Join us every Sunday morning November – March for a cold water swim at Dock 8!
Our cold water swim series allows swimmers to access quality supervised sessions with us all year round. These sessions are perfect for experienced open water swimmers wishing to continue to swim in the ‘off peak’ season, and they also give a chance for new open water swimmers to acclimatise to colder temperatures. We do recommend anyone new to open-water swimming take part in an intro session first, especially during the colder months of January and March, when the water is at its coldest. You can book on to the normal session if you prefer; however, we ask that you make us aware that it is your first time so we can show you what to do and any information you need to be aware of. It’s also really helpful for our safety team, as we can keep an extra eye on you while you start out.
Coaching sessions run ad-hoc and are roughly available once a month during the off peak season. The next Intro to Cold Water Swimming and 1-2-1 sessions are on the 14th January – please click the book now button for more info.
These sessions are tow float compulsorily, even if you are wearing a wetsuit.
The 300m course is open as well as the training area, please feel free to use the training area if you prefer or are struggling with the temperature.
We will have a warm drink ready for you at the end of your swim.
Changing rooms and showers are available.
Cost: Includes a warm drink.
Timings: 10:15am – 11:30am
Online booking only – please click the book now button
Cold Water Swim Session Information
Swimming ability:
Medical:
Minimum Age:
We have both Male and Female changing rooms with showers, plus two accessible toilet/changing rooms with showers.
Please note – we advise against having a hot shower straight after your cold swim. You should wash your hands after being in the water then gradually warm up. Remove wet clothing, dry off with a towel and then put on dry, warm layers. Only shower in warm water when you have properly warmed up. This is for your own safety and will reduce the ‘After Drop’ effect.
We have a number of lockers inside the facility to store your belongings, the majority of our lockers take a £1 coin (return)
Things you need to do/be aware of before you swim.
During colder temperatures, it’s really important to listen to your body. There’s lots of conflicting advice out there about what to wear and what not to wear in cold water, our advice is and always has been – KEEP WARM and wear a wetsuit if you can. If you cant, then wear as many warm accessories as you can such as neoprene gloves and socks, they can make a world of a difference. You can also get neoprene hats to go under your swim hat.
If you prefer to swim in skins then that’s fine, we just want you to be safe so please communicate with us at any point during or after your swim if you are struggling, same applies to wetsuit wearers of course.
It is better to listen to your body rather than push on and put yourself at risk.
It’s incredibly important that you only swim/continue to swim if you are sure you are comfortable. If at any point you need assistance, please lie on your back, wave and shout to our safety team if you can.
Acclimatising to cold water:
There’s lots of advice on this so we’ll put a few links below, we also have coaching sessions available which are highly recommended if you need extra help or are just starting out on your cold journey.
Our advice on acclimatisation is wear layers and take your time.
Other tips:
Links:
How to acclimatise – Outdoor Swimming Society Outdoor Swimming Society
Cold water swimming: what is the safest way to do it? – BBC News
Post swim safety is just as important as safety pre and during your swim, especially in cooler temperatures.
It’s important to warm up slowly:
Only when you feel properly warmed up should you shower, the reason for this is to reduce the risk of the ‘Afterdrop’ which is where your body continues to cool post swim.
The ‘Afterdrop’ can happen immediately or an hour or so after your swim, it’s where you can start to shiver and feel and feeling unwell/faint.
For more information please see:
Afterdrop & the subtle art of warming up – Outdoor Swimming Society Outdoor Swimming Society