How Cold Water Swimming Makes Me Feel
Cold water swimming. Photo credit: Wildbiographics
When I woke up to go for a sunrise swim this morning, I had to pour warm water onto my windscreen so that the ice would melt. As I watched it slide serenely away, I began to question my sanity. I bundled into everything warm that I own, tipped piping hot coffee into a flask and headed to the ocean.
The cold waters of Cornwall
When I got to the beach the waves crashing onto the shoreline reminded me of powder in the mountains, I could see my breath ballooning out in front of me and I felt a knot of anticipation growing in my chest. With the moral support of fellow cold water swimmer Issy Steele, I ran across the sand; each step absorbed another ounce of warmth until I leapt into the ocean and was hit by a wall of ice. I breathed as deeply and regularly as possible and felt my body light up like a fire. It felt like a thousand shards of ice were gently grazing my skin. As I was embraced and lifted by the swell I could feel my body desperately attempting to adjust to the change in environment. I watched a seagull glide overhead and looked out to St Anthony’s lighthouse in the distance. I felt scared by the physiological reaction that was taking place, but overall, I felt a drastic sense of achievement to have risen with the sun and flung myself into the freezing cold waters of the Atlantic in January. As I exited the water my feet were so numb that I fell onto my hands and knees, I smiled to myself before rising and walking across the sand to get my towel. This is what it feels like to push our bodies to their limits.
Cold water immersion at work. Photo credit Wildbiographics, swimming with Ella
Having learned about the benefits of cold water immersion through my friend and wellbeing advocate Florence Gould, I have become slightly addicted to the sensation. I have never swum so much over winter in just a costume, but it is something I will continue to do from this day forward. And perhaps even seek out more adventurous cold water swims like the Wild Swimming Brothers when travel restrictions have lifted and we are free to explore again.
The sense of anticipation never fades, Photo Credit Wildbiographics, swimming with Ella
Ultimately, what swimming in cold water has given me is a sense of adventure at home. At a time when I feel so restricted, swimming in cold water helps me to feel free again. Just the simple act of stripping off and running into the sea is an act of liberty. It also satisfies my desire to live an adrenalin fuelled life. If there’s one thing that the numerous lockdowns and uncertainty has pushed me to do; it’s to appreciate the micro-adventures that we have on our doorstep. Whether that’s a long cycle ride, running along clifftops, or leaping into the freezing cold waters of the ocean in January. There are still ways to satisfy our thirst for adventure, even if we can’t hop onto a flight or leave the country. You just have to be willing to open the door and step outside.
To ensure you are swimming safely make sure to check out Wild Swimming Cornwall’s safety advice and in particular, information on how to avoid cold water shock.