Taking the Plunge

It can feel like there’s a lot to be salty about in our industry at the moment, and the world seems to be going a bit mental lately. Maybe getting salty in the sea won’t solve all our problems and anxieties, but for many people, myself included, swimming in an unheated body of water is just the job.

There are loads of cool places to do it, and I reckon you’re never too far from somewhere nice to swim. Sometimes it doesn’t even have to be that nice when the dip is calling you.

Nowadays, a lot of these places have groups of like-minded people who share a moment together every day. From Parliament Hill Lido chess players and the Hampstead ponds spies and the Gylly Wellbeing Swimmers in Falmouth, you get to meet all sorts of wonderful people all over. Sometimes a slightly grey dip in a loch in Northern Ireland on a work trip is just the ticket. Sometimes it’s better alone. And sometimes, the people you’re doing it with are the key ingredient.

One of my favourite interactions was with a group of old ladies who swim in Penzance. They meet at nine o’clock-ish sharp every day, weather permitting. The youngest of the group is 70, and the oldest, who knows? But they all have one thing in common: young souls.

My wimpy screams when entering the chilly January water were met with a good amount of cackling, along with a few strong words of encouragement. This great bunch of girls allowed me to swim with them every day, and I was very grateful to do so. Some of the dirtiest jokes I’ve ever heard, alongside some very wise words. One of my favourites, and probably the only repeatable one, was:

“’Ere boy, those little black Speedos of yours will be much less full on the way out. Bleddy freezing today!"

Old girls, young souls, big hearts, refusing to give up. My heroes.

Whether it’s your first dip of the year in spring, or you’re an everyday, rain-or-shine Wim Hof type, everyone shares the same journey: it’s difficult jumping in, and sometimes it’s a mental battle. However, I have never, ever regretted taking the plunge, and I have always felt better for it.

If it’s your first time, or you haven’t been in for a while, wetsuit or not, take it slow and only do what feels right. It’s not a competition. Just enjoy the journey. And a hot drink afterwards really helps.

Happy swimming, with big love and thanks to all the people we meet along the way.

Jolene

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