Great post. I had my first outdoor swim in a local loch yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyed spending time with some lovely ladies who regularly swim at the loch. Today I went to a different loch and managed 30 minutes. I loved it. Came home and couldn't wait to share my morning with my other half.
Wow! That’s great news. Hooked so soon too, next you’ll be consulting wildswim.com when you next need to be somewhere further away! So chuffed you love it. Swim 🏊♀️ 😃
Just stumbled upon your post and found it so helpful. I have been swimming outdoors for quite a few years but never really extended it beyond about October. I often have to swim alone. I've treated myself to a very nice swimming wetsuit, boots and and gloves so am determined to try to get through the winter. I was never really sure how to know when I should get out so your tips were great. You are such a cheery soul too. I will get myself back in the water after a month off! thank you
Hi Alison, that's great to hear. A month off won't have any material effect on your cold water habiltuation. Just take it steady on the first swim or two. You might find this video useful too: Outdoor Swimming: How long should I stay in? ruclips.net/video/BgNtWVGlvdU/видео.html
Just wanted to say thanks for the afterswim warmup tips, and the safety education. No one wants to swim/kayak/paddle board in 8 to 10 degree water with me, so I stay close to the shore/beaches. Been swimming in our cold lakes in Sweden for the past 4 weeks. At least 5 times each week for 15 to 45 minutes each time. Been feeling great, had a couple times of slight confusion from cooling, Especially with the sense of time, like "I swam that long?" even though I have a watch on, and I drank too much hot drink once, but I've tweeked my routine and it seems to have helped. Learned "less is more" in my buoy during a swim, a core wet suit helps with duration, and gloves and booties help alot in the beginning but I don't need them anymore. A big winter jacket over my hoodie that I have on from the beach seems to do the trick for me. So thanks again! Tack så mycket!
Hej Edward så kul att vi hors! Simmer i sjöarna måste vara jätta vacker! I’m pleased to hear you’ve found a method which works for you. At this time of the year you have all the time in the world before and after swimming. Which part of Sweden are you in? 🏊♀️😀
You are a wonderful inspiration and a highlight of covid lockdown for me is watching your very informative videos. I live in Victoria, Australia and want to be able to continue swimming through winter and your tips are very much appreciated
Hi Connie, how lovely to hear from you. Just remember to reduce your time in the water as it cools off. It becomes more an out enjoying the feel of the water than fitness swimming in winter. You might like this recent video: what to wear outdoor swimming + when to get out with Dr Heather Massey ruclips.net/video/ujnwW5qgFQ8/видео.html
Thanks Rachel, Ive watched ur videos, and found them full of advice n tips, n lots of laughs as well. 3weeks ago I managed to swim 320m without using tow float, proper swimming, was ecstatic, Im absolutely hooked I Love it x ❤
Wowzers! That's a super achievement. I like when it warms up a bit and I can stay in for longer and also mix in some fitness swimming. Well done for getting in 🏊😃
Rachel, thanks for your videos, they're pleasant to watch, helpful, and motivating :) I was wondering... Are you ever cold BEFORE actually going in the water? Like, if it's already cold outside and you're in your swimsuit... If so, do you try to warm up like jumping around before (lol!) or you just accept it and get in there calmly? Thanks!
Hi Katherine, what a great question. I almost always have a warm drink in the car on the way to a swim and I arrive at normal body temp. I might get a bit chilly just before getting in, but I don't hange about. Hope that helps!
Love your videos! Thank you. I laughed so much at the part where your are recording yourself with the shakes, when you "overcooked it", that happened to me recently too. Jumping jaw mania.
