Anyone swim at Hampsted Ponds?

[PastGrace]

Just that, really. I'm a strong swimmer and I really like it, but I am so fed up of indoor pool swimming (although I have an aquabeat which helps). I thought open water swimming would be a good thing to get into because it will make me work harder and be a bit more fun than plodding up and down underground in central London. I have some questions though (I hate doing new things for the first time)

When is a good time to start going? The open water swimming website suggests water 16degrees and above as the best start time, but do I have to wait until then ?

Do I have to get a membership or can I just turn up and try it out one day first?

Can I just wear a normal swimming costume/hat/goggles or do I need to get a wetsuit?

Will everyone laugh at me and be all cliquey the first time I go?

Am I right in thinking that I won't be able to do a full swimming session (I normally go for about 45-60 mins) but should start off just doing little swims to get used to the water and then build up?

I'm not under any illusion that it will be easy, but I fancy something different and a bit more challenging than racing the city blokes in their lunchbreak.

I've only been once (mid summer) so can't answer all of your questions.

I wore a normal swimsuit and swam breast stoke with my head up as the water was quite dark and I didn't fancy putting my face in. It was surprisingly warm and clean.

The only cliques were made up of lovely eccentric old ladies who were v welcoming.

The camden council website can probably answer some of your practical concerns.

My overriding memory was of swimming along in the sunshine next to a family of ducks, bliss!!

I grew up swimming in those ponds.

The water isn't too cold or as filthy as it looks, so a normal swimsuit, goggles and perhaps a cap (I didnt bother) will be fine.

I didn't find it cliquey at all - lots of lone women us the ponds, especially the Ladies Pond.

I have wonderful memories of swimming there in the summer.

I've never swam in the Ponds but I swim every year in the lakes and usually swim for about 20 minutes, get out for 5-10, go back for more. But I'm not a very strong swimmer and hate cold water (and it's Polish lakes I'm talking about, cold even in the middle of the summer).

I swam there a few years ago.
One thing I would say is that it gets REALLY busy on a sunny, warm weekend day and you sometimes have to queue to get your turn to go in.
I really liked it but was just messing about rather than doing serious laps or anything.

Definitely worth a a try!

Thanks everyone!

I did try Camden council website, but didn't find it hugely helpful... I'll try and be brave and go up next week.

How about one of the lido's? The one in Crouch end is heated. The ponds are pleasant but not the best for a fitness session.

Went swimming there when vv pregnant with DS1 and got big love from all. Not cliquey at all and no need for a wet suit, just keep moving! Lovely.

I also recommend London Fields Lido.

I've swum there in the past, I'm a keen wild swimmer (there's a wild swimming thread which I just got moved to the new Great Outdoors topic).

If you're not used to cold water you should probably start gently, yes.

When I went 6 or 7 years ago you didn't need to join, it just operated like a normal public pool. The early morning winter swimmers might have formed themselves into a club when the council was threatening to close it in winter, I don't quite remember.

There are some Hampstead swimmers among this lot.

Normal swimsuit. But if you're planning to go before the water has warmed up you could take a wetsuit for your first time, just to be safe.

Try and contact hampstead heath management (or whatever their proper name is). Someone in my family swims there year round. Not for me, I hate cold water! But my DD (12) is v enthusiastic and has done a few late autumn/early spring sessions with said family member. The year round swimmers are a lovely supportive bunch. Think they all do early mornings. They have a bowl of hot water out to warm up your hands and feet after your swim! I've done summer daytime swimming there but that's v different.

How about the lido at hampstead, just down the hill from the ponds. Lovely on a sunny day, like being on holiday

Gosh you are all lovely - lots to think about here. Thank you!