In this episode we take a deep dive into the world
of outdoor social swimming – a thrilling and fulfilling way to swim outside
with friends. But why is it so popular? What are the benefits? And how can you
join in on the fun? We've got all the answers you need, thanks to our special
guests who embody the social and selfless spirit of the swimming community.
We'll explore their personal journeys, uncover their motivations, and discover
the most important aspects of their social swimming experiences. So tune in and
get ready to be inspired to take the plunge yourself!
For hundreds of years, swimming
has been recognised as a therapeutic activity for physical ailments, but it's
only recently that the mental health benefits of being part of a community have
been understood.
In this episode we focus on the
popular activity of outdoor social swimming, and we've got two amazing guests -
Sue Woodcock and Debbie Vine - who for me embody the positive energy and
enthusiasm of this type of swimming. Their love of the water is matched only by
their passion for supporting others in their outdoor swimming adventures.
We explore:
· What do they
think the future of outdoor swimming looks like?
- Their backgrounds and journey from
learn to swim through to current love of swimming? & What
inspired them to start outdoor social swimming
- Social swimming is wide ranging and
means so many things to different people. Why do they think outdoor swimming is
becoming so popular and why is it so special to them.
- How do it make them feel? & What
have been some of the most memorable experiences they’ve had while swimming
outdoors
- Who do they think it’s for Or Anyone
its not appropriate for
- What are
the benefits of outdoor social swimming?
- What are the benefits of swimming
in the winter?
- What do they
think are the most common misconceptions about outdoor swimming?
- What do they
think are some of the most important pieces of equipment for outdoor swimming?
- How do they prepare for any outdoor
swim?
- What should you wear? Are woolly
hats compulsory?!
- When can you do outdoor swimming?
When is the best time to swim? What is the temperature at this time?
- How do people find places to swim?
- What are
some of the challenges they’ve faced while swimming outdoors?
- What do they
think are the most important safety precautions to take when swimming outdoors?
- Where would be their ideal place to
swim? Anywhere in the world and why?
- If they could swim with anyone
famous from anytime, who would they choose for their perfect swim?
- How does someone find out about
groups and where to swim? (UK and abroad?)
- Here are the names and website
addresses of some top outdoor swimming societies in some regions around the
world:
- North America:
- United
States Masters Swimming (https://www.usms.org/)
- Outdoor
Swimmer Society (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/)
- Wild
Swimming USA (https://wildswimmingusa.com/)
- Europe:
- Outdoor
Swimming Society (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/)
- Serpentine
Swimming Club (https://serpentineswimmingclub.com/)
- The
Outdoor Swimming Society UK (https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/)
- Asia:
- Hong
Kong Open Water Swimming Association (https://hkoswim.org/)
- Japan
Masters Swimming Association (https://www.jmsa.or.jp/)
- Wild
Swimming Japan (https://www.wildswimmingjapan.com/)
- Australia:
- Australian
Open Water Swimming Association (https://www.aows.org.au/)
- Bondi
Icebergs Swimming Club (https://icebergs.com.au/)
- Wild
Swimming Australia (https://www.wildswimmingaustralia.com/)
- Africa:
- Midmar
Mile (https://www.midmarmile.co.za/)
- WildSwimAfrica
(https://wildswimafrica.com/)
- South
African Masters Swimming (https://www.smasa.co.za/)
- South America:
- Club
Natación San Isidro (https://clubnatacionsanisidro.com.ar/)
- Federación
Peruana de Natación (https://federacionperuanadenatacion.com/)
- Wild
Swimming Argentina (https://wildswimmingargentina.com/)
- Please
note that this is not an exhaustive list and there will be other outdoor
swimming societies in these regions that are also worth exploring.
- ·
What tips do they have for those who are
just starting out with outdoor social swimming?