I love your videos, I’m not far from you & have found a perfect place to continue to swim through the winter hopefully. I’m such a cold mortal & am amazed I have become one of those “crazy people” who swim past August. I bought the boots & gloves and am tempted to buy a changing robe, but feel I must continue in order to convince myself I can carry on! I try and go about 5 times a week, work & tides & daylight allowing. 😊
5 times a week is loads! Great that you can fit it in, just take each swim as it comes use a big coat from a charity shop to start with, then out a changing robe on your Christmas list 🏊♀️😀
Hi Jo, the sea temp in the Solent is 16.7C today (bramblemet.co.uk) so you should be fine putting your head in. Consider a neoprene hat under a swim cap or just popping on 2 normal swim caps. Earplugs will make a difference too, maybe check out my video on ‘why wear earplugs for outdoor swimming’. I love Calshot as there’s always something to look at. Haven’t been to Compton for ages as it gets really busy.
@@EverydayAthleteRach Yep, Compton was indeed full of noisy teenagers! Useful tip re. the swimming hat or two. Usually wear one in the pool, but never used one outdoors... Probably due to vanity! But safety more important 😉 Thanks
I've seen people getting into super cold water and they do it gradually and seem to be suffering a great deal and really don't want to advance further, having to force themselves. But when I fell fully in I didn't really experience any suffering, I merely felt the cold, and didn't feel the need to get out until it seemed my life was seriously in danger. But I imagine the point after arms and legs go numb and stay numb is a good time to decide to get out.
The risk in the initial minutes is taking on water from the involuntary gasp that water under 15ºC makes you do, it can take a few minutes to get your breathing under control and for your heart rate to settle. That's why there's a campaign called Float to Live - just do nothing for a little while until your body is back in your control then make an effort to save yourself or raise the alarm.
Hi rach love your attitude x Can I ask your Google’s you have on are mirrored like mirrored sunglasses are they the same as sunglasses ie cuts the glare out what make are they x
Well I've just watched your vid ..it's class ..I was up seaham on the north east coast .. group of swimmers in the sea today , got talking 2 a few of them and the is a massive fb group and I've decided am going 2 join them this weekend .. temp 2 day was 9c ... u keep safe and might let yer nar how it goes lol ;)
Hey Rachel, great video clip at the end to showcase the problem shivers when one has stayed in cold water perhaps a bit too long. I like the way you systematically make your points and have great structure in your videos. The Ice-Cream Head tip is a good one that I will be sure to try out when the temps drop as we move further into Autumn 🍂🍁. For me... my wrists seem to make the commitment to get in. Once my wrists are feeling comfy, the rest of my body adapts rather quickly, and then I’m water bound. Weird but true!!
Thank you for your kind words. I try to break topics down to manageable amounts of info. The wrist thing is interesting though, I’ve never heard of that. Hope you get a swim this weekend! 😜🏊♀️
Hello Rachel. Is double dipping ok. One of my friends wants to swim at 3 and another wants to swim at 6 or thereabouts and was just wondering if swimming on the same day and within a few hours of each other would be safe? Thank you
I do swim 12 months a year. Great experience..But we are lucky..Here where I live water on winter goes no more lower than 14 degrees.😀. Your videos are very helpful..Congrats!!!
@@EverydayAthleteRach I live on an island in Greece...Just even water temp is quite good wind is blowing a little hard from the North most of the time so when I do free style swimming my back of my body is freezing..Many thanks for your reply..Keep swimming!!!!!Cheers!!!
Hi Rachel, loving your videos. I'm new to outdoor swimming and particularly love reservoirs. On my last swim, I stayed in for a comfortable time, which felt warm all the way through. When I got out, I felt warm too. It was a warm day and I got dressed into t-shirt and shorts with a fleece on the top. The next few days after my swim I was ill with a chill. Is this because I wasn't wearing the correct gear afterwards, or had I stayed in too long?
