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Original poster

Do I need to prepare for sea swimming/dipping at Christmas?

34 replies

CantFindTheBeat · 08/12/2023 18:48

Hi all,

We are going away after Christmas to a place near Bude in Cornwall.

We are all late 40s-50s. I would like to give sea swimming/splashing a go.

Ideally, I personally would like to run in, splash about a bit then get out after 5 or 10 mins.

My husband would like to build up to going a few times, and do a fair bit of near-shore swimming.

Does anyone have advice on what we should wear (wet suit or cossie?) and or anything we should prepare or avoid?

OP posts:
Thewolvesarerunningagain · 08/12/2023 20:01

Antibiotics would be a good idea given the prevalence of sewage discharges

mindutopia · 08/12/2023 20:05

Go to the Bude Sea Pool. The sea in North Cornwall can be quite rough in the winter. I swim all year round in just a swimming costume. If you are just going in for a dip, I wouldn’t buy a wetsuit. It’s a waste of money and not easy to get in and out of if you aren’t used to it.

Do take time to acclimate to the temperature though. Don’t just run or jump in, which can be dangerous, especially if you aren’t used to cold water. If you go to the Sea Pool they have changing rooms, and certain times of the day (10-11am? Check on website/Facebook) they have hot drinks available in the hub.

whatausername · 08/12/2023 20:09

CantFindTheBeat · 08/12/2023 19:46

I think maybe I am 🙈

I wonder if it's a totally no?

Of if just run in, dunk, and run out.

We might be back near the coast in May. Should I wait until then?

Show quote history

Keep your face dry. Do not submerge your head.

whatausername · 08/12/2023 20:10

Thewolvesarerunningagain · 08/12/2023 20:01

Antibiotics would be a good idea given the prevalence of sewage discharges

🙄

Whataretheodds · 08/12/2023 20:18

Find a local outdoor swimming group and see if you can join them if conditions allow.

It's highly irresponsible to go into the sea from an unfamiliar shore alone in the winter without any acclimatisation. It's not a cold plunge pool.

Cold water swimming/dipping is phenomenal but do some proper research and prep first. The Outdoor Swimming Society has loads of good resources.

Original poster
CantFindTheBeat · 08/12/2023 20:22

BadSkiingMum · 08/12/2023 19:55

I imagine you would get near the roaring, foaming turquoise-grey-white sea in your swimming costumes, after a long walk across the wind-torn sands, and be already feeling chilled through and pretty daunted. You will stand on the shoreline debating the question with your DH.

Then an errant wave will unexpectedly swamp your feet, shins and knees. You will shriek in shock and rapidly be overwhelmed by the urgent desire not to expose any more of your flesh to this ice-cold torture.

Leave it till May! It will still be plenty chilly then to get a nice glow.

🤣🤣🤣

I think you may be correct!

We do regularly go to the beaches in Cornwall throughout the year with our Labradors who love to swim, so we are used to rubbish weather and being one of the first on the beach.

Not used to US being the wet dogs in the situation though!!

OP posts:
DancesWithDucks · 08/12/2023 20:32

Reading the Outdoor Swimming Society stuff is a really good idea

Original poster
CantFindTheBeat · 08/12/2023 20:37

I will have a good read through.
Thanks all 💕

OP posts:
NChance · 08/12/2023 20:49

It'll be colder than you think!
I swim in rivers and a reservoir over summer because I'm a wimp and one day the water was 18c. Still felt cold Grin
It's worth it though

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