Cold water and outdoor swimming has become incredibly popular over the past few years and is a great way to start your day and have fun in the summertime. The problem is that most people are intimidated by the prospect of putting on swimsuits and jumping into cold water, which can be really off-putting.
Thanks to cold water warriors such as Zanna Van Dijk and Sophie Hellyer (and of course Talilla Henchoz’s non-negotiable cold shower!) more and more people are jumping in the deep end (sorry!) and giving it a go.
How can you overcome your fear of cold water swimming? We’ve got some tips that will prepare you for what’s to come:
Cold water swimming is not for everyone, and it's essential to know your limits. If you have a medical condition, speak to your doctor before attempting cold water swimming. If you're a beginner, start slowly, and gradually build up your tolerance to the cold water.
Start by immersing yourself in water that's just a few degrees colder than your body temperature, and then gradually decrease the temperature. This will help your body adjust to the cold water and prevent cold shock.
(Pictures from: Ryde Store, Dry Robe and Stay Wild Swim)
Wearing the right clothing is crucial when preparing for cold water swimming, ideally you want to stay as warm as possible.
A wetsuit is a great option, as it provides insulation and protects your body from the cold water. There are also some great long sleeve swimsuits out there - check out this one from Stay Wild Swim.
Many people also opt to wear double layers or some kind of swimming cap as well.
We would also recommend something like a Dry Robe or a good outdoor jacket (Ryde has some ace ones!) for warming up post-swim.
(Pictures from: Ocean Bottle)
Staying hydrated is important before and after cold water swimming. Drink plenty of water before your swim to help regulate your body temperature. After your swim, drink warm fluids like tea or hot chocolate to help warm up your body.
Our fellow ocean advocates Ocean Bottle have bottles that will retain liquid temperature for up to 6 hours - perfect for your swim days. Just a suggestion, but the ocean blue coloured bottle would be the perfect match to anything Tangle!)
Not only does this make it more fun but having buddy who can help you in case of an emergency is no bad thing! Make sure they know what to do in case you experience cold shock or hypothermia.
Lori, our marketing gal, takes her dog with her outdoor swimming. Apparently he enjoys it too!
When you first enter the water, take it slow. Don't jump in all at once, as this can cause cold shock. Instead, enter the water slowly and gradually, allowing your body to adjust to the temperature.
In conclusion, cold water swimming can be a great experience, but it's important to take proper precautions to stay safe and make the most of it!
Ps. if you’re bringing your pup with you, check out our products to ensure they are kitted out for a day by the water.