Why do people love Wild Swimming?

Outdoor swimming, or wild swimming as it’s also known, is a great way to kick the January blues and blow away the cobwebs! Cold water swimming has become increasingly popular over the last few years across Western culture.

With people like Wim Hof becoming celebrities overnight for something they've been doing for decades, cold water swimming is now recognised as extremely beneficial for both mental and physical health. Even doctors are beginning to recommend it as a natural therapy to help with conditions such as depression.

The Benefits of Wild Swimming

• Increases mindfulness and wellness
• Reduces stress
• Boosts libido
• Provides a natural high and sense of achievement
• Strengthens the immune system
• Burns calories – even after you're out of the water!
• Great for socialising

You don’t need to live by the sea to try outdoor swimming. Lakes, rivers, or swimmable reservoirs are great alternatives, and if none are nearby, even a cold shower or backyard dip pool can offer many of the same benefits.

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We spoke to members of the Open Water Swimming UK Facebook group to find out why they love it so much.

"My favourite place to swim in Kent (where I’m based) is Bewl Water, it’s the largest body of water in the South East and is fantastically run by my friends at TriSwim. My favourite places to swim in Cornwall are the Gazzle because it’s so wild and unpredictable, and the tidal pools all along the North Coast.

On my annual winter trip to Scotland, I love to swim in the lochs around Aviemore with a friend who has local knowledge. All these places are so different yet familiar, cold yet delicious—and after all, it doesn’t matter where you go, because swimming is swimming!" – Camilla Gollege

 

"I swim off the coast in North Wales all year round, just five minutes from my home. I swim with one, two, maybe five people on a special day. I especially love the walk in—slow but purposeful.

The sinking of my shoulders under the water… the view out to sea that brings the vastness of everything in and the ever-changing skies. I love the cold. The cold is why I do it—the achievement when a strong woman puts her mind to something outside her comfort zone. I particularly love a sunrise or moonrise swim, one with our glorious world." – Sian Roberts

"I had never swum in cold, open water. I was so in awe of the women who did—it was a love letter to them, those brave wild women. Less than a month later, in mid-December, I took my first swim at Porth and immediately fell in love. The strong women in my life are reflected in my work—memories of my mum swimming with me in the Mediterranean Sea.

The way someone’s hair blows in the wind, the cheeky sparkle in their eyes as they plunge into ice-cold water with no fear. To come to the surface laughing.

To stand on the beach looking at the sea in complete calmness when ten minutes earlier she’d been panicking about how to juggle work, kids, and the house. Those breathtaking women I see in my everyday life influence the people in my work." – Lu Cornish

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"My name is Hazel Fulker. I’m an open water coach, athlete, and RNLI ambassador. I teach all ages to swim because I love the water and helping people enjoy getting into it. Bewl Reservoir is magical, and Camber Sands—with its dramatic dunes and tough currents—is especially beautiful when the kite surfers are out. I’m hoping to organise a Help the Heroes swim soon and run various other workshops." – Hazel Fulker

Joining a local swimming group is a fantastic way to socialise and challenge yourself mentally and physically. Immersing yourself in cold water can help with recovery from muscle and ligament injuries. Doctors are even beginning to prescribe ocean swimming to support mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Many people report a lasting endorphin high after each swim.

 

"We swim on the south coast… We laugh hysterically, put the world to rights, feel high for the rest of the day, and ease pain and inflammation with vitamin sea more than any medication. Nearly two years in… LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. 60th birthday dip coming up." – Nikki Fuge

 

"I started open water swimming in July and have kept going. I find it hard to put into words how it makes me feel—each place and each swim is different.

I suffer from chronic pain, which can affect my mood and outlook. Being in nature, the freedom of movement in water, and the community all help reduce inflammation. There’s a sense of achievement, of release, of adventure. I’ve only swum in a few places, but right now this is my favourite." – Ruth Scott

You can easily join an outdoor swimming group near you by searching online or on Facebook. Groups such as Open Water Swimming UK offer a supportive, non-competitive community where people share stories—not stats. The focus is on celebrating the joy of swimming, rather than comparing swim times or water temperatures.

If you're a female beginner, The Blue Tits groups—based across the UK coastline—are a friendly and inclusive place to start.

What do you need to start outdoor swimming?

In truth, not a lot—just water and yourself! Some people wear wetsuits, others go in swimsuits—it’s all personal preference. If you’d like to ease into the experience, these extras may help:

• Wetsuit or bathing suit
• Gloves (optional)
• Wetsuit shoes (optional)
• Swim hat or woolly hat (optional)
• Dryrobe or towel (for afterwards)
• Sugary snack and warm drink (for afterwards)
• A sense of humour

Disclaimer: This blog is not written by a doctor or medical professional. Please consult your GP before taking up any extreme sport or activity you are unsure about.