Hi Sallie! Thank you for watching and commenting! Your chill could just have been coincidence or the cooler weather on the days after. I don’t think a swim would affect you for that long afterwards. Maybe go in for less time and see what that gives next time? 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach thank you! I'm thinking now it was a co-incidence. I rarely have colds and so I've blamed this one on the swim! Loving the videos
Hi again Rach, just realised a strange coincidence in your swim locations... I discovered your channel while sizing up Compton Lock as a potential swim spot. It was v helpful. So in the last month of great weather, I went there and also to Calshot beach for a sea swim (randomly chosen on the map!! I don't live v near either of these places, so it's funny to see the location coincidence 😂
There are plenty of little gems of swim spots waiting to be discovered. I bet if you look on footpathmap.co.uk you’ll find a possibility close by. 🏊♀️😀
Thank you for the tips! I'm still struggling with swimming in the ice cold waters of the Atlantic. You're such a lovely lady and I also like your t-shirt with swimmers on it :)
Thank you for your kind words. Acclimatisation will come, you know when that is - getting in barely takes you breath away and you find yourself saying things like “come on it, the water’s lovely!” Thanks for noticing my t-shirt! 😀
I've swum many a river wearing a drysuit or wetsuit separated from a kayak! I can't think why I'd want to swim in more clothes than a swimsuit or a wetsuit, unless a rash vest to minimise sun exposure in the summer..
Waaaahh! I hope you're ok, it is a bit of a frightener when you do, isn't it? And so easy to do as the water starts to warm up and we're all raring to stay in longer! 🏊😃
Hi Mehitabel, I usually swim with one. If I'm dipping, such as a waterfall, I won't. Aside from being seen, I don;t like to leave my stuff on the river bank or beach.
Hi Sophie, have you got gloves and booties to protect your fingers and toes, I have found that makes it much easier when the water is cold. Take it gently and don't expect too much. 🏊😀
Hi Rach, I find your videos very helpful and watched this one because this is my second year trying to swim longer into the autumn. (Last year I made it to mid-October.) I don't know if I'm "acclimatizing" or not. I think I would have to really overcook it to get slurred speech or trouble touching my fingers; I've never experienced that. BUT, the shivering sets in quite soon. I've pushed myself to stay in beyond the point when I start shivering, thinking that shivering is a "trivial" cold response and not a serious sign that I need to get out, that shivering never hurt anyone, that it's "mind over matter" and that this is the way to acclimatize. Watching your video I think I'm NOT going to do that anymore, that I'm not doing myself any favors, just starting to dread swimming. I just don't understand why I don't seem to be able to increase my time in the water before I start shivering. Do some people just "max out" their cold tolerance really quickly? Thanks for any insights and again, love your videos!
Hi Corinne, I’m not sure if you are using any neoprene, but I find gloves and booties and a neoprene hat are a great help. Only stay in for as long as it is fun. It’s not a competition to see who can stay in the longest. Wear what makes you comfortable in the water - for me that’s often a wetsuit. Enjoy the water 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach Hi Rachel thanks for replying. It's not my extremities that feel cold but definitely my core, so I'm not sure booties/gloves/cap would help. The water here is in the low 60s(F) -- maybe 17-18 degrees C -- so not cold enough to numb the hands/ feet. After 15-20 min, though, I predictably start to shiver. I wasn't seeing shivering as a sign that I needed to get out but rather something I should "push through," so I have stayed in longer, but it becomes VERY unpleasant. I swim alone so don't compare myself to others, but this is the same threshold I was at last year so it’s a bit discouraging. But... I guess it is what it is, either break out a wetsuit or limit it to 15 min, because as you said, if it's not fun... why do it? Thanks again for the reality check!
Really good stuff, Rachel - I love your style. You just rather glossed over going from waist deep to full immersion - is it good to dip in a couple of times before staying down, to lessen the shock? Any better tips appreciated :-)
Hi Nic, I tend to wade to waiste deep then drop in to shoulders under and just bob there conserving energy until my breathing is calm. There's no set method, some people like to splash, some swear- or shriek their way in, others jump. I barely ever jump in, mostly because I often can't see what is beneath the surface, but also to ensure I'm within my depth whilst I regulate my breathing. I'll have a think if I can put something else together on it.🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thank you. I just noticed (duh?!) that most people in these vids wear swim hats - is this an important factor in managing heat loss?
