For those that like the kind of missions where there's no turning back ('see that hilltop? over there!') swimhiking could be the future: it's swimming, and hiking, with a waterproof backpack that means you can keep on trucking whatever's in front of you.
We've gone on swims with our kit floating along in a drybag on surf leash behind us, but outdoor swimmer Peter Hayes has invented a DIY 'swimsac' (it involves armbands and rucksack and is strapped to the chest) and written a book of great swimhiking routes around the Lake District and NE England.
"I love open water swimming but things always seemed to be going wrong when I left my clothes on the beach. Sometimes it was young people hiding them for a lark, sometimes dogs leaving their calling card.
"The silliest occasion was when the police believed I had committed suicide and took my rucksack, containing everything including my house keys, back to the police station with them, leaving me stranded on the beach.
"So I came up with a swimsac just to keep my clothes safe. Then, once I invented it, that I realised the amazing potential it had. I was no longer tied to the spot where I entered the water. I could get out anywhere, get changed, and keep going. I could swim across a bay without all the fuss and bother of clothes drops; I could float down rivers without worrying how to get back upstream; I could cross lakes; tour islands.
"I have had tremendous fun with a swimsac and have written a book describing routes in the Lake District and in North East England where I live. (Swimhiking in the Lake District and North East England from www.swimsac.co.uk) I also explain how easy it is to assemble a home made swimsac. You need a rucksack, a drybag to go inside, inflatables for the pockets, an extra strap or two to go under your shoulders, and in matter of minutes, you can be ready to go!"
Journalist and swimmer Carlene Thomas Bailey from the Guardian tried it: read on.
Basking sharks, small fish and high speed estuaries. In June, the OSS set off for Burgh Island in Devon for it's inaugural swim safair, with 15 members. Here is the story about from one of them, Dan Norwood...
DAY ONE: Already sweating and clad in skin tight neoprene from neck to toe, I sat wedged in the back of Neil's car, with similarly attired, free spirited swimmers. It made a pleasant change from the night's fitful sleep under canvas: the June night-time temperature plummeting to what seemed like mid-winter depths.
We arrived at the muddy bank which constituted the start of the swim, piled out of the car and discussed how much and where to smear the contents of a generously sized communal tub of Vaseline. A great way to bond with a bunch of strangers, if ever there was one.
Necks suitably 'vassed up', and donning swim caps, we asked about the 'rules of the road' to our safety officer, Kieia(?), who would be keeping a firm eye on us from a kayak throughout the swim. We are deemed one of the most maneuverable craft out there (although one of the slowest) and so would have to steer clear of other vessels. I felt I could quite happily take on a 50 ton yacht - the wetsuit giving me a misguided sense of invincibility, but decided not to pursue this train of thought, and instead waded into the warm estuary mud topped with frigid water, to take pictures of the 16 other swimmers gathering on the bank. So started the inaugural swim in the OSS 'Swim Safari' calendar.
We decided to split into two groups according to ability. I was in the advanced party, which gave me a chance to take pictures as we waited for the others to catch up. The cold water bit at exposed skin, but it wasn't enough to deter looking out for small fish which darted across the monochromatic river bed. Sand bars advanced from the shore and in places it became too shallow to swim. Looking round, we noticed 'swimming' had become 'wading', and we were confronted with the rather unique spectacle of black rubberized silhouettes marching purposefully to the sea. Other craft passed by including a wakeboarder, who managed to stay upright despite a quick double take.
We must have been near the halfway point as the channel opened out; the now faster flowing water deepened, and we could drift on the current, past boats and buoys, and gaze at the scenic Devon countryside and voluminous clouds which drifted by.
As we pressed on through the hour mark, I noticed the swimming becoming more concentrated. Despite the balmy air temperature, the water was little above 10 degrees, so keeping up the heart rate helped stave off the cold as we neared our destination. The briny water became even more salty, and patches of seaweed appeared on the now rocky river bed. A pink thatched boathouse slowly emerged from around a sharp bend, marking the back end of the river mouth. Here the river narrowed, churned and eddied, as if in a final charge to the line. It was a thrill to join this conveyor belt of water which was about to spit us into the sea.
The last few hundred meters were covered at a joggers pace, and quickly, the beach was upon us. A brisk walk helped limbs recover, and we strode, exhausted but exhilarated passed surf boards, towels and holidaymakers to the cafe for some R&R, all the time marveling at nature and the uniqueness of the experience.
Back at Mount Folly Farm, our idyllic hillside camp site, we quickly refueled, and as the sky overhead boiled with storm clouds, we piled into cars and headed into the gloom for the second swim of the day. Our destination was the River Dart Country Park, deep in the heart of Dartmoor. The sun broke out again as we decamped at New Bridge, and ventured in search of the river. Whooping cries accompanied stifled watery thumps as we broke into a clearing, seeing wetsuited kids leaping from the shear cliff face into the murk below. We watched for a while, but then headed off along a path through an ancient wood to, what we were promised, was a natural 'lido' in the heart of this wild place.
