We started The Wild Swimming Women because we love swimming outdoors and have both experienced its benefits on our health and wellbeing. We were keen to share this with others and also to share our swims so that others could enjoy them too and perhaps try them for themselves.
With more and more people trying – or wanting to try – swimming outdoors, we thought the next step should be to bring together some of our favourite Wild Swimming Women (and men!) to share their experiences and helpful advice! with you. We hope you enjoy these q&as with some of our favourite swimmers…
Lauren Rickson - Swim Coast and Calm
For those of you who live in the Brighton area, you may already be familiar with sea swimmer, STA Level 2 Open Water Coach and RLSS qualified lifeguard Lauren Rickson swimming and coaching on your local beaches.
Lauren has swum all her life and was a lifeguard for many years but her open water journey actually started when she was participating in triathlons. She soon realized that she didn't actually like the bike or running part and that swimming was much more fun! She then started swimming regularly in the sea and got totally addicted!
She runs Swim Coast and Calm which and provides coaching to help you improve your stroke, develop confidence and reach your goals, whether you're training for an event or just want to explore and enjoy the open water.
We’ve loved putting together Lauren’s Q&A in which we hear about her channel relay swim, her advice on sea swimming and safety and possibly one of the greatest swimming quotes ever…'When you're in the ocean, you're connected to the entire world!' We can guarantee that if you didn’t want to try swimming in the sea before then you will after reading this.
A truly inspirational wild Swimming Woman, we hope you enjoy Lauren’s Q&A as much as we do.
Tell us a wee bit about yourself?
I’m 31 and have grown up and lived all my life in Brighton, UK! I have two lovely boys (3&4) and love swimming, horses and eating and drinking good food and wine!
Where do you usually swim?
I live in Brighton so I'm usually found on the beaches there. When the weather is bad I love swimming at the local harbour in Shoreham.
When/why did you start swimming in the sea/outdoors?
I've swum all my life and was a lifeguard for many years but my open water journey actually started as I was participating in triathlons. I soon realized I didn't actually like the bike or running part and that swimming was much more fun! I then started swimming regularly in the sea and got totally addicted!
What do you love most about swimming in the sea?
You feel free. Away from the stresses of everyday life and away from the rat race! Whether you're swimming for fitness or just well being it caters for everyone!
I met a man on the beach once who said to me 'When you're in the ocean, you're connected to the entire world!' and that has really stuck with me. I feel connected to I nature on a higher level.
What piece of swimming kit could you not do without?
My cskins tow float! I'm all about safety and it means I can take my phone out and be seen in the water. I feel naked with out it!
Who’s your favourite person to swim with?
I don't think I could pick one person!
I love swimming with all different people for different reasons but especially my channel relay team. We really push each other to be better swimmers and I love that.
I enjoy dipping friends and family too, I love going to have a float in the water and a good old chin wag and catch up and cup of tea after, that has been so lovely during the pandemic!
What has been your favourite ever swim/where is your favourite place to swim?
Good question! Fave place to swim (although maybe a boring answer) has to be my home town Brighton. A sunset or sunrise swim and you just can't beat it!
Gili Trangawan in Indonesia was a pretty special swimming experience and also a visit to Venice beach (LA) to swim (I had a serious Baywatch obsession as a kid ha ha!). I also have some really lovely memories swimming alot in Majorca as a child. The beaches are beautiful there.
Least fave has to be training in Dover Harbour, I soon realised a yellow costume was not a good choice !
Where would you most like to swim?
My dream would be to swim in all the spots in Hawaii, I've always dreamed of going there and hope to get there one day!!
I'm also desperate to get to the Outer Hebrides. It looks so unreal, I'll definitely be planning a trip there at some point!
Who would you most like to swim with?
Sarah Thomas would be my number 1. I would have SO many questions to ask I don't think a lot of swimming would happen! She is a true inspiration for me, I can't even process how she swam for 54 hours, 4 times across the English channel. MIND BLOWING!
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about trying sea swimming/swimming outdoors?
Go for it, you won't regret it and you will get addicted! Always consider the safety factors first and book a session with a coach to get you started. There are so many groups out there now which is amazing so do your research and 'find your tribe'.
You’ve done a channel relay, tell us about it and what your next swimming challenge will be?
My team and I are actually having a second attempt this year so that is the next challenge! We got around two miles from the French coast and had to turn around due to an unexpected weather front that came in and created impossible swimming conditions- we were gutted!
