Pushed myself to try a new hobby-wild swimming. It was awful!!

[Shoesclues]

I joined a FB group, was really nervous but pushed myself to go, thought that a lot of really great experiences have made me feel anxious before hand so I was expecting this to be great.

I arrived, everyone was friendly and said hello but obviously had their little groups and knew eachother. The swim was in a late. Water was quite warm but green, full of gnats and leaves. I bobbed about a bit feeling incredibly awkward but pretended I was loving it as everyone else clearly was.

Managed 20 minutes, got out, tried to get undressed infront of everyone but found it impossible without flashing so I just put my tracksuit on over the top of my cossie.

Drove home feeling very soggy and deflated. Do I give it another go? Really didn't enjoy it or get any kind of buzz from it but I need to get out more and be more social and there's very little around here.

I've been outdoor swimming in the sea for about 18 months. Just love it.

I've got a dry rob and boots which really help.

Well done for trying it out OP. Give it another go and then if it's still no fun no shame in moving on.

I’m a bit of a wild swimming nut so admittedly biased, but I do think it really matters what water you swim in and if you like the cold. I cold plunge in our garden most days (much to my husband’s horror) so I love the cold, I don’t do it for the swimming as much as the cold water. It’s a little warm for me at the moment! But that’s what gives you the buzz people talk about. If you go back, good luck!

They're sex people Lyne 😂

First time I did it I hated it and completely freaked out. Despite being a strong swimmer, it was dark and cold and my arse was weirdly buoyant in my cheap wetsuit. Made myself go back again and love it now. Not all venues/locations are created equal though. I don't like weeds or places where I have to swim round buoys.

I only get a "buzz" in winter though and actually prefer the cold to the summer. Even though the amount of actual swimming done has to decrease then.

I'm a face down front crawler so I go for the exercise and being outdoors rather than the social aspect.

I think it's bigger than my old one - depends how much room you need. I have become quite adept at getting a bra on under one the right way round and everything! 😄I'm a size 12 and plenty of room for me. Worth a punt for the money though.

I didn’t really take to it either. Have recently joined a health club with an outdoor pool. (Off peak = cheaper fees) I’ve been regularly, even when it’s a bit drizzly and really love it. Could that be an option for you?

If it's any consolation I went and didn't even manage the induction swim.
I didn't go back. I wanted to love it. I didn't
It was at a managed lake, and it's about half an hours drive awy and £7 a time and I just can't be arsed
There are other things I can do

You mean 'swimming'.
The OP said so 🤷‍♀️

@Hoppinggreen we've met on "I live in this place"-based threads before, I wonder if have joined the same swimming group as me? I swim outdoors several times a week. Love it. There are plenty of other things people do as pastimes that I hate though (shopping, spas, beauty treatments, caving, gym classes).

My friend does this in a lake but mentioned recently that she will stop soon for a bit as the water is getting too green and full of algae.

Do you have an open air Lido near you? could be a good compromise.

I would never have made it in the water so good for you for getting in! My DH loves swimming (in a local pool) and goes every morning at 0630 and there's a big gang of them. It's a very social thing, they get a coffee together after at the weekends. Maybe try that if you need some company? Alternatively if you have a park run it's a very social event, everyone is very friendly

Well done for trying OP.

My mum lives on a lagoon off a bay and during my last visit in April I got in (more of a 5min plunge than a swim as it was still very cold) to see what the fuss was about. It was interesting, I expected to find the cold difficult but I was able to get right in up to my neck without drama, but I also didn't find it especially invigorating. I was glad I tried it but it didn't fire me up.