We too have a burn that runs right past the house (and a sauna). I keep looking at the natural pool by the bridge. Maybe today will be the day I brave it?
What a beautiful journey. I have always loved the water, the shore is my sacred space, but when I found myself in New Zealand on a boat to snorkle with the dolphins I coudn't get myself off the boat. I'd been snorkeling before, but the wet suit. Something about it felt so restrictive I couldn't breathe. And yes, future me is annoyed at past me for not pushing through. Love your bravery.
Oh brilliant, I’m about to get in the car and drive home but I’ll read later. I’m here for all the other warm water/ tip toeing into the water swimmers who’ve gone for it!
Thank you! I’ll report back, I have a wild swimming planning meeting (chat over a coffee 😂) with a friend who knows what she’s doing & I’m hoping to go for it pretty soon 😊💙
Oh Harriet, I am so excited for you! This piece reads like my journey with swimming and finally allowing myself to give it a go, some eight years ago. As you know, I've never looked back, and outdoor swimming has changed me and my life in so many unexpected ways. You may want to check out the Outdoor Swimming Society on social media or subscribe to their excellent newsletter, and also the books about England & Wales by Anna Deacon and Vicky Allan, and of course Taking the Plunge. I can't wait for your report back! 🥰
Ah, thanks so much for reading, commenting and sharing. I guess it's too easy to see people in the water and assume/think that it came easy to them, which is wrong. Everyone has their starting point, their own stuff they carry around, that all too often gets in the way. I just need to get in and give it a go. I'll check out the Outdoor Swimming Society and the books you've suggested too. Thank you!
This, exactly: you just need to get in. Make sure some is there to hold your hand, literally or figuratively! The first time is the hardest, but you'll be immediately hooked!
Oh go for it! I’ve got six hours of driving to look forward to today. Heading home from Penarth in south Wales to Ilkley. The idea of a cold dip is v appealing 😂
Love this writing, Harriet … part memoir/part inspiring look to the future. JoJo has truly embraced the benefits of cold water immersion (and she’s also not totally convinced by the ‘head under’ moments. Looking forward to following your journey.
Thanks for your openness about this, Harriet, and sharing your tentative journey towards the water. From another land-lubber, who’s also a poor-swimmer, body-conscious, risk-averse post-menopauser contemplating her first wild swim in Yorkshire this spring.
I love being in the water. Just don't love that there might be other creatures lurking in that water. But in my own ways, I'm finding this stage of life to be about doing the things that scare me. Seems you are as well!
We too have a burn that runs right past the house (and a sauna). I keep looking at the natural pool by the bridge. Maybe today will be the day I brave it?
What a beautiful journey. I have always loved the water, the shore is my sacred space, but when I found myself in New Zealand on a boat to snorkle with the dolphins I coudn't get myself off the boat. I'd been snorkeling before, but the wet suit. Something about it felt so restrictive I couldn't breathe. And yes, future me is annoyed at past me for not pushing through. Love your bravery.
I loved reading this Harriet! So very relatable x
Good for you Harriet (quite literally)! xx
I wrote about my transformation from an “only in the warm water of a spa” swimmer to full on winter wild swimmer here: https://open.substack.com/pub/helenpoore/p/unexpected-pleasure?r=1rr1h9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
It was a very unexpected transformation, I hope you both literally and metaphorically take the plunge!
Oh brilliant, I’m about to get in the car and drive home but I’ll read later. I’m here for all the other warm water/ tip toeing into the water swimmers who’ve gone for it!
Loved reading your story. Wishing you confidence and joy in the water
Thank you! I’ll report back, I have a wild swimming planning meeting (chat over a coffee 😂) with a friend who knows what she’s doing & I’m hoping to go for it pretty soon 😊💙
Lovely to read that you’re taking the plunge, Harriet! In the UK I just about manage a sea swim by late summer!
so excited to be along for the ride on your wild swimming journey!
I'll be relying on you to lead me gently by the hand Juliet!
Oh Harriet, I am so excited for you! This piece reads like my journey with swimming and finally allowing myself to give it a go, some eight years ago. As you know, I've never looked back, and outdoor swimming has changed me and my life in so many unexpected ways. You may want to check out the Outdoor Swimming Society on social media or subscribe to their excellent newsletter, and also the books about England & Wales by Anna Deacon and Vicky Allan, and of course Taking the Plunge. I can't wait for your report back! 🥰
Ah, thanks so much for reading, commenting and sharing. I guess it's too easy to see people in the water and assume/think that it came easy to them, which is wrong. Everyone has their starting point, their own stuff they carry around, that all too often gets in the way. I just need to get in and give it a go. I'll check out the Outdoor Swimming Society and the books you've suggested too. Thank you!
This, exactly: you just need to get in. Make sure some is there to hold your hand, literally or figuratively! The first time is the hardest, but you'll be immediately hooked!
I'm lucky I've got a couple of friends locally who I'll go with first time and then I'll see where it takes me. Thanks for the encouragement :)
Oh go for it! I’ve got six hours of driving to look forward to today. Heading home from Penarth in south Wales to Ilkley. The idea of a cold dip is v appealing 😂
Love this writing, Harriet … part memoir/part inspiring look to the future. JoJo has truly embraced the benefits of cold water immersion (and she’s also not totally convinced by the ‘head under’ moments. Looking forward to following your journey.
Thanks for your openness about this, Harriet, and sharing your tentative journey towards the water. From another land-lubber, who’s also a poor-swimmer, body-conscious, risk-averse post-menopauser contemplating her first wild swim in Yorkshire this spring.
I love being in the water. Just don't love that there might be other creatures lurking in that water. But in my own ways, I'm finding this stage of life to be about doing the things that scare me. Seems you are as well!