Dr Heather Massey has conducted numerous research projects surrounding the impacts of cold water on the human body, provided physiological research to support to the Royal Navy’s fitness testing programme and is a keen open water swimmer. In this blog, she answers our questions on what happens to the body when it is immersed in cold water.

Calum, Robbie and Jack Hudson are three brothers who grew up in the Lake District. Together, they have discovered the fun, adventure and joy of swimming in open water. Their swimming journey has pushed them to their limits as they’ve voyaged through whirlpools in the Arctic, and out to Alcatraz prison in San Francisco – a notorious area populated with Great Whites. We reached out to them and were lucky enough to interview middle brother Calum, giving us the opportunity to find out about their swimming adventures and what being in the water means to them.

Everything you need to know about the Portuguese Man o’ War including how to spot them, where they come from and what to do if you’re stung.

For anyone spending time in the water there is a risk of both Swimmer’s Ear and Surfer’s Ear – particularly in cold water and during the winter months. Each of these conditions has different causes and symptoms which will be outlined in this blog, but both can be extremely painful. However, like all things, by taking the necessary precautions risk can be averted. 

Tides are the largest ocean waves we experience on Planet Earth. In this blog post, we will explain what they are, how they are caused, and the main dangers that arise from these massive movements of water.

There is an incredible array of ways to connect to the water for us swimmers. And no matter what type of person you are – whether you would suit a quick hit of cold or a 2km race – there is a category of swimming that you will most likely fall into.

Quite often the things we fear the most are the things we need to address the most. Whilst it can be overwhelming to even consider tackling these areas of our lives, wild swimming provides us with the opportunity to develop the skills we need to be able to do so, before we’re ready to face them head on.

Ben Ford is a Cornish Psychotherapist and Eco-therapy retreat leader, who now resides in North Wales. His training and experience has given him a broad understanding of the human mind. We’re fascinated to hear his thoughts on a subject we’re all familiar with – resistance.

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we've been working with NHS Cornwall to promote the mental health benefits of wild swimming. We've decided to launch our #selfcareswims campaign during October to try and raise money for Mind UK. We'd like to ask you to help us by completing the challenge and having a bit of fun, all whilst investing in your own self-care!

In our second and final part of the Ed Accura series, we learn how Ed is working to increase the number of Black people swimming, by coming together with some of the most prestigious members of the swimming community to form the Black Swimming Association (BSA).