open water swimming

Getting started with cold water swimming - By Annie Brooks (www.talesofanniebean.com )

If you love your pool swims and enjoy those open water swims, then this winter you might be ready to take on cold water swimming! Unlike hopping into to your local heated swimming pool to run through your drills, or dipping into that beautiful lake during the summer time, cold water swimming not only challenges physically, it tests you mentally also. Knowing you’re about to step into water that barely reaches double figures, can be a challenge, but this is exactly why it’s fantastic because that sense of

Check out the newest top 10 reasons to take up OPEN WATER SWIMMING - Courtesy of Adam Walker

Where to swim

There are many lakes up and down the country which have organised sessions and have suitable safety in place. I would recommend you swim in one these locations and as there will be other like-minded swimmers there who you can buddy up with and swim in pairs or a small group. In addition you can also make new friends as open water is a very social sport. Not only is it another good safety measure, it makes training easier supporting each other.

Acclimatisation

Due to the climate, open water in lakes, rivers and the ocean

Adam 'Ocean' Walker was the first Briton to complete the 7 toughest channel swims in the World, also known as the Oceans 7! This incredible endurance challenge is considered the ocean equivalent to the "Seven Summits" and Adam was the second person ever to complete all seven swims on his first attempt!

This autobiography captures Adam's journey from being a toaster salesman to becoming the 5th person in the World to complete the Oceans 7 challenge. The Oceans 7 is not for the faint-hearted - Adam took on the English Channel, Strait of Gibraltar, Molokai Strait, Catalina Channel, Tsugaru Strait, Cook Strait and