Cold water- swimming outside

[Todayissunny]

Its 4' outside. I've got access to an outdoor pool where I've been swimming at least once a week. I feel really great afterwards.
If I dont go this evening I'm not sure I'll get in again this year.
Anyone else swimming?
Any words of encouragement?

I’m going to a lake tomorrow morning. Air temp will be about 2C. I’m half scared, half excited!

What's the water temperature?
I go straight in the water but find it painful to start with. Does it get easier?

I swim 3 times a week, usually in the outdoor pool of my gym. Went today and it was beautiful in the sunshine. The pool is heated though. Just keep moving - that'll keep you warm.

I go 3 or 4 times a week. Water temperature will have dropped quite a bit over last few days, air temp will make it hard to get warm and dry after. I never find it easy to get in. But this will be my 6th winter so I just keep telling myself “you’ve done it before and you can do it again”.

Not swimming but kayaking this week, if that counts? I tend to manage to soak myself splashing the paddle around (I’m not the best ). Also saw some sea swimmers on Saturday at about 7am it was very cold then

JohnNutLips - so after 6 years it's still hurts when you first go in?

've just checked the pool temperature. Its 10'. Not that cold but still.....
I know I will fell amazing when I come out and sleep so well.

Feel like a fraud now. Outdoor pool I swim in is heated to 27 degrees.

@sunshinelover69 sounds lovely

I swam in lakes/river all last year, and will again this year (I do wear a wetsuit from 12' downwards though). I love it, and it does get easier - I mean, it always hurts getting in cold water, but your body really does adapt. But always err on the side of caution with how long you stay in and be aware that your body temperature will keep dropping when you get out for at least 10 minutes

I don’t do it myself outside of the summer…but I live near the beach and there’s been sea swimmers every morning this week (I’ve been walking my dogs whilst wearing a massive coat). Do it!

I swim in the sea about three times a week. I’ve been doing it for a couple of years now, all year round. I like the challenge!
Neoprene gloves and shoes help, though I did my first winter without them in a bikini.
I take a hot water bottle with me in the car for the drive home, and a flask of coffee.
The most important thing is getting wet things off as quickly as possible, and warm clothes you can get on quickly as well.
I love it.

I can come straight back in the house afterwards so can warm up easily.
Just swimming in bikini bottoms. That way there is less cold material to cling. Neoprene gloves and shoes sound like a good idea.

@Todayissunny yeah 😂 I do think it’s a bit of madness to keep doing it. I wear neoprene boots and gloves - my first winter I couldn’t get past late November as the pain in my hands was too much without any gloves.

I've swum all year round for 8 years in just a cozzie. Last year I was testing my temperature because of some research linked to dementia. The thermometer wouldn't read it as it was too low 😲

Enter slowly, until hips and hands are in then get the rest in quick. Slow breathing down and know that in a few minutes your body will adjust and its like being in the local indoor pool. Don't stay in too long if really cold. Below 5deg is pretty short swims . Dress quickly then walk until you've warmed up.

I swim in the sea all year around, been doing it for years. Usually around 3 or 4 times a week but I’ve been doing the cancer research 30 day challenge in November so going every day currently!

Very short swim in 10 degrees at the weekend. Gloves and socks and a hot tub next door but so tingly - almost pinchy- on my arms.
You don't have to stay in long for all the benefits - until your breathing stabilises I believe.
You're very lucky to have your own pond. Bit of a drive for me.
Yes sleep like a baby afterwards

I’ve done a couple of 8°-9° so far this year but I’m like you - if I do t go this week I’m not sure I’ll make it back in. Do you have a tow float? The last couple I’ve done I’ve found I can get just above the waist then float in on my towfloat and it’s a bit less brutal.
Once you are fully in and acclimatised it’s bliss though. I’ve been lasting about 20 mins but it’s definitely not a competition. I just love the head clearing effect.
Oodie and snow boots for after, a hot drink and a little nip of something for after. Then home for a hot bath and a blissful sleep 💤

Sea swim here. We go once a week.

It was 13 degrees last week and it's dropping slowly. The much colder air temperature makes it harder as you go on through the winter.

Swimsuit only.

It's invigorating and a real laugh.

Sea swimming is really coming back. My mother did it as a child (she's in her 70s and grew up living on a beach slipway). Then when I was young it was just a few hardy souls that went in daily, 365 days a year. Then that fizzled to none. Now, for about the past five years, it's become increasingly popular again. We have a group that meet daily and the next cove across does too.

I thought about it ..... but I'm a wuss with seaweed and jellyfish! Don't mind the cold.

I've done it . I was in for about 12 minutes in my bikini bottoms and bobble hat.
Warming up now.
It wasn't as painful today as yesterday.
My mum is nearly 80 and goes in the sea all year. Unfortunately I'm too far away to go with her.

Outdoor lake swimmer here. I swim a couple of times a week, year round. Water temp and air temp were both 8ish degrees on Saturday, but we had our first frost last night, so I suspect water will be considerably colder tommorow.

My friend goes open water swimming twice a week all year round, in a cossie until feb when she says she switched to a wetsuit until Easter. To be fair she makes it sound absolutely wonderful but there’s no way I’d ever give it a go! Swimming for me is something to be endured either indoors in a heated pool or in the sun on holiday outdoors

We had our first frost last night too Ibiza. I’m nervous about my next swim. I’m still just in cozzie, water shoes and bobble hat 🥶