Five reasons why I love open water swimming, but there are many more….
It was early May and the water was freezing!
I took my first plunge into a lake about 5 years ago and still vividly remember the experience like it was yesterday.
I have always wanted to experience open water swimming so a friend and I went to Gosfield Lake in Essex. Having a friend with me gave me the push to give it a go.
I gingerly walked down the steps into the lake and it was a bit of a shock! However, once got over the initial shock and got used to the temperature, I absolutely loved it.
This wasn’t about how far or how fast I could go, it was literally about getting in the water and giving something new a go. The experience was exhilarating and then sense of achievement was immense.
I swam breast stroke with my head up and that was enough for my first foray into open water swimming.
Here are my top 5 reasons why I love open water swimming
1. Swimming in nature.
I love watching all the wildlife, the ducks swimming, the geese nesting on the far away bank, the birds flying over head and the clouds in the sky.
2. Being in a Community of like-minded people
Open water swimming has a great community feel. Everyone is so friendly and there is always someone to talk to or swim with.
3. Mental Well-being boost
Swimming in nature gives a real boost to mental well-being. It helps me to clear my head and gain perspective back. It’s a brilliant thing to do in the evening after work or on a weekend.
4. A sense of achievement
Sometimes I just want to savour the moment and enjoy just being on the water. Other times I want to push myself and try to swim faster or further. Sometimes it feels good to beat my time that you set previously or do more front crawl than I have previously managed.
5. Taking friends to swim in open water for the first time
One of the things I love is taking someone who has never tried open water swimming to Gosfield Lake for the first time. Yes they may feel a little anxious initially , but I know they will absolutely love it once they get in. The smile on their face afterwards is fantastic to see.
- I would highly recommend anyone giving open water swimming a go.
- Please keep safe
- Never go on your own
- Do some research first
- Always take a tow float
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Thanks so much. Looking forward to writing many more blogs this year about my latest challenges and helping inspire others to get more active.
Greetings! Very helpful advice within this post! Its the little changes that produce the greatest changes. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, so glad you found it helpful. Yes small changes are the most important and these soon mount up to produce significant changes.
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