From a distance, we were not disappointed. The rusty peat stained water shimmered in the ravine below, and was inviting despite it's dubious hue. Speed was the best solution to any thoughts of backing out. Ruth was the first to brave the icy flow; the rest and I, needing no further encouragement, leaped in, gasped, then attempted to power swim up the rapids. Ten minutes was enough. Toweling off, my nicely chilled blood was appreciated by a swarm of midges, who were seemingly undeterred by my violent, uncontrolled shaking. Fortified by swift tots of whiskey, we were on the move again - back to the car, and the promise of an organic feast at the Riverford Farm kitchen. A fitting end to a memorable day.
DAY TWO: I woke early. Inside the sleeping bag I was wearing everything I'd brought (I drew the line at the wetsuit), including hat and scarf, and the heat of the morning sun turned me from shivering to sweating in a matter of minutes. I decided to wander down to the beach and check out Burgh Island, the circumnavigation of which was our challenge for the day. It was a blissfully clear morning: breathless and cloudless. Nothing distracted from the flow of the tide as it flooded the sandy Island causeway.
At the camp site, swimmers packed cars with gear and applied suncream, before walking through bovine fields to the water's edge. We met in the slowly filling car park to pull on our suits, before gathering for a final briefing on the beach. We separated again into two groups, and headed to the waters edge, watched by a multitude of curious holidaymakers.
Kari's group headed off, and we watched until they reach the nearest outcrop of rocks before entering the remarkably clear water. The sun, already powerful, had warmed the shallow water and streaks of light penetrated enough to highlight rocks, weeds and crustaceans. A swell, unnoticed from the shore, bobbed us up and down as we became one group, and then separated once more. Newly submerged rocks provided stop off points, and a chance for me to take some snaps with the underwater camera I'd stuffed up my wetsuit sleeve. The Island's topography changed from gentle hill to jagged rocks topped with cormorants. At this point Kari wasn't happy with the progress of the pioneering group, and they turned back. Eight of us carried on, and were rewarded with a dramatic swim through a sheer sided gorge, weathered and beaten by the elements, but benign in these sublime conditions.
A coastguard rib had joined us for the final stretch, keen to tell us about the basking shark somewhere off the coast of Cornwall and eager to see us safely round the other side. Apparently, the figure on the hill, whom we had nonchalantly waved to, and who had kept pace with us as we manoeuvred through the rocks, was also the coastguard. Feeling slightly more uncomfortable, given the attention we were getting, it was time for head down swimming, triathlon style, and I quickened the pace towards the shore, while keeping one eye on my swim buddy. The sea bed turned from ominous dark rock to honey toned sand, and each left sided breath revealed a dramatic water level view of the Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel. Having made land, we congratulated each other on a great achievement, before being asked to recreate the final dramatic moments for the local evening news bulletin.
It was a great weekend, full of free thinking, generous spirited people. In this age of cossetted living, it's a pleasure to find new ways of experiencing and appreciating the natural world, and to me, swimming engages more senses than most.
Many thanks to Kate and Kari for organizing the weekend.
Dan
To see Dan's great pictures of the weekend, please see the Outdoor Swimming Society group on Facebook.
Want to find other swimmers to go swimming with? Join OSS (see top right button) so you receive regular newsletters from us, and then join the Outdoor Swimming Society group on Facebook.
Become a ‘fan’ (you need to sign up to Facebook first) and then use it to network other swimmers, post regional discussion threads, share tips and arrange events around swimming.
It’s existed for two weeks and now has 496 fans, that are planning swims all over the country. Please befriend it. It's likely to like you. Find it here.
Are you a lawyer? Are you not a lawyer but able to put some time into finding out how we (and everyone around the country who wants to set up an open water swimming club) can minimise risks to ourselves and continue to encourage people to swim? The OSS is powered by volunteers, if you can help please do!
The OSS wants to continue organising free swims for swimmers: peer led, no registration fees, no safety, no public liability insurance, no lifeguards, just people who like swimming saying 'i'm going to be here at 3pm, join me if you like' and other OSS members showing up. There are paid swims out there for beginner and uncertain swimmers, but we want to do free ones for people who know what they're doing and can take responsibility for themselves. The basic rule of wild swimming is do your own risk assessment before you jump in, and if in doubt, stay out. This should hold whoever you are swimming with.
We endeavour to attract the kind of free spirited happy person who can look after themselves and employ common sense, but do we need some legal blurb on this site and any events we post to ensure that should some sue-happy person join our free-spirited midst, and didn't employ due diligience about their own safety, they couldn't actually ruin the rest of our lives by suing us?
Also, if swimmers arrange their own swims on Facebook, could we be sued for negligence if something goes wrong?
Are you a lawyer? Are you not a lawyer but able to put some time into finding out how we (and everyone around the country who wants to set up an open water swimming club) can minimise risks to ourselves and continue to encourage people to swim?
* How can we let swimmers organise swim with fellow swimmers without being responsible for them? Anything to be learnt from groups like the Ramblers Association? Everyone so far has said we just can't do it, and should go home and do something else.
