Who are you and where do you dip?
Helen, Eastbourne, sea.
Your favourite time of day/season/weather for swimming?
Early morning, ideally sunrise, any season, quite like a bit of sunshine on a cold day.
How cold does the water get where you swim and how does it make you feel?
About 7 degrees and it feels awesome! Really good for my wellbeing and of late I have really missed going in due to an injury last summer.
How long have you been wild swimming?
Four years.
How did you start, what got you to try it?
One of my friends taught me to swim at age 50 and then she and a group of friends were doing it and loving it so I joined them.
What were you worried about before you started dipping?
If I could handle the cold, how quick I could get in and out of the water, if I was strong enough to do it. Ever so glad I did it!
Do you remember anything from those early dips?
The laughter, the moment when every trouble falls away and there is just me, the elements, the horizon and my breath.
What's your swim routine now?
Haven’t been for a while due to an injury AND I have really really missed it! My usual routine involves, getting in gently, whooping loudly, exhaling long, and slow. Putting some water on my arms, then getting in with shoulders under, more whooping, swim a bit, bob a bit, float a bit, then a very deep exhale and there is the sweet spot, where all my worries just melt away. I am just present with my natural surroundings and my friends. At first I did not stay in for more than a few minutes and built it up slowly, each time staying in a few minutes longer. Then I get out fast, get wet stuff off, get inside my Dryrobe with a woolly hat on, get dried, dressed as quickly as possible. Then the next part of the enjoyment is hot water bottle, cup of tea, all my furry/fluffy layers and enjoy some time with my friends and feeling the calm that’s washed over me. On a windy day we won’t stay long but on the sunny days I can be there for hours. These people are great friends, we all support one another, it is a truly valuable part of my life and I look forward to when I can once again get in that cold sea.
What kit do you take to each swim?
Depends on the time of year, swim costume, neoprene gloves and booties, for spring summer. Then a Cressi in the water in the winter. When I come out I have my dryrobe which is essential, a small towel, get dressed as quickly as possible then gloves, hot water bottle, furry lined clothing, woolly hat!
Worst moment or most embarrassing dip?
I once experienced ‘after drop’ was very disorientated, dizzy, cold, shivering a lot and felt very disoriented. This is the time I feel so much gratitude to my friends that I join. I could not get dressed, they helped me. They got me warm, a cup of tea and then one of them had to drive me home. This was actually quite scary, I was ‘aware’ I wasn’t right, but I was not aware enough to be fully present. I think this is why I would never go in on my own. The group of friends I go with are all confident in the water, we all look out for one another. We take time before going in to watch the sea. To note its rhythm, to watch the tide, to note the seas behaviour, as it were, to be mindful of the air temperature, the sea temperature, and definitely not to chat on a cold day by the shore, after the dip, getting colder. That day my body temperature had reached its perfect balance and if I had got out and dressed as quickly as I usually did, I would not have experienced this ‘after drop’ which could have been a lot worse had I not had my friends with me. It took a few hours to come back fully from this. Once home, I was able to warm up gently in bed, have a good rest and a few hours later was alright again. Like I say this could have been a whole different story had I been on my own and I will be forever grateful to my friends for their kindness and help that time.
What about your best moment, what keeps you going back?
Floating and remembering no matter what happens, if I get out of my depth, I can ALWAYS float! This is the best bit as well as the laughter that follows with my friends. All of us having the benefits of the cold water and that time together. One of my favourite memories was when a seal came towards us, I was out of the sea and dressed by then, I called it and it kept coming closer towards the shore. We all got very excited by this but as it got closer everyone decided it was time to get dressed and have that laughter and cuppa that comes after the dip. It’s priceless and with the sea only six minutes away from where I live, it’s near enough on my doorstep and it’s free! What could be better!
Any tips for a complete beginner?
Go with some experienced friends, have warm layers to wear once out of the water, only stay in a short period of time to begin with, take a cup of tea and a hot water bottle and a woolly hat!
