Return to the water

Have you had the winter off from wild swimming? Are you ready to step back in for the summer and would like to have some support to get started again? Would you like to build your confidence getting into cold water?

Getting back into cold water for the first time in the year can feel daunting. Join the support of this small group and Ingrid Campbell an experienced, qualified and insured swim guide to help you get back in. This session is not about swimming any distance but getting into the water and getting settled again.

This session includes a kelly kettle wild foraged herbal tea and homemade 'shivery bites' after our swim.

This is not for complete beginners but for returning wild swimmers.

Bring your swimsuit or come with it on, a towel and some shoes to wear into the water to protect your feet, water shoes or old trainers are great.

Plenty of warm layers and a woolly hat for afterwards, even if it is a warm day, Please bring at least one more layer than you think you will need and a windproof top layer.

We may use towfloats so bring one with you if you have one or I can lend you one.

After meeting each other in the car park we will walk across the park our swim location together.

At the water's edge we will share any concerns about getting back into cold water and run through what's important to remember about how our bodies react to cold water and and remind you of the safest techniques for getting yourself in the water. And introduce you to this particular swim spot.

We will then get changed, organise all our clothes for our exit and then, together, will prepare to enter the water taking our time, using our breath and each other to support us to get in.

Once settled in the water we may have a short swim, tread water and chat or play with calming effect of sitting on the bottom.

On our exit, once we are dry and fully clothed, we will share a wild foraged herbal tea made using a kelly kettle and homemade 'shivery bites' and cover other concerns and think about what adventures your wild swimming might take you on this year.