Ankles in – hells bells, it’s cold – knees in, belly in, and before I could say splash, I took a deep breath and shoulders went under (yes, that is the most difficult bit). Once your shoulders are in, you’re laughing.. inside, obviously. As the cold water enveloped my then numb torso, it generated an involuntary response of “mmm, this isn’t too bad” – followed very quickly by, “wow, I’m starting to feel alive.” Endorphins were accelerating around my bloodstream faster than Lewis Hamilton on track day, clearly resulting in a momentary loss of lucid thinking and reason. Too late: before the brakes went on, I was hooked.
Despite my best efforts to resist, I was splashing around, regaling my newfound religion to the seagulls, fellow bathers and the sea itself, the joy of being up and swimming at some ungodly hour... and loving it! Swimmers were all chatting away, about anything and everything – what they are having for breakfast, the next high tide (always a topic of conversation), picking up kids from football, and the best value dry robes available.
I was now willingly swimming the width of the bay with the Watchtower Waders, a swimming group that started with just a couple of friends enjoying a swim but now has a membership of over 300. They are a wonderful, warm and welcoming bunch of ladies who embrace
the joy of leaping into the water at every opportunity.
The subsequent months have been filled with daily dips, weekend trips to lochs, inland waterfalls, beach BBQs, sunrise and full moon bathing, surfing lessons, and a bonkers camping trip organised by the Waders’ fearless leader, Alison.
Swimming, wild or otherwise, is all the things you have read about – at one with nature, reawakening your senses, lowering your heart rate, increasing endorphins, blah, blah, blah. We’ve all seen the legend that is Wim Hof waxing lyrical about the benefits. But ultimately, it’s about connection: to your environment, nature, your fellow bathers, walkers and water enthusiasts. Most importantly, it’s about connecting with yourself and the genuine joy it brings to your wellbeing and soul. You’ll meet like-minded people who will become friends in the process.
I’m a convert and I’m cynical. It’s magical, and that is a word I do not use lightly. FYI: I am proud to be a giddy, middle-aged, snack bearing, dry robe touting swimmer. Get outdoors and find your tribe.
Wild Swimming Groups In Wales
WATCHERTOWER WADERS, BARRY Barry’s Waders are for anyone who wants to share a dip with other equally devoted dippers – be it at Watchtower Bay or any of the other beautiful beaches, lakes or streams that we are lucky to be able to access. You are only one swim away from a good mood.
BLUETIT, UK-WIDE The Bluetit mission is to create a confident, capable community through cold water swimming and adventures. The Bluetits Chill Swimmers Ltd. is a social enterprise committed to empowering an inclusive community of cold water dippers.
TAFFY DIPPER, CARDIFF There wasn’t a dedicated group for Cardiff residents who enjoy wild swimming… until the Taffy Dippers came along. They like a dip, a chat and a hot chocolate afterwards. Join them to explore the wild rivers, seas, lakes and ponds of Cardiff and South Wales.
DAWN RAIDERS, PENARTH Matt Pritchard and crew can be seen regularly at Penarth Pier as part of the Dawnstalkers Sea Swim Club. They swim daily, they swim at dawn. Sea you at the shore, stalkers.
WALES WILD SWIMMERS, NATIONWIDE Designed to get people swimming Wales’ beautiful upland lakes and salty coasts, join and support the Wales Wild Swimmers and make suggestions for places to add to the list. If you want to lead a swim, you would be very welcome!
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