It was such an amazing experience, tough but I'm excited to go again. The toughest part for me was actually dealing with sea sickness, so I'm fully prepared for that next time. The night swim was a little scary, but I just had to get my head down and focus on getting into a flow. You can't wear a wetsuit so the cold is interesting at times!! A moment I won't forget was when a pod of porpoises were swimming under the boat and checking us out, it was pretty magical!
If you're thinking of doing it I would absolutely say go for it. I have met some amazing people and now life long friends along the way. Aspire charity are also a fab charity to do it for and are great ambassadors for open water swimming. Check them out!
I’m also thinking about an ice swim at some point too but I haven't mentioned that one to my husband yet!
Tell us about swim coast and calm?
Swim Coast and Calm came about as I had so many people asking me about swimming in the sea, but they had no idea where to start, especially when it came to sea safety! I was taking friends and family out and absolutely loved getting people to access this amazing place we had right in our doorstep.
When the pandemic hit I had some of my hours cut at work, so I decided to go and get my qualifications so I could properly start up Swim Coast and Calm. I'm now running a variety of groups and private coaching sessions, including intros to open water swimming, beginner and intermediate front crawlers, swim for well being and open water fitness classes too!
What do you enjoy most about it?
After every session I come away with such a buzz. There is nothing better than getting people out safely in the water and sharing a passion. I also love the sense of community and seeing more and more people access the open water. I can't wait for this summer!
What would you say to anyone who would like to swim in the sea but is scared of what’s in there?
99% of the time what is under us in the open water is harmless and not going to come up and visit you. A nice thing to do is take a walk on the beach at a super low tide and see what's beneath you...mainly just sand and it will be the same when you're swimming!
Also start swimming when its low tide so you can stand in case you get nervous and then water isn't too deep until you get used to it. I'm certainly more scared of what's in lakes/lochs and rivers, but I guess it's just what we are used to! Small and frequent visits will help build confidence!
What safety issues do swimmers need to consider when swimming in the sea?
Always check the tides and conditions of the sea before you go. The Magic Seaweed App is great for that and if in doubt don't go out! Learn about your local area and the topography of that particular beach. Be prepared with he correct equipment (bright hat, tow float, wetsuit etc) and if you don't have a buddy then let someone know you're heading out and take a mobile phone. Most of all, enjoy!
To find out more about Swim Coast and Calm, visit:
https://swimcoastandcalm.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/swimcoastandcalm/
https://www.instagram.com/swimcoastandcalm/?hl=en
Wild Wimmin Podcaster - Laura MacDonald
Wild Wimmin!
We’re very, very excited to share a q&a with a fabulous and inspiring wild swimming woman – Wild Wimmin podcaster, Laura MacDonald.
Laura has been swimming outdoors for many years and shares her favourite swims, helpful advice and chats about her podcast Wild Wimmin – a podcast for anyone who loves to swim in the great outdoors.
You can follow @WildWimminPod Wild Wimmin Podcast on facebook and Instagram and you can listen to Wild Wimmin almost everywhere that does podcasts https://kite.link/WildWimmin
Tell us a wee bit about yourself?
Hi I’m Laura, heads up swimbler, mum of one, podcaster and professional dafty.
Where do you swim?
Usually, I like to swim at Luss or Duck Bay (depending on where in the tourist season we are) but at the moment I'm swimming at Barcraigs reservoir in Renfrewshire. It’s a much shorter drive and is a lot less busy than Loch Lomond, but I do miss the scenery and an excuse to visit Auchentullich farm shop for a treat on the way home.
When and why did you start swimming outdoors?
I've always been an outdoor swimmer. As a kid I spent my summer holidays with my grandmother in South Uist and was pretty much left to my own devices. I was obsessed with the beach and spent most of my time there.
My uncle, a sailor, knew I was mad about the water and took me out for walks and taught me how to watch the tides, currents and spot riptides. None of my family are swimmers so I always carried a lot of their fear and was super cautious, but I just couldn't stay out of the water.
What's your favourite place to swim?
Probably one of the Western Isles beaches. Vatersay and Eriskay are both stunning and there is a little bay near Kilbride in South Uist that is just perfect.
Who is your favourite swimming buddy?
Until just before Christmas I had never had one! I know not swimming alone is like the first rule of outdoor swimming, but none of my friends or family are swimmers, and because I have no interest in participating in events, I’d never thought to join a swimming group because I sort of assumed that they’d all be ‘real’ swimmers whereas I was just having a gad about.