Thank you for this! Ive always loved cold water but now that Im getting older I seem to be getting more wimpy lol. I read somewhere that if your body starts feeling warm in the water then its too late. is that true? last time I went in my legs hurt at the beginning, and within two minutes they were "warm". Not so my upper body, it was still hurting when I got out (hurting in a good way!) I just wanted to go slowly and build up gradually. What is your recommendation? Thank you so much!
Hi Alejandra, you're so welcome! I think your method is just right. In fact next week's video will be on how long can i stay in for, or a smimilar title. Take it easy and go in small increments. I always get in, immerse myself so just my head is out and wait for at least a minute to give my body a chance to get over the shock of what I'm asking it to do. The sharp tingling subsides (and the armpit burn!) and things are ok. I dont go too far from where I've got in. If you can swim within your depth, that's a good thing to do as you can get out more quickly by walking to the side rather than swimming if you suddenly feel worse 🏊😄
Great! I saw a tiny icicle this morning from my window. Yikes!!! Im gonna need a whole lot more warming up to it than before, both physically and mentally.. When I go, Ill go very slow!! Thanks again.
@@EverydayAthleteRach Im in Connecticut, US, It did warm up later that day and I was able to swim for about 10 minutes in a lake, it was quite wonderful... It took me a long time to fully warm up, even after the shivering ended, there was this underlying cold that wanted to creep in. Two hot teas and eventually a warm bath did it, I slept like a baby!
If you're dealing with an accidental unexpected swimming and don't have anything... Though swimming in bulky clothes is difficult, don't abandon them. The LAYERS will keep you warm even when wet. In fact wet cloth is a fantastic insulator! Your body heats up the wet inner layer and retains heat like a hot water bottle, the outer layer only evaporates and cools. Keep moving; activity and hyperventilation keeps you warm, and direct sunlight (if available) gives warmth.
Loose clothing won't help to insulate, but the air trapped in it could help with buoyancy, so long as the person in the water doesn't flap about too much and evacuate all the air.
If any ladies out there have prosthetic boobs and want an excellent wetsuit fitting service with people who have done that before and are not at all embarrassed, I recommend Swim the Lakes in Ambleside! I'm happy to share my experiences since outdoor swimming has been a huge part of my recovery both physically and mentally since I had breast cancer 8 years ago. Rachel, also happy to share any handy tips with you privately if it is helpful for your blog.
Alison this is such an inspirational comment. I hope you are fit and healthy for many years of swimming to come. I would love to catch up and talk to you at some stage, sounds like you've been on quite a journey 🏊😄
I tend to find the bit between knees and waist then my shoulders the areas the cold water makes me gasp a little. Once my shoulders are in I'm fine. I think a 'best cake for post swim recovery' would be a good new video, let me know if you need some help with research. 🍰
I figure that once my feet are wet I’m going! I love the ‘best cake for post swim recovery’ idea, would definitely need a fellow researcher! What’s your cake tipple?
This one popped up on my recommended from back in the days of pre Covid! Definitely relatable to the Umbles prob why on my recommended! My 2 Qs this time are on armpits and tongues LOL Armpits are definitely a sensitive part of the body - ticklish and sensitive to temperature albeit usually warm and sweaty! A slightly gross question but I shave my armpits every 2 weeks to total smoothness. Although they're a bit red initially, would you agree better to open water swim when armpits are clean shaven so they can dry off quicker? Gross I know but a sensitive part of the body. I've never tried the tongue to roof of mouth method - tongue yoga lol. Do you do this as a routine or just when water is extraordinarily cold? That's frightening how the body continues to tumble in temperature after coming out of the water a bit like how a burn to skin keeps cooking for a while hence cold water under a tap for multiple minutes.
