How to start swimming at Hampstead ponds?

[HanarCantWearSweaters]

If you’re fat and unfit and have never been before? And also don’t know how to swim ‘proper’ strokes? I’ve been in cold water all my life growing up in mountain lakes but I never learned how to properly do front crawl with the side breathing or anything I sort of do a mix of weird breaststroke or pulling myself forward with my arms, I don’t know how to describe it but I can move quite comfortably around and I love being in the water.

I would like to do more swimming and get stronger but going to an indoor pool feels very scary. Does anyone go outdoor swimming like at Hampstead Heath? I live near enough to go but haven’t actually even seen Kenwood pond or anything.

If anyone has tips or could tell me what it’s like or how to get started that would be great. Mental health has taken a nose dive this past year and I have this gut feeling that I could really get a lot out of it. Again, maybe just me being silly

You’re not being silly OP. At all.

I like to ‘know’ how things might work before I go to them too.

I’ve not been for a long long time and unfortunately I think it’s changed a fair bit. You have to book a slot now even on random days where you’d expect it to be quiet which you didn’t have to before. So you’ll need to check the website.

For Kenwood pool they do actually recommend that you’re a fairly strong swimmer- this is because it can get really cold in there and it’s very deep in places. Don’t let that put you off but it’s something to be aware of. No one will care about how you swim or what technique you use at all, honestly, as long as you’re able to be safe in the water.

It sounds like you might like a Bluetits group! These are informal outdoor swimming groups, almost always women-only, which meet for a dip. Very friendly, very supportive, totally non-competitive.

Locations of Groups This map shows the locations of groups, and their Facebook page links.

I hope you find your flock x

You could look for an open water coach that does intro sessions.

Thank you everyone, you can see how naive I am in that I thought Hampstead was the only place in London that you could open swim at I need to learn a bit more.
I like the look of the blue tits groups they sound really lovely, I’ve joined the London Facebook group and now just working up the courage to make a post to say hello. Worried they’re all cool people who have all the gear and I’d be starting from well I don’t even have a swimming costume that fits me anymore

Same issue with an open water coach I think, self confidence is so low that appeals to me like the induction sessions at a gym…on display and feeling critiqued even though I know they’re not, it’s just how I view myself! Wish I could slap the silly out of my head. My ideal way would be to go along to one of the group swims and loiter unnoticed in the back so I can watch how they all do it and slowly worm my way into their circle

@HanarCantWearSweaters, if you look at the Bluetits FB page, you’ll see they are doing a series of about 12 or so interview/chats with swimmers about their confidence and body confidence (a post went on today about a lady called Kelly, which is brilliantly inspirational).. I think you’ll find a lot of people who were once like you. Also, all very ordinary people. The Bluetits i know are mums of young children, retired, police officers, nurses, artists, social workers, scientists, teachers, grannies, cake bakers. No flash gear needed - just a cossie and a towel to start with.

I swam at the ladies pond on the Heath for the first time this week. It was wonderful. We didn't need to book as we went in the evening during the week. I'm not a very strong swimmer so I just swam close the edge. There's a lifeguard on duty so it feels extra safe. There is a charge but it's still good value imo. There are changing rooms right next to the pond.

What do you do with your keys/wallet while you are swimming.
Are there lockers there?

No lockers do anything you bring is at own risk. I never had anything nicked but I used to bring my old phone.

I'm a bit envious that you're so close to Hampstead. I'm in London but not close enough to go to the Ponds regularly really.

I do understand your worries, I'd probably feel the same. Ive talked about open water swimming for flipping years and done nothing at all about it!. It's ridiculous really as I'm sure I'd like it, despite not being a super strong swimmer.

I hope you pluck up the courage to go.

www.amazon.co.uk/YOSH-Waterproof-Watertight-Underwater-smartphone-Transparent/dp/B06Y21DLWB/ref=asc_df_B06Y21DLWB/?hvlocphy=1007362&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&hvnetw=g&hvadid=309785494452&hvpone&hvlocint&th=1&hvpos&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-306693452135&hvrand=2733248432748659232

I use a waterproof pouch for car keys (I leave phone in the car) for loch swimming. I hang it round my neck and wear it inside my wetsuit.

@Singinginshower tow float put your stuff in one of these and bring it with you

Thank you!