I’d been swimming up at Loch Lomond for about 10 years before I even saw another swimmer so I just kept doing my own thing. Since lockdown forced me to change swim spots I have had to be a bit more friendly so that I don’t swim alone in water that I don’t know very well, and I have met two lovely ladies that I can chin up for a swim at the weekend.
What piece of swimming kit could you not do without?
My Lomo tow float. It’s getting on a bit and getting a bit sun bleached in places but it's invaluable, both for the peace of mind when I swim in crowded water like Loch Lomond (I have jet ski fear) and because the grab handles at each side are perfectly placed to hold it in place as a pillow so on a sunny day I can lie back, float and zone out.
What's your favourite post swim snack?
Cinnamon buns. Normally I just have something fairly nutritious like nuts and dark chocolate, but I’d always prefer a cinnamon bun the size of your head.
What advice would you give to anyone who's thinking of giving it a try?
Do the research.
Start with www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com and then find your nearest swim group who can tell you about the water near you.
I’d also say that you don’t need to spend a fortune on kit. Start with a tow float and work out what you need after that. I love my wetsuit, but they’re not for everyone, getting the right size when you’re curvy is a nightmare and you definitely don’t need one to get started.
Tell us about your podcast and why you decided to do it?
Wild Wimmin is my wee project to get to know swimmers. When we came out of the first lockdown I was finding myself lining up on the (I nearly said ‘my’!) beach with dozens of other swimmers every week, after a decade of being the only one. I knew vaguely that there was a community of swimmers out there, I just wasn’t part of it. I wanted to get to know all these swimmers and find out what keeps them dipping. So I decided to get out and ask them.
I adore podcasts and one of my favourite hosts often says that podcasts are radio that no one stops you from doing, so I thought that maybe no one could stop me from starting either.
Every fortnight (sort of) I speak to dippers, swimblers, serious swimmers and athletes about their swimming habits, and what swimming has taught them. My original plan had been to go and meet my interviewees for a swim before we recorded, but I’ve only managed that twice so far. Maybe that will happen again by the summer!
What has been the most interesting thing you’ve learned from your guests?
So far everyone has been really interesting in lots of different ways.
Jude Hunter taught me her super quick method for getting changed after winter swimming (just strip, dry, dress, no underwear, no change robe, no modesty - it gets you warm asap but you might give the locals a fright) and Chris Sifleet dropped some very cute facts about goose nurseries that had me image searching for ages.
Who would be your dream podcast guest?
Diana Nyad, she’s just so fab!
Where would you most like to swim?
Everywhere! I tend to plan my holidays around how much swimming I’ll be able to do (which my non-swimming husband is very patient about) and there are lots of places still on my bucket list.
I’m really enjoying all the nordic ice swimming photos on my insta feed at the moment and it’s making me think that perhaps some kind of sauna/swimming trip to Finland should be higher up the agenda.
You can follow @WildWimminPod on facebook and Instagram and you can listen to Wild Wimmin almost everywhere that does podcasts https://kite.link/WildWimmin
Wild Swimmers
Ailsa Nugent
The first Wild Swimming Woman to share their tips and experiences was the lovely and inspirational Ailsa. Ailsa talks stunning lochs, friendship, nettle cupcakes and the importance of a swimming cap! We hope you enjoy her Q&A and find it helpful on your own swimming journey…
The Wild Swimming Women x
Ailsa, tell us about yourself…
Delighted to share my swimming adventure with you all. I’m Ailsa Nugent , physiotherapist, Pilates instructor, wife, mum to four kids, chef, taxi driver, bottle washer...you know the drill!!! And open water swimmer!
Where do you usually swim?
I swim mostly in Scotland and locally in Forrestburn and Black Loch. Both are great wee lochs and luckily enough close for swims during this year’s restrictions.
When / why did you start swimming outdoors?
I started OWS as long ago as I can remember but more regularly in the last 2 years. I try to swim weekly and love to set challenges of distance whilst exploring our stunning Scottish lochs…Loch Morlich, loch Insh, St Mary’s Loch, Feshiebridge, An Lochan Uaine, Loch Va, Carron Valley, Loch Chon, Glenbuck Loch, Irvine, St Andrews, Loch Lomond, Inversnaid Falls...so many fantastic swims this year and many more planned.
What’s been your favourite swim?
It’s so difficult to pick a favourite but I loved my swims in Loch Chon. The location is breath taking. Whilst one swim there was calm, quiet and serene my next visit there was the equivalent to swimming in a monsoon – but I loved them both!
