Cold water swimming

[chilango]

...it was a beautiful morning for it mind.

 

[smmudge]

Tried out my new full length wetsuit at the tidal pool (went to a different one today). It was so good! Could have kept swimming for ages no problem. But I had to get back as my aunt was cooking Sunday lunch

 

[smmudge]

Apparently the coldest it will get, 8C today. Yes looking forward to some warmer water

 

[chilango]

That's it "Polar Bear Challenge" complete.

Twice a month (most months I did more) open water swims across the Winter with just my trunks and no neoprene at all.

Today was a toasty 9c apparently. I think the coldest was about 3c in January, though a February dip in Rydal Water felt colder.

 

[smmudge]

Swim yesterday.. you can just about see me (and I stayed close to the shore!)



It's still pretty cold

 

[Idaho]

I was in the sea at the weekend and found it felt cold going in, but was comfortable after a while and I was able to stay in for much longer.

 

[Saffy]

I've read the thread and I'm going to give outdoor swimming a bash. I've had so many people tell me of the benefits they've felt and it seems too good to not try.
Am I a bit daft to be starting now in September? I want to give myself a good chance to get into the habit and not be turned off from the cold.

 

[chilango]

Water's probably at its warmest right now. 21c in my local lake.

 

[Saffy]

I'm really looking forward to going, I love swimming but I've never tried lake swimming before.
Since getting more and more dependent on glasses, I'm always put off swimming because I hate not being able to see well enough. Decathlon have some goggles which are close enough to my prescription, which will hopefully stop me from wandering off somewhere I shouldn't.

 

[Idaho]

Perfect time to start outdoor swimming

 

[RubyToogood]

Perfect time to start outdoor swimming

It really is. Nice and warm now so you'll acclimatise gradually as it cools down.

 

[bellaozzydog]

I've read the thread and I'm going to give outdoor swimming a bash. I've had so many people tell me of the benefits they've felt and it seems too good to not try.
Am I a bit daft to be starting now in September? I want to give myself a good chance to get into the habit and not be turned off from the cold.

Temps are high still. Good time to start

 

[Saffy]

I loved it!

 

[pinkmonkey]

^^^^ Really want to go there, haven't been in a lake all summer, too much other shit going on and I miss it.

 

[chilango]

Signed up for the Polar Bear Challenge again this year. Looking forward to the bite and the buzz!

 

[smmudge]

It looks lovely but for some reason swimming in lakes is scarier than the sea!

Went to this beach on Sunday, water was crystal clear, it was lovely. Water is nice and warm right now, best time to start



Not that sea water is necessarily any cleaner or has fewer weird creatures I do understand

 

[Saffy]

It was considerably colder today but I still loved it. I'm thinking about buying a knock off dry robe but keeping an eye on Vinted incase any come up.
A heron decided to join in the swim today and was diving in alongside us.

 

[Saffy]

Old thread but thought I'd ask here.
Any recommendations for gloves and socks? The ice has melted and I want to venture in again.

 

[Idaho]

Liked for the wanting to venture again. I have no glove or sock recommendations.

 

[smmudge]

I use these pink ones. 3mm which is quite thick but wouldn't want any thinner. Has kept my hands warm and my circulation is pretty bad. Plus good for visibility?

https://a.co/d/61iPOgL

I do have socks but they don't really keep my feet warm

Not done any sea swimming this winter, it just hasn't been appealing at all with the weather. Today did look quite inviting though, if the weather's still good next weekend I might try. Probably the worst time to start up for the year lol.

 

[Saffy]

They look good and not a bad price either. I'll give them a whirl.
I'm just dying to get back to it. I don't even have to be in long. Sitting in such a beautiful spot and having a flask of tea afterwards makes me happy.

 

[chilango]

I have some Zone 3 Heattech gloves which I'm happy with. I had some Huub socks but have moved on to surfer's bootie things.

Don't use either at the moment though.

 

[chilango]

Last weekend we had ice on the lake whilst swimming, some pretty cool noises.

 

[RubyToogood]

I'm a bit wary of gloves and socks on the basis that they can lull you into staying in longer than you would otherwise.

 

[Idaho]

I never really have problems with hands or feet. I get upper arm and chest pain from the cold.

 

[smmudge]

I made it in! It was cold.





And some ducks for some reason

 

[Saffy]

I've just got back. Very chilly but not sea cold I don't think.
Feel great now, mind you.

 

[Sasaferrato]

I like a cold shower.
Very invigorating.
I cant swim but I imagine cold swimming is invigorating enough...

Never too late to learn I was 65 when I learned to swim.

 

[smmudge]

I've just got back. Very chilly but not sea cold I don't think.
Feel great now, mind you.

They say the sea is warmer than fresh? 8 degrees here.

 

[Aladdin]

Never too late to learn I was 65 when I learned to swim.

Oh its not from want of trying Sasaferrato
I've had loads of lessons. And could swim anywhere with the aeroboard things. But sank like a panicked stone once they were taken from me. I nearly drowned at the seaside when I was very young. The feeling has never left me and I panick when water hits my face or goes over my head.