Real Dippers: Tracey

Who are you and where do you dip?
Tracey - wherever the mood takes or I’m invited! To name some…
Tudely Hale - River Medway
Minster, Sheppey - River Thames
Lewes - Pells Pool
Eastbourne - Sea
Cromer - North Sea

Your favourite time of day/season/weather for swimming?
I’m a relatively fair weather swimmer, nice days during the summer or spring/autumn at a push. A midnight swim at Pells Pool was interesting. I’d love to see a sunrise in the sea but I’m just too rubbish at getting up in the morning 🤣

How cold does the water get where you swim and how does it make you feel?
Never lower than about 15 degrees I would think when I’ve swim, but honestly there doesn’t seem much difference between 19 or 15 as far as I’m concerned so I could probably go colder. 

How long have you been wild swimming?
4-5 years sporadically, I don’t go regularly.

How did you start, what got you to try it?
My friend Alan (NippyDips) - We’ve been friends for years and have always enjoyed our adventures together so I was up for the challenge when he suggested it. I have also always been a keen swimmer so that helped!

What were you worried about before you started dipping?
The cold shock. I’m a reasonable swimmer but I didn’t want to panic when getting in and with your temperature dropping so I took a float. Oh and boats on the river, but there weren’t really any… the odd paddle board maybe 🤔

Do you remember anything from those early dips?
Getting in and out was challenging… muddy river banks aren’t the best. But the peacefulness a being not just close to but in nature is a massive draw.

What's your swim routine now?
I don’t have one. I do it when I feel like it or I’m invited to. We have a camper van though and I’m drawn to places on the sea with a mind to have a dip if it fits with our plans.

What kit do you take to each swim?
Not a lot… swimmers, microfibre change robe, water shoes, my phone. I don’t think I’d bother with the float unless it was particularly cold or nobody was staying on shore & I was scared for my belongings (it’s also a dry sack).

Worst moment or most embarrassing dip?
Not sure I have one.

What about your best moment, what keeps you going back?
Getting into nature… it’s a very in the moment thing to do & I am a very in my head kind of person, so it is a very nice feeling to be in the now, appreciate the moment and what your body can do.

Any tips for a complete beginner?
Just do it. Obviously be safe, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer, but don’t overthink it otherwise.