Open water swimming

[Mickwhitt 5,188]

Hi all. 

On the health and welfare topic me and Mrs.W have just taken up open water or wild swimming. 

 

There are said to be a lot of benefits to cold water immersion and we are finding out for ourselves having done three swims so far. 

 

Be interesting to hear if anyone has any experience of swimming in cold water. 

This morning it was 13 Celsius in the lake we go to. But with a wet suit on it was OK for 20 minutes. 

 

Lane swimming in a public pool is a pain in the neck as they are usually very crowded, it's back and forth to get any kind of distance in and since energy prices went up the water is freezing anyway and you can only wear budgie smugglers. 

 

Mick. 

[ebinmaine 74,253]

I've heard of the benefits cold immersion as well.  

Comes up often in my research for my own health. 

Said by most to be a positive stressor on the body. 

Said by some to make no difference in comparison to other positive stressors... but!.... if it works for you then by all means definitely continue.  

 

BBT and I don't do public pools. Ever.  The humans are ...  well. Human.  

 

On the rear occasion we do swim it's in cold ish pond water.  

[kpinnc 15,396]

3 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

I've heard of the benefits cold immersion as well

 

I have tried to do the cold water thing. Unfortunately I have arthritis in my neck and right shoulder and it makes me ache for hours. 

 

But if you can do it, my understanding is that it has great benefits for your overall health. 

[ebinmaine 74,253]

4 minutes ago, kpinnc said:

 

I have tried to do the cold water thing. Unfortunately I have arthritis in my neck and right shoulder and it makes me ache for hours. 

 

But if you can do it, my understanding is that it has great benefits for your overall health. 

 

 

Yeah I can't do it either.....

 

Too many body pains.  

 

[tunahead72 2,578]

6 hours ago, Mickwhitt said:

... and you can only wear budgie smugglers...

 

I had to look that up, and I'm glad I did.

 

Please, no photos. 

 

[Ed Kennell 42,836]

My cold 98F water swim really helps my arthritis.

 

[JoeM 8,731]

On 10/17/2025 at 4:50 PM, Mickwhitt said:

can only wear budgie smugglers

And if the water is real cold, nothing would be necessary! 

 

 

Edited Saturday at 09:41 PM by JoeM

[adsm08 3,547]

7 hours ago, Ed Kennell said:

My cold 98F water swim really helps my arthritis.

 

 

 

 

I get out when the water gets down to 102.