Real Dippers: Annabel
Who are you and where do you dip?
Annabel - Eastbourne and the Outer Hebrides
Your favourite time of day/season/weather for swimming?
Early mornings are the best and a great start to the day. Winter sunrises are particularly special. I prefer the winter months when the sea is colder and there are fewer people around.
How cold does the water get where you swim and how does it make you feel?
Eastbourne has been as low as 6 degrees and the Outer Hebrides surprisingly doesn’t get much lower , maybe 4 or 5 degrees
How long have you been wild swimming?
6 years all year round
How did you start, what got you to try it?
My love of the sea - also it really helped being immersed in the sea when I was dealing with grief after my Mum (and subsequently my Dad) died. There is something calming about the sea and the ritual of going every day is just wonderful.
What were you worried about before you started dipping?
The waves and if I would be able to get in - didn’t realise for a while that it is the getting out which is more tricky when it is wavy… lesson learned!
Do you remember anything from those early dips?
The excitement mixed with slight fear ‘will I be able to get in today’… but now it is just excitement as I am able to sit and have a cup of tea on rougher days as I know the sea will always be there for me and there is no point going in if you are going to be worried watching the waves whilst you are in … as you always need to be able to get out….
What's your swim routine now?
Mornings as often as weather and waves allow
What kit do you take to each swim?
Bikini all year round as love the feeling of the cold water on my skin. Boots and gloves are added as the weather gets colder.
Worst moment or most embarrassing dip?
Nothing really - maybe perhaps when going for a skinny in the early mornings and then there is that one dog walker who decides to come on to the exact beach you are on whilst you are still in the sea - but it doesn’t bother me really - I just hope they don’t mind their early morning surprise!
What about your best moment, what keeps you going back?
It is addictive. The cold, the infinity of the sea looking at it, the fact that the sea is always different every day as is the weather so all dips are different. Community is nice too although sometimes I just prefer to be on my own in the solitude or with one or two other people rather than a big group.
Any tips for a complete beginner?
Just go for it. It is like a drug but in a good way. You get excited going to sleep because you can’t wait to get up in the morning and have your dip!