Hi Dave I doubt it makes any difference at all about the armpits, in fact for training swimming it can be that it chafes over a longer distance. As soon as the water is cold enough that I get the inkling of ice cream head I do the tongue thing and it works well for me. 😜🏊😆
@@EverydayAthleteRach thank you for answering my obscure questions as always Rach. I'll watch your latest video this evening to escape US election mania :D
madem i have few question Q.No. 1 which water dgree celious is most suitable for swimming in general? Q. No.2. is 15 degree celsious to 25 degree celsious is best for swimming? Q. which water temprature is helpful for untrained person and helpful floating Hot or Cold?
+Rasheed Ahmed I swim in the UK and the sea temperature where I swim is about 7 degrees to 15 degrees year round. I guess you acclimatise to whatever is available. It would be nice to swim in the warm but not often an option.
Hi Frazer, it's not relevant in this video about acclimatisation, but I have made a few videos about the tide so far as it is very important for swimming some areas, including the one I most often swim in. Here are two which you might find interesting: What should swimmers know about the tide? ruclips.net/video/v5Fj9Z397tk/видео.html When will there be enough tide (to swim or launch)? ruclips.net/video/Ex1Nu0cJC80/видео.html 🏊😄
Thanks for the great tips as as 70 year old this my first swimming beyond summer. Always interested in extending time l could do this. Dislike wet suit. Glad l could rent for a swim or two. But now have to get gloves, my bony hands are screaming not just complaining then settling down. Buying as soon as order comes in. As your title says! Every day athlete so will thought out too
It’s great to hear from you heading into your first winter, I think you’ll be amazed when the gloves go on at the difference they make! I love mine for cooler swims 🏊♀️😀
Thank you so much Rachel, I have watched many if your videos and found all of them really useful, informative and fun. Thank you for making them. 🤗
You are so welcome! What a lovely message Sue, thanks for watching 🏊😄
Great post. I had my first outdoor swim in a local loch yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyed spending time with some lovely ladies who regularly swim at the loch.
Today I went to a different loch and managed 30 minutes. I loved it. Came home and couldn't wait to share my morning with my other half.
Wow! That’s great news. Hooked so soon too, next you’ll be consulting wildswim.com when you next need to be somewhere further away! So chuffed you love it. Swim 🏊♀️ 😃
Just stumbled upon your post and found it so helpful. I have been swimming outdoors for quite a few years but never really extended it beyond about October. I often have to swim alone. I've treated myself to a very nice swimming wetsuit, boots and and gloves so am determined to try to get through the winter. I was never really sure how to know when I should get out so your tips were great. You are such a cheery soul too. I will get myself back in the water after a month off! thank you
Hi Alison, that's great to hear. A month off won't have any material effect on your cold water habiltuation. Just take it steady on the first swim or two. You might find this video useful too: Outdoor Swimming: How long should I stay in? ruclips.net/video/BgNtWVGlvdU/видео.html
@@EverydayAthleteRach Hi Rachel, are all my comments public - bit new to blogs!
@@alisonacton1226 yes they end up underneath the video. So we’re having a kind of public chat, a bit like on Facebook etc
Thank you I am swimming in the deepest lake in England and all of those tips helped me
Brilliant! I bet that’s a tad chilly under the surface! Enjoy 🏊♀️😀
Just wanted to say thanks for the afterswim warmup tips, and the safety education. No one wants to swim/kayak/paddle board in 8 to 10 degree water with me, so I stay close to the shore/beaches. Been swimming in our cold lakes in Sweden for the past 4 weeks. At least 5 times each week for 15 to 45 minutes each time. Been feeling great, had a couple times of slight confusion from cooling, Especially with the sense of time, like "I swam that long?" even though I have a watch on, and I drank too much hot drink once, but I've tweeked my routine and it seems to have helped. Learned "less is more" in my buoy during a swim, a core wet suit helps with duration, and gloves and booties help alot in the beginning but I don't need them anymore. A big winter jacket over my hoodie that I have on from the beach seems to do the trick for me. So thanks again! Tack så mycket!
