If you go to organised open water swimming...

[fairynick]

What kind of crowd are there?
Is it full of pro swimmers training for channel crosses or is it families and old ladies doing breaststroke?
I’ve booked to go to my local open water swim at a lake nearby and am really nervous. I’m a fair swimmer but not quick or anything and don’t really care about it, I just wanted the thrill of the cold water and to leisurely swim some breaststroke.
I’m also slightly overweight so just wondering if I’ll stick out like a sore thumb really.
I have a brightly coloured swim cap and goggles as directed, also those little socks, I don’t have a wetsuit because they’re so expensive so just have a surf suit which I would be planning on wearing the first few sessions until I’d decide if I was commuted enough to buy a proper wetsuit designed for open water swimming - do you reckon this would be okay?
Just looking for advice really :)

The lake where we pay to swim is a lovely mixed bag, from athletes to social swimmers and a wide variety of ages and fitness levels. Everyone I’ve met is friendly and respectful of each other.

Is there a session on before the one you have booked on?
Are you able to pop down to see how it works and what people are like. I've been thinking about doing this and had a look on a few Facebook groups. Maybe see if there us a fb group for the place you are going to swim at.
Have fun though!

And I bob along doing leisurely breaststroke with my head out so I can peer into the reeds and see what the moorhens are up to. Nobody has made me feel uncomfortable.

I do wear a wetsuit at this time of year but it’s only a surfing one, not special for swimming.

I don't go to anything organised, just swim in the rivers or sea in somerset when it's warmer. I'm the old(er) lady doing breaststroke! You will be freezing without a wetsuit but if you only want a quick dip you'll be ok. Make sure you get in slowly and acclimatise, the group will give lots of advice. Have fun!

@Verbena87 that’s reassuring, hoping mines the same!
@notacooldad that would’ve been a perfect idea but I’ve booked onto the first session of the day

Our local swimming lake is also a real mix of people. You definitely wouldn't stick out there! Have a lovely time!

This is what I’m wearing x

Would help if there was an attachment haha

Oh I attached it twice 😅 thank you @Dsisproblem that’s reassuring!!

That’ll be grand (you’ll still be chilly but it allows you to stay in a bit longer).

I was told to get out right away if you can no longer do simple mental arithmetic - quite a good tip to check you’re not shutting down with the cold.

Enjoy!

@Verbena87 I struggle with arithmetic at the best of times
Thanks everyone, about to get ready now!