Take the plunge.
What is wild swimming?
First and foremost it is the act of swimming outdoors, but it goes deeper than that. A wild swimmer is someone who actively seeks out wild places to swim, places where nature is all around you. In Cornwall we are lucky to have an abundance of these places but they can be found all over the UK and in other countries as well.
Whilst some people’s definition of wild swimming only extends to natural bodies of water, we like to include tidal pools too. For us, any outdoor swimming experience where you are surrounded by nature and exposed to the elements counts as a wild swim.
Why wild swim?
It’s all about finding community, self-care and an affinity with nature through cold water.
Submerging your body in cold water provides numerous benefits to both our psychological and physical health, through reducing the bodies stress response. Studies also show that it boosts immunity, metabolism, fitness and circulation. This means that not only does it make us mentally and physically stronger, but also that the body feels less physical pain.
One of the things we love most about wild swimming is that it is available to so many people. People of all ages and demographics can experience its benefits and it is a more accessible form of exercise than many other sports for those with physical disabilities. England and Wales Right to Roam laws mean that we can legally swim in most rivers and lakes, whilst there is also around 250 miles of coastline to explore in Cornwall alone, all free of charge, making it an extremely inclusive activity.
You can learn more about the full benefits of wild swimming on our About page and more information on connecting through wild swimming via Our Story.
How to wild swim
Living in Cornwall, wild swimming is one of the most affordable and easy-to-access physical activities available to us. Once you arrive at your local swimming spot, it’s as simple as stripping off and jumping in. In theory, all you need is swimwear and a towel, however we recommend taking some warm clothes and thick socks for afterwards to reduce the risks of hypothermia and ensure that your core body temperature doesn’t drop.
To experience the full benefits of wild swimming, you should opt for no wetsuit. It really does make a difference!
Before entering the water, it is crucial that you do a risk assessment. For full details on how to swim responsibly, check out our Health & Safety guidance.
What is Open Water Swimming?
Technically, open water swimming is any swimming outside of a swimming pool. However, we tend to define it as long-distance swimming in wild places. When we head out for an open water swim, we leave our costumes at home. Instead, we wear a hat, goggles and a wetsuit so that we can stay in the water for longer and cover further distances. Open water swimming allows you to get up close and personal with local wildlife and is a much more intense and immersive experience than going for a dip.
Follow our adventures.
Get in touch.
Whether it’s telling us about a new-found swimming spot, sending us images of your recent wild swims, or you’re an organisation that’s interested in collaborating with us, we want to hear from you!