* Could we have all OSS members sign some legal declaration online as they sign up, to the effect they understand all the risks of outdoor swimming (clubs like Serpentine Swimming Club and Brighton Sea Swimmers may be able to help) and that they are responsible for themselves?
* For mass dips, how many people can you get together in one place for a dip before it being something the police can stop?
* Would it help protect individuals within the OSS if it was a certain type of company?
* Should we have public liability insurance? What kind?
The OSS is run by volunteer effort - if this is your speciality we'd love to hear from you.
Many thanks
OSS team
.. running, shouting, ducking, bombing & picnicking.
Swim without restrictions: swim outdoors!
OSS members can send off for a free copy of our poster, and a set of postcards (beautiful and free - just like wild swimming) from the forthcoming book Wild Swim, by Kate Rew and Dominick Tyler.
For details of how to order your free poster and postcards, see the April newsletter if you're a member (emailed on 14th April, from info@outdoorswimmingsociety.com) or join the OSS now, and you'll be sent details of how to order.
Happy swimming!
The Rivers and Lake Swimming Association (RALSA) is the sister organisation of the Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS). While we focus on popularising river and lake swimming through raising awareness of it's joys and holding mass swims and other events to introduce people to it's inestimable pleasures, RALSA deals with the hard end of campaigning to keep wild swimming spots open.
The OSS and RALSA fully support and compliment each others work so please sign up to both! Both groups welcome further information from wild swimmers on good river swims and lake swims around the UK. They also welcome volunteers.
RALSA and the OSS are delighted by wild swimming’s recent revival and are keen to keep driving this movement forward: the more people who swim in rivers, lakes and lidos, the more happy people on the planet. And the greater outdoor swimming’s popularity, the easier it will be to maintain access to rivers and lakes and keep lido’s open.
One of the greatest threats of wild swimming, which used to be common (before heated swimming pools in the 50s everyone swam outdoors, with most children learning in a safe spot of their local river or sea), is the perception that has crept in that it is dangerous and 'other'. 'Removing prejudice against open water swimmers and shifting perception so people accept us is our biggest job,' says Yacov.
RALSA was established in 2003 by Yacov Lev and Rob Fryer, and has acted as an information portal for local campaigning groups ever since. It is run voluntarily, with both men putting a lot of time and effort into supporting swimmers – Yacov answers about six emails a day about local campaigns, and Rob probably has the most encyclopaedic knowledge of where to swim outdoors in Britain.
Please see their site to learn more.
The OSS was founded in 2006 and now has over 2000 members. Please jump in and join us!
Plastic floating icebergs, 600 swimmers in six degree waters, a hot tub and sauna and twenty-stone Russian men doing an aquatic ‘Swan Lake’ in bubble wrap tutu’s: it was a glorious, busy and eccentric weekend at the World Winter Swimming Championships in Tooting Bec Lido on the 8/9th February.
The sun was out all weekend, dazzling swimmers and spectators, and spirits were high (even before swimmers tucked in to the ginger wine at the OSS stand). Read all about it:
Flicker SiteThe Tutu’s in Australian Herald
The event was held by the South London Swimming Club and sponsored by Speedo. Competitors flew in from 21 nations, notably Iceland, Finland, Scandinavia and Russia. Many thanks to the organisers for providing such a great few days.
Useful words for outdoor swimmers, right about now. Gelid, frosty, biting, brumal: you think the Eskimo’s have it all when it comes to talking about cold? Here are a variety of words to describe how your swim may be feeling.
ALGID [al-jid] –adjective. Cold; chilly.ARCTIC [ahrk-tik] –adjective. Extremely cold, frigid.
BITING [bahy-ting] –adjective. Nipping; smarting; keen.
BITTER [bit-ar] -adjective. Causing a sharply unpleasant, painful, or stinging sensation; harsh.
BOREAL [bawr-ee-uhl] –adjective Of or pertaining to the north wind.
BRISK [brisk] - adjective. 1. Quick and active; lively. 2. Sharp and stimulating. 3. To make or become brisk; liven
BRUMAL [broo-muhl] –adjective. Wintry. Of, pertaining to winter.
CHILLY [chil-ee]–adjective 1. Mildly cold or producing a sensation of cold; causing shivering; chill. 2. Feeling cold; sensitive to cold. 3. Without warmth of feeling; cool/
COLD [kohld] –adjective 1. Having a relatively low temperature; having little or no warmth. 2. Feeling an uncomfortable lack of warmth; chilled. 3. Having a temperature lower than the normal temperature of the human body.
COOL [kool] –adjective 1. Moderately cold; neither warm nor cold: a rather cool evening. 2. Feeling comfortably or moderately cold: “I'm perfectly cool, but open the window if you feel hot”. 3. Imparting a sensation of moderate coldness or comfortable freedom from heat.
FREEZING [free-zing] –adjective 1. (of temperatures) approaching, at, or below the freezing point. 2. Extremely or uncomfortably cold; chilled. 3. Beginning to freeze or partially frozen; in the process of being or becoming frozen.
FRIGID [frij-id] –adjective 1. Very cold in temperature. 2. Without warmth of feeling; without ardor or enthusiasm.
