14

You do need to acclimatise for cold water swimming. Use Facebook outdoor swimming group to help find groups and spots near you. Most areas have hidden gems.

BarkHoneyBark · 31/12/2020 09:16

Do you wear wet suits for the sea swimming?

EmmaStone · 31/12/2020 09:24

I'm in the SW too, quite near a swimming quarry, wonder if it's the same one. I have a (mad, super fit) friend who swims there, and the safety around it is brilliant, they have to swim with a buddy I believe. I'm definitely not up for the cold swimming thing, but it's definitely taking off, and I know of a few people who are doing it more.

CherryRoulade · 31/12/2020 10:19

I don’t wear a wet suit. I don’t stay in too long either. I think if you’re swimming ‘skins’ you need to be very mindful of risks of afterdrop. That said, maybe wetsuits make you a bit more complacent.

I do wear wool/fleece hat in winter and try not to get my hair too wet. I wear swim shoes to make getting in and out quicker and more comfortable. Nothing grand about £7, I recall.