Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

Did anyone watch this? And given there are more than a small handful of nuts on here, does anyone actually do it themselves?

 

I do, and wondered who else is with me. I love the invigoration of the cold and the smells and textures of wild water swimming as opposed to rat-run lengths in nasty chlorine pools.

 

Is anyone doing a festive swim anywhere? I've found about 60 nationwide, but standing on the beach in Suffolk on Saturday, it was a bit too brisk for me without my wetsuit.

[Ygerna]

I watched it though I should confess my interest lay in ogling Robson in tight swimshorts rather than the whole wild swimming thing

 

I did find it extremely interesting though. Especially when he was training in very, VERY cold water and stumbled out, saying everything was spinning, etc. Not that this made me want to rush out and try it of course.

[Alis girls]

Sorry love your'e on your own here. I too will ogle RG and any other hunk prepared to get his kit off for a winter swim. I'll be staying fully clothed sighs of relief all round

[Couperwife]

I watched the last 30 minutes of this and was disappointed that I hadnt seen it all.

 

I enjoyed it,

 

I would love to have a go (I even have a wetsuit )

 

I think it would be more sensible if I went with other people, rather than swimming on my own though

 

fancy a swim on the north east coast

 

cathy

x

[Geoid]

Anyone who missed it can watch it here

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

Cooey Cathy!

 

Find your local nuts here on the discussion board :

http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=55781602829&ref=ts

 

They're everywhere so I'm sure you'll find some!

[Couperwife]

oooh, thank you

 

shall have a loook

 

cathy

x

[BeckyBoo]

I'd love to have a go, but not in the sea, I'm not a strong enough swimmer - then again, I got waist deep in the sea at Devon in August and couldn't bring myself to do that horrible "dunk" so maybe I'm not quite the right material (Plus I always worry about what slimeys I might put my feet on under there! )

 

BeckyBoo

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

Easily remedied Beckyboo - sea shoes - those wetsuit fabric shoes - go for £3-7 in seaside shops and protect your feet from pebbles and rocks and any wildlife you may be squeamish about, as well as keeping some heat in your feet.

 

At the seaside, I like swimming between breakers where there are some. It's safe to know your distances, or in lifeguarded bits, or tidal pools which are dotted round the coast. They're filled with sea water at high tide and often contain lovely weeds and fish and crabs, but without the risks of tide if you're nervy.

 

Lidos are another good, safe way in to the idea of outdoor cold water swimming. This is a comprehensive list site:

 

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/oliver.merrington/lidos/index.html

 

Ponds and lakes are my favourites though!

 

We've got a map with a fair few proper wild (sea/lake/pond/river) places on it here:

 

http://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming_map

[Geoid]

Hampstead Heath ponds, are the best IMHO.

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

OMG! The Hampstead ladies pond!

That song Feelin' Good by Nina Simone could have been written for it!

 

I have seen tiny silver fish chasing each other, jumping out of the water in front of me; turtles the size of dinner plates basking in the sunlight, baby coots and tiny moorhens and fluff-covered ducklings! And the plish of a raindrop as it explodes in front of your eyes at nose-level! Such tiny worlds to fill the mind with wonder! And the smell of green and the glow of green, and lying under a quacking V of ducks as they scud in to land metres from you, the ripples of their landing tickling your toes! There is nothing more gloriously life-affirming and glee-inspiring in the world!

[BeckyBoo]

Chickychickychick-ENN, it sounds so completely perfect. Next time you're off to Hampstead pond give me a shout - maybe I could dip a toe in the water. Do you do the wetsuit thingy or just the cossy?

 

BeckyBoo

[Ygerna]

OMG! The Hampstead ladies pond!

That song Feelin' Good by Nina Simone could have been written for it!

 

I have seen tiny silver fish chasing each other, jumping out of the water in front of me; turtles the size of dinner plates basking in the sunlight, baby coots and tiny moorhens and fluff-covered ducklings! And the plish of a raindrop as it explodes in front of your eyes at nose-level! Such tiny worlds to fill the mind with wonder! And the smell of green and the glow of green, and lying under a quacking V of ducks as they scud in to land metres from you, the ripples of their landing tickling your toes! There is nothing more gloriously life-affirming and glee-inspiring in the world!

 

 

OK you win. Now I am going to go. I HAVE to go

[Mrs Webmuppet]

The only time I've done any 'wild swimming' is when I've fallen out ( mostly flung out as the boat capsizes!) of a sailing dinghy. A quick swim to right the boat and quickly back in is quite enough (even though I have nice warm wetsuits).

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

Mrs Webmuppet!

There's a difference between choice swimming and gaaa-aaargh capsizing swimming! Poor you!

 

I swim cossie from March til Oct/Nov, then wetsuit. My wetsuit is new, so last year I just stood on the banks and yearned to go in. This year I can! Comfort matters. Some people love the thrill of full-on cold, some people like just a hint of chill to pump the blood. Doesn't matter. It's all about enjoying yourself and immersing yourself in nature and feel-good sensations.

 

My upper arms often feel the most chill, so a rash vest can be nice, and a thick swimming hat, gloves and swimming neoprene shoes. Do whatever is comfortable. There are no rules.

 

I'll let you know about Hampstead Beckyboo. It's best in Spring.

[Geoid]

I have swam in the Thames a few times now. It is very very cold, and I had no wetsuit....brr

[chickenanne]

I (occasionally) go white-water kayaking. And therefore, white-water swimming. never, ever through choice! Summer weather swimming in lochs and occasionally rivers is lovely, but in winter??? You're mad!