FRORE [frawr, frohr] –adjective. Archaic. Frozen; frosty.
FROSTY [fraw-stee, fros-tee] –adjective. 1. Characterized by or producing frost; freezing; very cold. 2. Consisting of or covered with a frost 3. Lacking warmth of feeling; unfriendly:
GELID [jel-id] - adjective: Extremely cold; icy.
GLACIAL [gley-shuhl] –adjective 1. Of or pertaining to glaciers or ice sheets. 2. Characterized by the presence of ice in extensive masses or glaciers. 3 bitterly cold; icy: a glacial winter wind.
HIEMAL [hahy-uh-muhl] –adjective. Of or pertaining to winter; wintry.
ICY [ī'sē] adjective. 1 Containing or covered with ice. 2. Bitterly cold; freezing
INCLEMENT [in-klem-uhnt] –adjective 1. (of the weather, the elements, etc.) Severe, rough, or harsh; stormy. 2. Not kind or merciful.
KEEN [keen] –adjective. 1. Sharp, piercing, or biting. 2. Intense, as feeling or desire.
NIPPY [nip-ee] 1. Chilly or cold 2. Sharp or biting; tangy:
NUMBING [nuhm-ing] –adjective. Causing numbness or insensibility; stupefying
ONE-DOG NIGHT. Expression. A night so cold you need to sleep with a dog to keep warm. A two-dog night implies it’s really chilly.
PENETRATING. [pen-i-trey-ting] –adjective 1. Able or tending to penetrate; piercing; sharp
PIERCING [peer-sing] –adjective 1. Extremely cold or bitter. 2. Caustic; cutting
POLAR [poh-ler] –adjective 1. Of or pertaining to the North or South Pole.
RAW [raw] –adjective 1 unnaturally or painfully exposed, as flesh. 2. Brutally harsh or unfair. 3. Disagreeably damp and chilly
RIMY [rahy-mee] –adjective. Covered with rime. Rime, noun: A coating of ice, as on grass and trees, formed when extremely cold water droplets freeze almost instantly on a cold surface.
SEVERE [suh-veer] –adjective. 1. Harsh; unnecessarily extreme: 2. Grave; critical. 3. Causing discomfort or distress by extreme character or conditions. 4. Difficult to endure, perform, fulfill, etc
SHARP [shahrp] –adjective 1. Having a thin cutting edge or a fine point. 2. Keenly cold, as weather. 3. Felt acutely; intense; distressing . 4. Merciless, caustic, or harsh. 5. Fierce or violent.
SHIVERY [shiv-uh-ree] –adjective 1. Inclined to or characterized by shivers, quivers, or tremors. 2. Causing shivering.
SLEETY [slee-tee]–adjective. Of, pertaining to, or like sleet. Sleet: Precipitation consisting of generally transparent frozen or partially frozen raindrops. A mixture of rain and snow or hail. A thin icy coating that forms when rain or sleet freezes, as on trees or streets.
SNAPPY [snap-ee] –adjective. 1. Apt to snap or bite 2. Crisp, smart, lively, brisk. 3. Pleasantly cold and invigorating.
STINGING [sting-ing] – adjective. 1. To cause to feel a sharp, smarting pain by or as if by pricking with a sharp point. 2. To cause to suffer keenly in the mind or feelings.
WINTRY [win-tree] –adjective. 1. Of or characteristic of winter. 2. Resembling winter weather; having snow, frost, cold, storms, etc 3. Suggestive of winter, as in lack of warmth or cheer.
In the UK you are never far from a great place to swim - but can you get in it legally? The Rivers Access Campaign is trying to open up more of the UKs waters to water users such as canoeists and swimmers.
To find out more about it, and how you can support it, see Rivers Access Campaign. The campaign is currently asking people to write to their MPs. More on the website.
The OSS will launch a map of festive swims for 2008 at the start of December, but this is the list of swims we collected in 2007. We welcome updates, additions, and corrections so we can put them on the map. If you are an organiser or participant email info@outdoorswimmingsociety.com to let us know more. Free christmas pudding swim hat from Zoggs for all swimmers - application process announced start of December.
Over the Christmas period thousands of swimmers from Brighton to the Scilly Isles, Exmouth to Abersoch, take to the water each year to take the plunge.
NB This information has been sent in by members and we welcome updates, additions, and corrections. Email info@outdoorswimmingsociety.com to let us know more. Do check details locally before taking a dip.
ABERSOCH, NORTH WALES
New Years Day . A sponsored New years dip 2008 to raise money for RNLI. The Theme for this event is PANTOMIME with prizes for best boy best girl, lady and Gentlemen and a team prize.You can obtain a sponsorship form by post from Clive Jenkins tel. 01758 712157 or email clive@creigirwen.wanadoo.co.uk 2006 Photos: http://john53.zenfolio.com/p544837013
BOSWORTH WATER TRUST, MARKET BOSWORTH, LEICESTERSHIRE
Boxing Day. “Often there is a swim/dunk/paddle (dependant on how brave you feel) at Bosworth Water Trust, Market Bosworth, Leicestershire, early Boxing Day morning,’” says OSS member Bryn. “Big respect goes to those who can walk/swim out to the island and back without a wetsuit!’
BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET
Boscombe Pier. “Spartans´Christmas Day Swim” 11am. The Bournemouth Spartans Winter Sea Swimming Club combine stamina with crazy costumes for their annual dip into the English Channel on Christmas Day morning, just by Boscombe Pier.
BOURNEMOUTH, DORSET
The Bournemouth Spartans Winter Sea Swimming Club holds the fanciest swim at 11am on Christmas Morning as crazy outfits are part of the fun in and out of the water for their annual splash in the English Channel, near by Boscombe Pier http://www.tiscover.co.uk/gb/guide/5gb,en,SCH1/objectId,SPF9695gb,curr,GBP,parentId,RGN3gb,season,at2,selectedEntry,sport/intern.html
BRIGHTON, SUSSEX
On Christmas Day hundreds turn up for a festive swim in their cossies and santa outfits at Brighton Beach. Brighton Sea Swimming Club (arch 205E, near Brighton Pier) may be able to advise on times.
BUDLEIGH SALTERTON, DEVONBudleigh beach. Christmas Day. We know it happens – but not when, or who organises it. http://www.exmouth-lifeboat.org.uk/budleigh_swim_06/index.htm
CAMBRIDGE
Jesus Green Lido, Cambridge. Britian's longest outdoor (unheated) pool will be open on New Years Day for the first time from 12noon - 2pm for all those (over 16) who would like a swim. Entrance is £10 (including hot drink) and all swimmers will recieve a 5% discount voucher for a 2008 season ticket.
CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTSHIRECheltenham Lido, Christmas Day http://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/index.htm
In 2007 nearly 80 swimmers accompanied by about 150 spectators and supporters plunged into the lido on Christmas morning; perhaps that should be gold, frankincense and brrrrh! then? Australian swimmer Tor Clarke said that he would definitely need a whisky to warm up. Check lido website for 2008 details.http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=231771&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231754&home=yes&more_nodeId1=231776&contentPK=19376100
CROMER, NORFOLK
Boxing day swim on Cromer Beach with 100 plus swimmers http://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/content/image_galleries/gallery_cromer_boxing_day_dip_2006_gallery.shtml
DUNDEE, SCOTLAND
New Years day Swim run by Ye Amphibious Ancients' Bathing Association, the Dundee sea swimming club. 12.15pm. Contact Joyce McIntosh joyce.mcintosh@blueyonder.co.uk for more information.EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
New Years Day swim called the 'Loony Dook'. 2007 will be the 22nd successive Loony Dook at South Queensferry http://www.theloonydook.co.uk/EXMOUTH, DEVON
Join hundreds of swimmers, and thousands of supporters at Exmouth beach promenade. Generally starts around 11am, Christmas Dayhttp://www.exmouth-guide.co.uk/xmasswim.htm
FELIXSTOWE, SUFFOLK
Cobbold's Point. Swimmers gather at 10am for swim at 10.30am dip on Christmas Day. 2007 is is the fifth year it has taken place and last year raised £3,500 for St Elizabeth's Hospice. Organised by Peter Burt - Tel 01394 285450 or contact St Elizabeth Fundraising Team 01473 723600
ISLE OF MAN
Peel Beach. New Years Day Dip. Register 11.30am; start 12pm. Free. The New Year's Day Dip on Peel Beach has been raising money for charity by persuading the brave and the foolhardy to take a quick dip in the Irish Sea for more than 20 years. There can't be a better way to brace yourself for the year ahead than to wade boldly into the icy January water around the Isle of Man.
http://www.istc.org/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=80339
LEYBOURNE LAKE, KENT
'Team Outrageous' at Leybourne Lake at Kent. http://www.teamoutrageous.com/events.php?action=select&id=49
LONDON
Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, London. The Peter Pan Christmas Cup Race takes place on Sunday 25th December 2007 at the Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park, on the south bank of the lake
close to the Serpentine Cafe (the old pavilion). The event begins at 9am. To enter you must be a member of the Serpentine Lido Club and must have completed the entire Winter Series. Please note: You cannot join the swimming club on the day and swim in the race. Spectators are welcome to watch for free. For more information click below.
http://www.serpentineswimmingclub.com/
Hampstead Heath has a number of swims. There are races on Christmas Day at 11am at the Highgate men's pond, open to men and women. On New Years Day at noon there's a social swim at the Kenwood Ladies Pond, open to Ladies only.
