Swimming in the sea in the UK

[Lostandfound]

There's a saying, "how do you know if someone is an open water swimmer? - Because they'll tell you". So here goes.

I'd previously swum in the Summer in Welsh lakes and the sea in the South of England when the temperature was >14/15C. A couple of weeks ago my neighbour in Kent suggested I join her group of friends who swim year round. She kindly bought me some neoprene socks, gloves and a swim cap (considered essential gear even for "skin swimming". So off I went to to Ramsgate for my first swim in cold water. Water temp 8C.

The socks and gloves reduce the cold water shock considerably. Heart rate and breathing rate increased. I had to fight to keep my breathing slow and deep. The first swim parallel to the shore between the sea walls. A degree of pain appeared across my body 2-5 minutes in. This subsided to a feeling of calmness and I honestly started to really enjoy the experience.