An Lochan Uaine, Aviemore, was another memorable swim. After a gentle forest walk surrounded by midges, the middle of the loch was a safe haven from getting eaten alive! Again, a stunning location and very eerie to swim alone, skins (in a swimsuit) in the green loch.
What do you enjoy most about swimming outdoors?
I’ve met so many interesting and diverse friends through OWS. There always seem to be a real connection with each other and our challenge when in the water and I’ve made bonds for life with friends I can trust with my life.
Who is your favourite swimming buddy?
My regular swim buddy, Carolyn Edgar, has been a real life saver this year in term of friendship and fun, safety and green nettle cupcakes. We have been swimming weekly for the majority of the year and plan to swim right through winter. Carolyn on occasion stops me doing something too crazy but still lets me indulge in my risky fun swim adventures!
What piece of swimming kit could you not manage without?
Who has not collected an array of all sorts of swimming paraphernalia? Dryrobe, woolly socks, multi coloured bobble hats, insulated flasks, wetsuit, socks, gloves, ear plugs, costumes, Vaseline, towel...the list goes on. I have to say that I’ve swam without all of the kit except one piece I wouldn’t be without – the humble swim cap. So… it’s maybe not my favourite piece of kit but I find it essential!
What advice would you give to anyone who's thinking of giving swimming outdoors a try?
If you’ve got the swimming bug then you’ll ‘get’ all this but if you’re a newbie the first thing to do is find a friend. I’m always available if needed. Pick a spot of water you’ve admired loads of times and when you look at it you just want to be in there. Get your kit and give it a go. Fun, friendship, road trips, cake, cold shivers, tired arms and bundles of excitement await you.
Ace Pilates / Ace Physiotherapy
Talking of tired arms, as I mentioned I’m a physiotherapist at Ace Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic so if you have an ache or a pain and need sorted to help you on your swimming journey then get in touch.
I also run Pilates classes online at the moment through Ace Pilates, who doesn’t want a strong core to help you shimmy through your swims. Get in touch if it’s something you fancy trying out. Hope to see you in the water soon.
Caroline Ross
Wild swimming Professor and super mum of twins Caroline Ross shares some fantastic tips for those of you thinking of giving swimming outdoors a try. She's also got us desperate to plan a swimming trip to North Uist!
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a mum of twins, and an open water swimming, mountain biking Professor who just cant get enough of being outdoors with family and friends .
What area do you swim in?
I try and swim wherever I go, so have swum in a range of places from the beaches in the Outer Hebrides to the sea pools of Bondi Beach, but you'll generally find me at Frensham Great Pond (Surrey) or at Horseshoe Lake.
Why did you start swimming outdoors?
I've swum all my life and dabbled with open water swimming when I did triathlons a few years ago. Recently, because of lockdown, I've got back in the lakes and am absolutely loving it. I never thought I'd still be swimming outside in December!!
What's your favourite place to swim?
I love Frensham, particularly in the early morning, but I love trying new places and always take my swimming kit with me whenever I'm on my travels!
Who is your favourite swimming buddy?
Any one of my swimming buddies are my favourite. I love meeting new swimmers, but Annette is pretty awesome and my 10 year old daughter loves getting in the water too (although it's too chilly now for her) !
Where is your favourite place to swim and why?
Oh my goodness, that's a difficult one. Each place I swim could make it a favourite....Hannah and the team at horseshoe, the beautiful sunrises at Frensham, the crashing waves at Bracklesham Bay or the bracing chill of the Atlantic off the beaches on North Uist...they all hold something special.
What piece of swimming kit could you not do without?
It's got to be my boots, gloves and my bright purple Charlie Macleod!
What's your favourite post swim snack?
Cake.....definitely cake!!
What advice would you give to anyone who's thinking of giving it a try?
Go for it, but make sure you are with someone. If you (or the person you are going with) don't have experience, join an online group such as this one and ask questions. Open water swimming can be very dangerous, so no question is a bad/wrong one. Take it easy, don't stay in too long and listen to your body!
Where would you most like to swim?
I would love to swim in Patagonia or Chile.....but my heart will always be in the Outer Hebrides.
We've included some links below with more information about some of Caroline's favourite swimming spots:
https://www.waverley.gov.uk/.../frensham_great_pond_and...
https://horseshoelakeactivitycentre.co.uk/
https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/.../bracklesham-bay.htm
https://www.isle-of-north-uist.co.uk/isle-of.../beaches/
https://www.sydney.com/thin.../beach-lifestyle/outdoor-pools