Wild Winter Swimming

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Wild Swimming in Cornwall
Photo credit Bazil Arden via Wild Swimming Cornwall

Have you been caught by the wild swimming bug? Yes I know it is December but for some the shock of the cold is part of the fun! I am relatively new to swimming in the sea to be honest, but walking to my favourite cove with just a couple of friends and only wildlife for company was sublime. The wetsuit helped, I loved bobbing around with the birds, the stillness, the peace and quiet and the exhilaration of it all.  

Wild swimming classes
Photo via Wild Swimming Cornwall

If you are thinking of embracing winter wild swims in Cornwall, it's good to be informed, there are actually quite a few groups and clubs you can join to make sure your are being as safe as possible. Swim Wild Cornwall can give you training to build confidence and help you swim safely. The open sea can be challenging, especially in winter, luckily Cornwall we have lots of tidal pools, which offer more security and just happen to be beautiful to boot! A few favourites are the Song of the Sea tidal pool at Nanjizal (though can be quite popular), Boat Cove at Pendeen and tidal baths at Portreath. You can find out more tidal pools here.   

Open water swimming Cornwall
Photo via In The Wet Stuff

Wild swimming in Cornwall
Photo credit Matt Newbury via Outdoor Swimming Society 

It's not all about seclusion, sometimes it's about community, joining a local group can be best for building confidence and safety. Check out the Bluetits or In the Wet Stuff.

The Outdoor Swimming Society is a great resource with tips, books and events to join in with. Another fab website is Wild Swimming Cornwall who recently launched a book. 

Wild Swimming In Cornwall book
Photo via Wild Swimming Cornwall 

So why is cold water so good? It can actually make you more resilient to stress, helped by that adrenaline rush. Plus increase metabolism, improve blood circulation, fitness and strength - and even can help you experience less pain! Marvellous.    


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