HOW TO GET INTO
Open Water Swimming
HEALTH + WELLNESS
WITH KIRSTY HOGBEN
OPEN WATER SWIMMING IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND WELLBEING , YET IF YOU ’ RE JUST STARTING OUT , GETTING IN ( PUN INTENDED ) CAN BE QUITE DAUNTING . I ’ VE SEEN SO MANY FIRST TIMERS TRANSFORM FROM FEAR TO ABSOLUTE JOY AFTER THEIR FIRST SWIM . ONCE YOU GAIN THE CONFIDENCE AND KNOWLEDGE TO SWIM SAFELY YOU ’ LL REAP ALL OF THE REWARDS . HERE ARE MY TOP TIPS THAT WILL HELP YOU GET INTO THE OPEN WATER …
Choose a good location
There are some beautiful places to swim in Kent . I swim in Folkestone and in winter I will mostly swim in a protected beach . If you can ’ t find a protected area then make sure you start swimming in a place that ’ s calm . In winter there ’ s the added factor of the cold amongst the tides and currents so you want to minimise as many hazards as you can , one being the potential of waves . So when starting out , stick to calm waters .
Gear your gear ready
You ’ ll need a costume , towel and in winter and the colder days at the start of spring , some neoprene gloves , boots and possibly a hat . These help protect your extremities which tend to get cold first . Some swimmers wear wetsuits so wear whatever you feel is best for you . For post-swim , remember your warm clothes . I like to wear lots of layers , a woolly hat and gloves . I always bring a hot drink to help me warm up after .
Have patience with acclimatisation
If you can , start when it ’ s warmer in the summer . Your body only needs a few immersions before you start to adapt to cold water . If your aim is to work towards staying in longer , then just know that it will take some time to build . When you want to know how to start sea swimming in winter remember that patience is vital . Take it one swim at a time . Also remember cold water shock can be harder the colder it gets , so go in slowly .
Learn how to relax
The open water is always changing . The temperature depends on the time of year , and the tides , currents and waves are never the same . There ’ s real beauty in this constant change , yet also fear of the unknown . I always tell my clients that the key to open water is to stay calm . If you ’ re getting into cold water for the first time I would recommend not swimming out of your depth , and not staying in too long . It ’ s important to know that you ’ ll probably be at your coldest just as you change into your clothes after the swim . Take baby steps of progress to build confidence .
Learn how to read the water
Gaining knowledge about open water is vital to keep safe before you head out . In my open water coaching sessions I always tell clients how to read the water . It ’ s vital to know what you ' re doing before you go in . When it comes to the sea I always teach clients how to read tides , currents and waves .
Kirsty Hogben is an open water swim coach from Sandgate who ’ s swum consecutively in the sea for over 1,000 days . You can reach her at www . kirstyhogben . com .
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