{"id":596,"date":"2022-04-27T10:15:27","date_gmt":"2022-04-27T09:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/zuma\/?p=596"},"modified":"2022-12-31T11:12:05","modified_gmt":"2022-12-31T11:12:05","slug":"how-to-get-into-wild-swimming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/zuma\/how-to-get-into-wild-swimming\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get into Wild Swimming"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An Original Blog<\/a> by Robie Robes<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cold water swimming has taken the country by storm. What has been a long standing part of Scandinavia culture, with the Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian people understanding and reaping the benefits for thousands of years, has now reached UK shores, and we\u2019re loving it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of a chilly dip are tenfold. From boosting your immune system and regulating your nervous system, to improving your mental health and supporting your wellbeing, the tribe of cold water swimmers now storming British shores are certainly feeling the perks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re standing on the shoreline, dipping your toe but nervous to take the plunge, then read on to find out our tips for how to get into wild swimming. We can\u2019t wait to share this watery world with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Find your tribe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything\u2019s easier with a trusted friend by your side, and that goes for sea swimming too. It\u2019s not only safer to swim with others, but you\u2019ll have someone to encourage and support you too. There are a few well known swim groups in Cornwall and across the UK such as the Blue Tits (girls only) and the Looe Sea Swimming Club. Check out Wild Swimming Cornwall\u2019s interactive map to find the closest swim groups to you, if you can\u2019t tempt your friends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Prepare<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s work out where you\u2019ll be swimming. If it\u2019s your first time in the water it\u2019s worth going to a lifeguarded beach and swimming between the red and yellow flags, or dipping somewhere that there are other people around. You can use websites such as Magic Seaweed to check the tides and daylight hours. Some spots such as tidal pools are only accessible at low tide, but you also need to research the beach to avoid being cut off or stuck in rips. Ask around, check out where other people swim and make sure you know what conditions you need for specific places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know where you\u2019re going and who you\u2019re going with, it\u2019s time to get dressed and pack your bag. Wear warm, loose fitting clothing like joggers and a big jumper, plus thermal base layers if you\u2019re heading out in the winter. A hat is integral for afterwards if you\u2019re planning on dunking your head under, and gloves and thick socks are also awesome for keeping your extremities warm. Fill your backpack with luxury necessities like a flask of tea, a hot water bottle, extra layers and a changing robe. A great way to ease your body into cold water swimming is by wearing a 1 or 2mm neoprene swimsuit as this will keep your core warmer and allow you to stay in the water for longer. If you feel the cold particularly badly, or your circulation isn\u2019t great, consider wearing neoprene gloves and boots too, they\u2019ll also protect you from rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Slow and steady<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t just jump straight in. Take your time! Ease yourself into the water, step by step. Try splashing the water on your arms and face to get your body ready for the change in temperature. As you acclimatise, sink a little deeper, taking long, steady breaths. The worst part is taking the first strokes, but once you start swimming you\u2019ll warm up, and maybe even find the bravery to submerge your head!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you\u2019re swimming, smile! Take a moment to appreciate how fearless you are. Cold water dipping isn\u2019t for everyone, but those that go for it unlock a lifetime of rewards, and often a sea swimming addiction! Take a big breath, lie back, observe the beauty of your surroundings, revel in the blue health benefits and share the experience with your fellow cold water warriors. Well done!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Warm up safely<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t stay in \u2019til your shivering. When you start to feel chilly, head for shore and get covered up quickly. We\u2019d recommend using a Dry-Series changing robe<\/a> as this will keep the wind off whilst you change, or our Original-Series towelling robe<\/a> is a staple for getting dry and changed without exposing your skin to the elements. Loose, cotton layers, a hot water bottle tucked into your hoody and a flask of hot tea in the hand should get you warmed up in no time. Notice how you feel after your swim, the tingling on your skin and the clearness of your mind. See how long you can keep this feeling close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We hope our tips for getting into wild swimming have encouraged you to take the plunge! If you head out for a cold water dip in your Robie then we\u2019d love to know. Tag us on Instagram using the hashtag #robierobes and the handle @robierobes. Enjoy your swim and we\u2019ll see you in there!<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

An Original Blog by Robie Robes. Cold water swimming has taken the country by storm. What has been a long standing part of Scandinavia culture, with the Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian people understanding and reaping the benefits for thousands of years, has now reached UK shores, and we\u2019re loving it. The benefits of a chilly<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":597,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_price":"","_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_header":"","_tribe_default_ticket_provider":"","_tribe_ticket_capacity":"0","_ticket_start_date":"","_ticket_end_date":"","_tribe_ticket_show_description":"","_tribe_ticket_show_not_going":false,"_tribe_ticket_use_global_stock":"","_tribe_ticket_global_stock_level":"","_global_stock_mode":"","_global_stock_cap":"","_tribe_rsvp_for_event":"","_tribe_ticket_going_count":"","_tribe_ticket_not_going_count":"","_tribe_tickets_list":"[]","_tribe_ticket_has_attendee_info_fields":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[12,11,19,17],"class_list":{"0":"post-596","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-surf-accessories","8":"tag-changing-gear","9":"tag-changing-robe","10":"tag-changing-towel-2","11":"tag-robie-robes"},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/zuma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/04\/01-robie-wild-swim-web.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Zuma Jay","author_link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/zuma\/author\/zuma\/"},"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t