Hej Edward så kul att vi hors! Simmer i sjöarna måste vara jätta vacker! I’m pleased to hear you’ve found a method which works for you. At this time of the year you have all the time in the world before and after swimming. Which part of Sweden are you in? 🏊♀️😀
I love your videos!!! Thanks for all the info. It's helped me enjoy open water swimming so much more. Wished I had found these sooner!!!
Welcome along Toni, thanks for your lovely comment. I’m pleased to read that you’re enjoying swimming in nature. 🏊♀️🌿🦈😀
You are a wonderful inspiration and a highlight of covid lockdown for me is watching your very informative videos.
I live in Victoria, Australia and want to be able to continue swimming through winter and your tips are very much appreciated
Hi Connie, how lovely to hear from you. Just remember to reduce your time in the water as it cools off. It becomes more an out enjoying the feel of the water than fitness swimming in winter. You might like this recent video: what to wear outdoor swimming + when to get out with Dr Heather Massey ruclips.net/video/ujnwW5qgFQ8/видео.html
Hello dear! Great practical and informative videos! Really enjoyed them all. 4 degrees ? Wow, thats incredible.
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching. I hope you're enjoying the water in some way, either in it, on it or by it 🏊😃
Thank you for all the great tips!
You are so welcome! I hope they encourage people to give it a try.
Really good video, informative and right to the point
Thanks. It’s great to hear you enjoyed it.
Thank you Rachel, nice advice all your video.
You're so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching. Swim safe :)
Thankyou for some lovely tips. Water is 3C here in Austria. Infact the lakes have all frozen over.
Oh wow! Have you been making a hole in the ice?
Thanks Rachel, Ive watched ur videos, and found them full of advice n tips, n lots of laughs as well.
3weeks ago I managed to swim 320m without using tow float, proper swimming, was ecstatic, Im absolutely hooked I Love it x ❤
Wowzers! That's a super achievement. I like when it warms up a bit and I can stay in for longer and also mix in some fitness swimming. Well done for getting in 🏊😃
Rachel, thanks for your videos, they're pleasant to watch, helpful, and motivating :) I was wondering... Are you ever cold BEFORE actually going in the water? Like, if it's already cold outside and you're in your swimsuit... If so, do you try to warm up like jumping around before (lol!) or you just accept it and get in there calmly? Thanks!
Hi Katherine, what a great question. I almost always have a warm drink in the car on the way to a swim and I arrive at normal body temp. I might get a bit chilly just before getting in, but I don't hange about. Hope that helps!
Love your videos! Thank you. I laughed so much at the part where your are recording yourself with the shakes, when you "overcooked it", that happened to me recently too. Jumping jaw mania.
Was worried I might snap my teeth!
I love your videos, I’m not far from you & have found a perfect place to continue to swim through the winter hopefully. I’m such a cold mortal & am amazed I have become one of those “crazy people” who swim past August. I bought the boots & gloves and am tempted to buy a changing robe, but feel I must continue in order to convince myself I can carry on! I try and go about 5 times a week, work & tides & daylight allowing. 😊
5 times a week is loads! Great that you can fit it in, just take each swim as it comes use a big coat from a charity shop to start with, then out a changing robe on your Christmas list 🏊♀️😀
Really, really helpful (as a beginner with low body fat, too scared to put my head into the cold...!) Thanks. Love your cheerful manner too :)
Hi Jo, the sea temp in the Solent is 16.7C today (bramblemet.co.uk) so you should be fine putting your head in. Consider a neoprene hat under a swim cap or just popping on 2 normal swim caps. Earplugs will make a difference too, maybe check out my video on ‘why wear earplugs for outdoor swimming’. I love Calshot as there’s always something to look at. Haven’t been to Compton for ages as it gets really busy.
