11 Tips on how to start open-water swimming

Swimming outdoors can be a very exhilarating experience. Your senses are switched on and nature, more often than not, will be putting on a show for you. It can be daunting though, starting something new can let doubt creep in. Hopefully, with this journal entry, we can put your mind at ease and inspire you to leap into something new, exciting and for some people, truly life-changing.

I’m not an athlete training for a triathlon or a long-distance swimmer, will outdoor swimming be for me?

The water is there for everyone. Please don’t be intimidated by seasoned dippers or athletes. You belong. You are someone who simply wants to embrace something new as a way to disconnect from the busy world that we live in and that is 100% a legitimate reason for you to start open-water swimming!

Take the plunge with these 11 tips on how to get started swimming outdoors.

1. Get in the pool. Yep! That’s right. Get in the pool. This step is a bit like confirming you can walk before you can run. Swimming outside isn’t like swimming in the pool. Safety in the pool is quick at hand. The sides are close by and a lifeguard should be on duty. Swimming outdoors, you don’t have that. That is why you need to know within yourself that you can swim at least 400m comfortably. This gives you confidence that if you need to get out, you have the skill to swim back to the shore. A stepping stone to going fully outdoor swimming is to try swimming in a Lido. Lidos gives you that outdoor experience but with the added benefit of lifeguards on duty and nice dry changing rooms. If you are in London, you luckily have a plethora of Lidos to choose from. On a recent trip to London, I tried out a couple on my mini Lido Tour. Alternatively, if you are in Cumbria like me, why not try out England's highest Lido at Shap? 
   
2. Start in Summer. Summer swimming is a great time to dip your toe in the water. The water is generally warmer, but be careful. Always remember that you have to swim back. Water temperature in large bodies of water can still be cold and can ultimately cause hypothermia if you are not careful. 
3. Stick to the shoreline. You can still do whatever distance you would like to, but having the shore close at hand again, gives you peace of mind that you can get out quickly if you need to.
4. Join a group. Now this could be a group like the Bluetits or Mental Health Swims, or you can pay a swim guide to take you out for a swim. Swimming with people is always recommended. Swimming alone is not. It's not only a safety measure, but it is a great opportunity to join the open-water swimming community, make friends and learn open-water swimming skills from other seasoned swimmers.
5. Research safe swimming locations. The other reason for joining a group is that they will teach you about good swim spots. There are good locations and bad ones. Knowing how to interpret them is important for your swim safety from pre- to post-swim. Check out our swim location recommendations in the Warmcor Wild Swimming Journal. 
   
6. Know yourself. To start open-water swimming you need to find in yourself a couple of hero qualities: You have to be brave and honest.
1. Be brave. You wouldn’t be reading this if you didn’t want to do it. Embrace the challenge and join the Bluetits, Mental Health Swims group or invest in a guided swim. You Can Do This! There is nothing to fear as these types of groups are so welcoming, especially to newbies!
2. Be honest. You need to be honest with yourself on every open water swim. You are more likely to get into trouble if you don’t listen to your body. It will tell you when to get out. Ego and peer pressure are not your friends. Don’t listen to them.
7. Float. Buy a tow float. These are an excellent way for you to stay visible to those on the shore and to your fellow swimmers. They are also good for a little rest if you get tired but shouldn’t be used as a buoyancy aid. The second type of floating is knowing how to float naturally. You can do this while you practice your 400m in the pool. The RNLI Float to Live campaign aims to make people aware that floating can save your life. Fight the panic and float.
   
8. Buy Good Swimming Kit. When you buy kit, make sure that it is fit for purpose. Buy cheap, buy again. If you want to invest, do your research. Take a look at our guide to open-water swimming for a comprehensive kit list.
9. Gradual exposure is key. Build up your resilience to the open water temperatures in small steps. In week one you might only get up to your knees. Week two, your thighs. Don’t rush into it. Each step is a victory. And remember point 6.2!
10. Quick Changing. Once you are out of the water, get dressed in dry clothes. Don’t let your new hobby be hindered by being uncomfortable or getting afterdrop. It can be very off-putting to any budding open-water swimmer. Using a Changing Tube to help you change quickly, start up the rewarming process, and remove any worry about unwanted flashing.
11. Cake! Get ready to embrace the post-swim ritual of a hot drink and cake! We have lots of cake suggestions over in the recipe area of the Wild Swimming Journal.