Marty's Winter Swimming Tips
Do you like swimming in crystal-clear water under a clear blue sky, perhaps feeling like you are in an aquarium as you spot schools of fish and maybe some stingrays below or a turtle?
Or what about gazing at the moon, stars and planets, and seeing fireworks light up?
Close your eyes. Imagine you are in a tropical paradise. Or watching New Year’s Eve Celebrations.
Now open them. It’s the middle of winter in Australia. You say to yourself you’re going to have to wait until summer rolls around to do these things.
But wait! You can experience these things swimming at your favourite beach down under even though it’s July or August. That’s right! If you go dip during the day, you’ll feel like you’re on holiday in a place like the Caribbean in water so clear, in fact clearer than normal, that you can see the ripples of the sand on the bottom. Or, if you are an early riser, you will get to swim under all the lights in the sky as the sun comes up and experience phosphorescents glowing like sparklers all around you in the water.
If all this sounds appealing to you, that is going for a dip in winter, but you think it’s too cold, here are some tips to help you get to the water, even if you think it’s a bit frigid outside:
1. Find a buddy
This will help keep you motivated, especially if you think winter swimming is a bit crazy, and you can have a laugh together as you get in. Plus, it’s best to swim with a mate – instead of alone – when you are in the open water.
Stay together and have a plan that includes when you will start and finish, where you will go, and when and where you will check on each other.
2. Begin
It’s winter and it might be cold. But if you put one foot on the floor, it’s easy to put the second one there too, whether you are getting out of your warm bed in the morning or leaving your comfy chair at some other point in the day.
From there, keep going until you get to the beach or rock pool.
3. Warm Drinks and Clothes
A warm cup of tea before I go swimming helps me warm my core.
I also wear a hat and socks to the beach to help keep warm, and I put them back on after my warm shower. Warm drinks after help too.
4. Go To Your Favourite Spot
Since the water will be cooler, regardless of whether you wear wetsuit, it’s best to stick to a location and water you know.
Be sure to check the weather before you go and the surface conditions once you get to the beach. Swim smart.
5. Start Slowly
The water will be cooler in winter.
If you are starting from scratch at this time of year, spend a few minutes immersed in it, treading water at first to see how you feel, then get out. Build from there over time each time you go back.
But don’t rush in and start swimming right away. Read up about hypothermia too – and watch – for any signs of it in each other, including slurred speech.
6. Breathe
I like my breathing to be relaxed before I start swimming in cooler water. I get there by treading water and breathing deep until it's steady and relaxed. This helps me stay calm and focus on my swimming.
7. Be Visible
If you choose to get in the water before or as the sun comes up, attach a blinking light to the strap on your goggles and position it on the back of your head so it rests above the water as you swim. This will help you and your mate spot each other, and it will let others know you are in the water.
You can buy lights online. Look for the ones dog walkers attach to their pet’s collar or leash.
8. Keep Going
The more you go swimming in winter, the more comfortable you and your mate will be. Just think about the joy that comes with being in crystal clear water or seeing the phosphorescents in the water as you swim under the stars.
Marty has completed 5 out of the Oceans 7 and swims every morning with his friends on the northern beaches of Sydney. if you need a bit more persuading to try a winter dip check out Marty's instagram @oceansandpoolsguy