@@EverydayAthleteRach Yep, Compton was indeed full of noisy teenagers! Useful tip re. the swimming hat or two. Usually wear one in the pool, but never used one outdoors... Probably due to vanity! But safety more important 😉 Thanks
This was excellent thanks
Thanks for watching 🏊😃
This is a great video, thank you
Thank you, I'm pleased you enjoyed it. 🏊😃
I've seen people getting into super cold water and they do it gradually and seem to be suffering a great deal and really don't want to advance further, having to force themselves. But when I fell fully in I didn't really experience any suffering, I merely felt the cold, and didn't feel the need to get out until it seemed my life was seriously in danger. But I imagine the point after arms and legs go numb and stay numb is a good time to decide to get out.
The risk in the initial minutes is taking on water from the involuntary gasp that water under 15ºC makes you do, it can take a few minutes to get your breathing under control and for your heart rate to settle. That's why there's a campaign called Float to Live - just do nothing for a little while until your body is back in your control then make an effort to save yourself or raise the alarm.
Solid advice here, obviously learnt through experience. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for watching. My best indicator is my body, but it took me a while to tune in to hear what she was saying! 😜🏊♀️
Hi rach love your attitude x
Can I ask your Google’s you have on are mirrored like mirrored sunglasses are they the same as sunglasses ie cuts the glare out what make are they x
Hi Jenny, the goggles I wear are polarised and are relatively cheap, they're DHB Fury and the come from wiggle.com
Well I've just watched your vid ..it's class ..I was up seaham on the north east coast .. group of swimmers in the sea today , got talking 2 a few of them and the is a massive fb group and I've decided am going 2 join them this weekend .. temp 2 day was 9c ... u keep safe and might let yer nar how it goes lol ;)
Amazing! That sounds like a barrel load of laughs coming your way. I'd love to hear how you get on! 🏊😄
Hi. I am going to start cold water swimming in January at the river at bishopstoke. Finding your video very helpful
Good luck! Just take it slowly and don't stay in too long. I hope you enjoyit, let me know how you get on 🏊😄
Hey Rachel, great video clip at the end to showcase the problem shivers when one has stayed in cold water perhaps a bit too long. I like the way you systematically make your points and have great structure in your videos. The Ice-Cream Head tip is a good one that I will be sure to try out when the temps drop as we move further into Autumn 🍂🍁. For me... my wrists seem to make the commitment to get in. Once my wrists are feeling comfy, the rest of my body adapts rather quickly, and then I’m water bound. Weird but true!!
Thank you for your kind words. I try to break topics down to manageable amounts of info. The wrist thing is interesting though, I’ve never heard of that. Hope you get a swim this weekend! 😜🏊♀️
Hello Rachel. Is double dipping ok. One of my friends wants to swim at 3 and another wants to swim at 6 or thereabouts and was just wondering if swimming on the same day and within a few hours of each other would be safe? Thank you
SO long as you warm back up in between I wouldn't see a problem with that. Enjoy the water, and the company! 🏊😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach thank you Rachel ❤️
Fantastic. Thank you so much for posting 🙏👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it
I do swim 12 months a year. Great experience..But we are lucky..Here where I live water on winter goes no more lower than 14 degrees.😀. Your videos are very helpful..Congrats!!!
Lovely 14 degrees! Where do you swim Aris? Thank you for watching! 🏊😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach I live on an island in Greece...Just even water temp is quite good wind is blowing a little hard from the North most of the time so when I do free style swimming my back of my body is freezing..Many thanks for your reply..Keep swimming!!!!!Cheers!!!
Have you thought about a rash vest to keep your back warmer?
@@EverydayAthleteRach I can handle it...Cold is what keeping us happy😁. You know better😉.
I really love your tips. :-) Thank you for sharing!
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching Ola 🏊😄
Very accessible and well presented information, thank you
Thanks for watching, I’m pleased you enjoyed it 🏊♀️😀
Wow that was really helpful. Thanks Rachel :0)
Little by little we pick up enough tips to start to feel comfortable in the water and to trust our instincts. Enjoy the water 🏊😀
Thanks for the advice!
