Master the winter waters in 10 (moderately easy) steps
Make open-water swimming a year-round activity with our essential tips
Check the calendars and you’ll find plenty of open-water venues and lidos are open throughout the winter (there’s always the sea too!), so armed with these tips you can make open-water swimming a year-round activity.
Here, seasoned open-water swimmer Lou Walker offers her essential tips for braving the chilly UK waters throughout the off season. And don’t forget to check out our directory of open-water swim venues here.
Double down
Two hats are better than one and silicone is warmer than latex. Consider a neoprene or insulated hat for extra warmth.
Consider your extremities
If you’re a cold feet/hands person, neoprene gloves or socks may help for training – but most races don’t allow them.
Keep it wrapped
Stay warm for as long as possible before you get in. Keep clothing on until the last minute.
Don’t panic
Stay calm before you get in. Anxiety can raise cold discomfort levels in non-wetsuit swimmers.
Acclimatise slowly
Lower yourself in gradually off the side or, if you can walk in, do so slowly and splash your face with water to prepare your body for the temperature change.
Read all about it
Read about ‘cold shock response’ – it’ll help you understand what’s happening so you don’t panic. In brief, it’s normal to gasp when you first get in and normal to hyperventilate for a minute or so after that. Go with it and aim to stay calm until it passes.
Breathe easy
Aim to steady your breathing as soon as you can as you might breathe more frequently for a while until you settle down. If you can’t steady your breathing, stay calm and swim head up breaststroke or backstroke before trying again.
Relax
Above all, try to relax. Think calm, relaxed thoughts. Talk to yourself in a gentle rhythm. I get into bilateral breathing every three strokes ASAP. It calms me and stops me fighting the water.
What do you find helps get used to the cold water? Let us know in the comments!
Jamie Beach
Former digital editor 