Tooting Bec Lido also has seasonal races open to SLSC Club members only. To qualify swimmers must have swum in at least 3 of the Autumn races. We love to welcome lots of spectators to came and watch. Christmas Day: Women’s Race (Jenny Kinnaird Cup) followed by Men’s Race 10.30 am (the Burton Cup, first raced for in 1908). Boxing Day Ice Bucket Race at 10am. The Boxing Day race trophy is an original silver plated ice bucket off the Orient Express donated to the club in 1962. New Year’s Day race at 10am.LOWESTOFT, SUFFOLK
Lowestoft Christmas Day swimChristmas Day charity swimhttp://www.splash4cash.org.uk/
MAPPLETON, DERBY
Mappleton Bridge Jump, New Years Day. Fancy dress jump into what the Dove, apparently one of our coldest rivers http://www.ashbourne-town.com/villages/mappleton/index.htm http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/content/articles/2007/01/02/mappleton_bridge_jump_2007_video_feature.shtml
MUNDESLEY, NORFOLK
Their Inshore Lifeboat's Fancy Dress Boxing Day Dip will be taking place at 11.00am at the beach outside the lifeboat station.
http://www.mundesleylifeboat.co.uk/Events.html
PORTHCRAWL, SOUTH WALESConey Beach, Porthcrawl. Annual Christmas Day charity swim with hundreds of swimmers and thousands of spectators. Contact: owen@christmasswim.co.uk. http://www.christmasswim.co.uk
SIDMOUTH, DEVON
Boxing day sea swim, starting 11am by the lifeboat station. In 2007 184 swimmers registered for the free dip, and hundreds of supporters came out to watch. Fancy dress is traditional - in 2007 two swimmers took to the water as a pantomine polar bear. 2006 pics: http://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/sidmouthherald/flatfiles/features/2004/boxdayswim/boxdayswim.aspxTODMORDEN, YORKSHIRE
New Years Day dip, Lee Dam, Lumbutts. This annual and traditional icy swim will start at 2 pm. Raising money for the chosen charities of the swimmers, with 50% of sponsor money raised going to the Todmorden Amateur Swimming Club and the other 50% to the swimmer's chosen charity. Many swimmers will don fancy dress for the occasion but this is optional. All swimmers will arrive by 1.30 pm for registration.
Swimmers annually dip in and swim the icy waters ... even race to grab the winners' wooden cups. After the swim, hot soup and rolls are laid on for swimmers at the Top Brink pub. All swimmers taking part are then given a certificate! The awards start at approximately 3pm. Groups of friends, club members or even pub regulars can raise money for good causes. Swimmers may obtain sponsor sheets in advance of the swim - contact Dave or Ann Sutcliffe on telephone 01706 812717 for details or
contact the swimming club at Todmorden sports centre pool.
ST MARY’S, ISLES OF SCILLY
Nick and Bryony from Minhala guest house introduced a new year swim to the island in 07, in a honking gale with rain and crashing waves. They’re hoping for a bigger turn out in 08.
ULLSWATER, CUMBRIA
Two OSS members aim to swim in Ullswater on New Years Day. "We will swim from Glenridding steamer car park. Haven't decided on a time yet. We aim to be in the water for 15 minutes. If a few want to come we can organise coffee and mince pies in the warm and dry somewhere. We swam there last Saturday despite the sleet and wind. Water temp. was7.3 degrees. Wet suits of course!" Email Virginia at midge_c@hotmail.com.
WALBERSWICK, NORFOLK
The folks at the Anchor told the OSS of a Christmas Day dip on our visit. Ask at the pub if you’re in the area.
The OSS held it's annual December dip on Sunday 9th September at Parliament Hill Lido, and Lewis Gordon Pugh, the only man to have swum in both the Arctic and Antarctic, came along to give us a talk & motivate us to get in.
40 of us jumped in the water (7 degrees) and swam widths, with the most experienced going for endurance. Here's what Lewis said about it: 'Between 17 and 18 degrees there really isn't a lot of difference in how water feels, but when you get below 10 it's like someone taking a spanner and putting it up a notch. What is extraordinary for me is the difference between zero and minus 1.7 degrees, which is what it was at the North Pole. We're made of water and when it freezes it expands: at this temperature the water in the cells of my hands froze and expanded. When I came out of the swim my hands had swollen up and I'd lost all feeling. A swim in Antarctica is a bath compared to the North Pole'.
Luckily the Lido was 7 degrees that day, so OSS swimmers had a slightly easier time - although most often it's recommended that people adjust to cold water a degree at a time by going regularly as the temperature drops below 15 degrees, and not attempting it for the first time below 12. Lewis has investigated most of our assumptions with his team of scientists and told us that as far as they are concerned, they are not true:
1. 'The first assumption that everyone makes is that you have to get into the water slowly. I take a running jump, with no adverse side-effects'. With Lewis counting us to 3, we all duly took the plunge.
2. 'The second assumption is that you have to be fat to swim outdoors, so I started out fat and put on weight to 105kg, and then started losing it. I didn't get any colder when i weighted 90kg. I've seen fat people get cold and skinny people stay warm: the assumption you need layers of fat is nonsense.' We ate lots of stollen and mince pies all the same.
3. 'The third assumption people make is that you can't put your head in cold water - the great Russian swimmers swim head-up breastroke. For me in the Artic speed was the issue, so I forced my head in the water and my speed increased dramatically.'
4. 'The final assumption pepole make is that you need to warm up slowly after a swim otherwise you will go into cardiac arrest and die. I think this is a nonsense: after the Artic swim I went into a 40 degree shower for 45 minutes and my body could handle it.' Please note: this is Lewis's opinion - like him we recommend warming up thoroughly afterwards with hot drinks, a woolly hat, and lots of layers.
