What is Wild Swimming?
Wild swimming is simply the act of swimming or bathing in natural waters. This can include lakes, rivers, waterfalls and more!
Why you Should try it
It’s invigorating!
Dipping into fresh, cool water against the backdrop of nature creates a feeling like no other. It’s a great way to lift your mood and make you see the world in a whole new light. Wild swimming feels far more adventurous and daring than swimming in your typical local leisure or gym pool. However, wild swimming is actually pretty safe as long as you take the right precautions. It’s great in summer but can also be enjoyed in all other seasons too.
It’s Liberating!
Ask any wild swimmer and they will tell you that there’s just something about it that makes you feel free and liberated. Maybe it’s the refreshing feel of the cold water, or perhaps it’s the sense of mischief that comes with doing something a little daring. Whatever it is, it’s thoroughly enjoyable.
It’s a Great way to Reconnect with Nature
Wild swimming is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature. Unlike a stroll through the woods or a picnic in the park, swimming in the wild demands your attention. Swimming means multiple senses are stimulated as you take in your surroundings: it’s not hard to see why many wild swimmers report an endorphin high when swimming.
It Improves Mood
Studies have shown
cold water immersion is shown to increase our brain’s feel good chemicals: dopamine, beta-endorphin and noradrenaline.
It Reduces Stress
cold water immersion has been shown to relieve symptoms of depression in some studies, while others show it can help to reduce
cortisol (stress hormone). Spending time in nature has also shown to
reduce feelings of low mood and improve mental wellbeing. So why not opt for a double, stress-and-depression-busting whammy with a wild dip?
It’s a Great Way to Make Friends
Wild swimming is a social sport best enjoyed with groups of friends. It is not recommended you try wild swimming on your own for safety reasons. If you’re interested in wild swimming, the best way to get started is to join a local wild swimming group or take part in a wild swimming event;
wildswimming.co.uk is an excellent resource for those who are interested. It includes a ton of helpful information including local events, where to wild swim in your area and how to do it safely.
How to Wild Swim Safely
Get Acclimatised
If you’re used to the comfortable temperature of your local leisure pool, the cold water you experience when wild swimming may come as a bit of a shock…literally. Cold water shock is a real thing and can cause a number of involuntary responses in the body. It occurs in temperatures below 15c and can cause involuntary gasping. Therefore, it’s always best to become acclimatised to cold water by wading in slowly. Jumping into deep water can cause you to gasp before you’re able to reach the surface. The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) recommends floating first for around 60-90 seconds, which is the amount of time it takes for the effects of cold shock to pass. For more information on cold water shock visit the
RYA website.
Make Sure the Water is Safe and Legal
Of course not all wild waters are safe or even legal to swim and bathe in. All waters pose certain threats so it’s always best to research an area properly before you decide to take a dip. Know if the water you want to swim in is a common and legal wild swimming spot or one to be avoided. Never get in if there is a no swimming sign and always listen to the advice of locals or regular swimmers. Head to Wildswimming.co.uk for
10 ways to be wild and safe.
Go prepared
Unless you’re highly experienced in wild swimming, it’s something that’s best done with a lot of careful planning, rather than spontaneously. This means packing appropriate swimming gear such as a wet suit or bathing suit and footwear with good grip. You can also swim barefoot if you like. Make sure you stay warm before and after you jump in and don’t stay in the water for longer than 20 minutes without getting out and warming up, even if you get used to the cold. Take a big, fluffy towel and clean, dry clothes to change into. Bring some snacks and plenty of water so you can stay properly hydrated and fuelled. Once you get out, do a few star jumps or some jogging on the spot to get your blood flowing and warm yourself up.
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Thule roof boxes and
thule roof bars are perfect for adventurous wild swimmers. Thule roof boxes provide extra packing space - perfect if you’re planning on camping or hiking near your swim spot.