The final advice was on breathing. Exhaling when you get in (cold water will make your chest contract) will allow you to take the next breath. 'But at this temperature you are going to hyperventilate,' Lewis said. We duly puffed loudly across Parliament Hill lido and back.
Lewis also talked to us about the mental aspects of swimming in cold water: the key here is to 'be aggressive' about getting in. Don't stand wondering whether you're going to go for a swim or not: set your intention, then do it. Lewis had us all focus on how many widths we were going to swim before we got in, then do it - many of us did 4, the more experienced winter swimmers did 30, in order to qualify for the endurance event at the World Winter Swimming Championships. 'If you think you're going to get cold you'll get cold,' says Lewis. 'Don't dip your toe in and wonder whether you are going to go for a swim: get in with aggression, do your two widths and then get out.' With him encouraging us on the banks, many of us did more widths than we thought possible - and got out felt fantastic for the rest of the day.
The Outdoor Swimming Society holds two mass charity swims a year, Breastrokes with USA PRO. So far the swims have raised over £150,000 for breast cancer research at Cancer Research UK. Many thanks to all our swimmers, volunteers, and sponsors. Thanks also to USA PRO, our title sponsor.
The event is supported by Fallon advertising agency, Swimtrek swimming holidays, Aqua Sphere swimming equipment, Olympus cameras and Hunter wellies. Thank you to all! More news of 08 mass swims in the New Year.
In the 1930s there was an annual race on the Exe Estuary from the Turf (a local pub) upstream to Topsham, Devon. Mike the ferryman spent years oggling this fine stretch of brackish water as he ferries people from Topsham to the bank opposite, and last year decided to recreate the swim as a personal challenge. This year it turned into an 18 man strong event, and was attended by a few OSS members.
James Lowe was one who went along. 'It was a great day, the weather was gorgeous, the morris dancers were in fine fettle and all the swimmers had a wonderful ovation from the crowds gathered. It was organized chaos really, with Swimmers struggling to put on wetsuits along the narrow walkway while spectators were all pushing and shoving to get a better view. While a few of the last minute swimmers turned up with appropriate swimming wear, one eager chap decided that
he would also 'have a go' after just passing by and was helped out of the water at the finish (in a pretty respectable time) in only his long cotton boxer shorts, a big smile and much hollering and 'thumbs-up' to his family who followed on one of the 'ferrying' craft.
Another swimmer thought we were just swimming 'across' the water from the start point (which was about 300 meters to the other shore) only to find out that the route was actually a mile and a half along the ferry route itself but only once he had got in. Covered in goose fat (he had only bought his shorts) and having only ever swam for '10 minutes' at the most in the last 10 years, he still completed the swim - the support staff were great.
We were serenaded at the end by clapping locals and the a jaunty shanty from a lone fiddler (who also gave me a lift back across the estuary gratis).
I met at least three other swimmers who found the event via the OSS website and help turn what was a 'one man bet' last year to an 18+ person swim event.' Money raised went to Estuary League of Friends who help out older and housebound locals. We look forward to next year... www.estuary-league-of-friends.co.uk
5.5km in 1 hour 25 minutes: OSS swimmer Josh Williamson was first across the Solent on the way to Bestival on the 6th September. 'It was really good, we couldn't of asked for better conditions as it was pretty much flat calm and the guy that was organising the timing of the crossing got it spot on for most of us as we didn't have to deal with any tides really,' says Josh. ' On top of all that it was sunny as well!! We got our medals presented to us on the beach by Darren Mew who is an Olympic finalist (100m Breaststroke) and then we got them presented to us again on the main stage at 8pm on the Friday by the Cuban Brothers.'
11 of the 12 made the swim (the 12th got out after 10 minutes). Well done to them all. Will Yas & Colin, the Hularama organisers, be doing it again? Everyone from the harbour master to the canoeists are keen so watch this space.... More details on www.swim2bestival.co.uk. See Radio 1 video of the swim.
This year Breastrokes mass charity swims took place in Windermere, Cumbria and Serpentine, London, and raised over £70,000 for Cancer Research UK. Watch this space for our plans for 2008. If you've never experienced the freedom of wild swimming before, there's no better place to start!
On Sunday 19th August there was a protest in support for an Outdoor Swimming Club at Rickmansworth Aquadrome, just outside London (last stop on the Metropolitan). Three tri clubs and some keen swimmers from the OSS and Rivers and Lakes Swimming Association are keen to start using the lake but are being forbidden Three Rivers Council.
In countries all over Europe swimmers can enjoy 'inland beaches': safe swimming on the banks of rivers and lakes. It used to be that way in the UK too, with Bury Lake, Rickmansworth (the last stop on London Undergrounds Metropolitan lake), one of the spots that was full of hundreds of swimmers, changing rooms and high diving boards. But the lake was shut to swimmers in the 80s after a tragic accident.
Windsurfers and other watersports continue to use the lake but Three Counties Council is refusing to allow swimming, apparently on the grounds the water isn't clean enough (?? bad news for the windsurfers??) and the swans are vicious (also, poor other water users..).
Twenty five people turned out, despite wet weather and gloomy skies. Someone had even come down all the way from Leicester, by coach to join us. The lake stretched out gleaming and inviting, and we stood around in swimgear guarded by two policeman with instructions to arrest us if we got in (or rather out) of the water.
Harry Eyres, writer of the Slow Lane column in the FT and activist in the Hampstead Ponds Campaign read from Roger Deakin's ( outdoor swimming pioneer) book Waterlog, as it was exactly one year ago he died and we all felt that we were carrying forward the movement that he had started.
Molly Fletcher, who organised the swim, is starting a petition. To join her, email molly@artsrepublic.co.uk.
Outdoor swimmer Adam Smith set up the Great Swim in 2000 and has been leading small troops of swimmers on aquatic journeys from London to further afield - via river, lake and lido - every summer since. Adam held a mini Great Swim on Saturday 11th August, based on popular demand and the fact it was 25 degrees and sunny, and is holding another one soon. To join him see www.thegreatswim.com.
At 2pm on Sunday 15th July river swimmers in England joined swimmers in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and 18 other European countries in holding their own (little) Big Jumps . This was the first time UK swimmers had joined the European wide celebration of increasing river cleanliness and river swimming, and we hope events like this will help establish more safe river beaches across the UK in time.
Pictures of the day coming to the gallery soon! If you have any to add, please email them to kate.rew@outdoorswimmingsociety.com
HISTORY: The Big Jump started on the Loire river in 1995, and grew in size on the River Elbe in Germany in 1997, when 80,000-100,000 went swimming on one day to celebrate the Elbe going from one of the most polluted rivers in Europe to one of the cleanest. (The Elbe now has 55 river beaches).
NB COMMON SENSE SAFETY: Many 'Big Jumps' are actually big plunges, as swimmers dash into the water from safe river beaches. Jumping carries risks, as there can be unseen hazards beneath the water. Don’t actually jump unless you have got in first to test the depth of the water in the exact spot you are jumping and have checked it is clear of submerged objects. Be aware that tree roots or other hazards may be beneath the surface of the water where visibility is poor.For more about the Big Jump across Europe, www.rivernet.org/bigjump/welcome.htm
On Thursday July 12th live artist Amy Sharrock and 50 swimmers of all shapes and sizes swam in a straight line from Tooting Bec lido to Hampstead Ponds, in a 2007 British tribute to the Burt Lancaster film 'The Swimmer' (based on a short story by John Cheever).
Dressed only in swimming costumes and goggles the whole day, Amy Sharrock and the swimmers did one length of 15 pools, running into them (even if that did mean crossing Vauxhall Bridge) and running back out (assisted en route by a big route master bus).
Amy Sharrock's docu-art-film of the day will be screened next year and we'll post more photos by Ruth Corney here just as soon as they become available.
The event made London Tonight news. To see a short clip go to http://www.itvlocal.com/london/news/?
player=LON_News_26&void=80174
and move the button to 23:30 minutes.
The day was a celebration of swimmingand a statement about pools. 'People lost their shame, it's something about water,' said Amy Sharrock. 'At Tooting Bec people were asking "where are we going to change?". But after one swim that all changed. The loss of shame isn't like going back to childhood, it' s like going back to the garden of Eden where there is no shame.' By Swiss Cottage at teatime swimmers were happily standing at the edge of the roundabout at rushhour in their bathers drinking tea and eating cake.
12th July: We found this story in the Worcester News:
Mark Davies, aged 45, says he has been swimming in the Severn since he was 10 years old. Passers-by saw Mr Davies swimming in the river near Sabrina Bridge, Worcester, at about 8.30pm on Thursday 12th July and called the fire and rescue services. A total of 25 firefighters, three fire engines and two rescue boats were involved in trying to rescue him, while about 200 people watched. He eventually came out of the water at Cathedral Steps and was arrested under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act. "I was examined by a doctor who said there was nothing wrong with me and I was let out after two hours at the police station. There is no law that says you cannot swim in the river. The river Severn is a lovely river. I generally have a little dip around the Cathedral and Diglis. For me a swim down the river is not a problem. I have swum in rivers across Europe." He said: "In my view, some people do mad things like rock climbing and jumping out of planes. That is what they choose and I choose to swim in the river. I just like to be relaxed in the water." The swimming enthusiast felt like another dip on Saturday and decided to make sure there was no repeat of the rescue attempt.
He said: "I went to the police station and told them I was going for a swim and asked them not to get any rescue people out to me."
PLEASE NOTE: While Mr Davies clearly knows his stretch of river, the Severn is not a recommended swimming river. The volume of water and tidal flow that creates the Severn Bore (a wave that goes up the Severn, which people surf) also create a river with strong currents and debris such as trees and estate agent signs in the water. Rob Fryer says one general rule is never get in a river that is flowing faster than you can swim (ie so you can't swim upstream): in these circumstances it becomes impossible to swim out of danger (bridges, rocks) or choose your landing spot.