No problem! Glad you're enjoying the content. 🏊😄
Thank you
You’re welcome 🏊♀️😀
Thanks for the information! great video
Thanks for watching, glad you found it useful 🏊♀️😜
This is so helpful. Thank you! x
You’re welcome. I’m pleased you enjoyed it
Hi Rachel, loving your videos. I'm new to outdoor swimming and particularly love reservoirs. On my last swim, I stayed in for a comfortable time, which felt warm all the way through. When I got out, I felt warm too. It was a warm day and I got dressed into t-shirt and shorts with a fleece on the top. The next few days after my swim I was ill with a chill. Is this because I wasn't wearing the correct gear afterwards, or had I stayed in too long?
Hi Sallie! Thank you for watching and commenting! Your chill could just have been coincidence or the cooler weather on the days after. I don’t think a swim would affect you for that long afterwards. Maybe go in for less time and see what that gives next time? 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach thank you! I'm thinking now it was a co-incidence. I rarely have colds and so I've blamed this one on the swim! Loving the videos
Hi again Rach, just realised a strange coincidence in your swim locations... I discovered your channel while sizing up Compton Lock as a potential swim spot. It was v helpful. So in the last month of great weather, I went there and also to Calshot beach for a sea swim (randomly chosen on the map!! I don't live v near either of these places, so it's funny to see the location coincidence 😂
There are plenty of little gems of swim spots waiting to be discovered. I bet if you look on footpathmap.co.uk you’ll find a possibility close by. 🏊♀️😀
Thank you for the tips! I'm still struggling with swimming in the ice cold waters of the Atlantic. You're such a lovely lady and I also like your t-shirt with swimmers on it :)
Thank you for your kind words. Acclimatisation will come, you know when that is - getting in barely takes you breath away and you find yourself saying things like “come on it, the water’s lovely!” Thanks for noticing my t-shirt! 😀
Just out of curiosity have you ever tried a clothed swim ? Also that looks like my favourite beach Calshot.
I've swum many a river wearing a drysuit or wetsuit separated from a kayak! I can't think why I'd want to swim in more clothes than a swimsuit or a wetsuit, unless a rash vest to minimise sun exposure in the summer..
A great video and lovely lady. PS I overcooked it this morning.
Waaaahh! I hope you're ok, it is a bit of a frightener when you do, isn't it? And so easy to do as the water starts to warm up and we're all raring to stay in longer! 🏊😃
Hi Rachel. Can I ask if you always swim with a tow-float?
Hi Mehitabel, I usually swim with one. If I'm dipping, such as a waterfall, I won't. Aside from being seen, I don;t like to leave my stuff on the river bank or beach.
Rachel, I want to get in, but I get so frigging cold! I'm ok up to the waist. Above that and I'm not so keen. I need your help! Lol.
Hi Sophie, have you got gloves and booties to protect your fingers and toes, I have found that makes it much easier when the water is cold. Take it gently and don't expect too much. 🏊😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach The boots are en route!
Hi Rach, I find your videos very helpful and watched this one because this is my second year trying to swim longer into the autumn. (Last year I made it to mid-October.) I don't know if I'm "acclimatizing" or not. I think I would have to really overcook it to get slurred speech or trouble touching my fingers; I've never experienced that. BUT, the shivering sets in quite soon. I've pushed myself to stay in beyond the point when I start shivering, thinking that shivering is a "trivial" cold response and not a serious sign that I need to get out, that shivering never hurt anyone, that it's "mind over matter" and that this is the way to acclimatize. Watching your video I think I'm NOT going to do that anymore, that I'm not doing myself any favors, just starting to dread swimming. I just don't understand why I don't seem to be able to increase my time in the water before I start shivering. Do some people just "max out" their cold tolerance really quickly? Thanks for any insights and again, love your videos!
Hi Corinne, I’m not sure if you are using any neoprene, but I find gloves and booties and a neoprene hat are a great help. Only stay in for as long as it is fun. It’s not a competition to see who can stay in the longest. Wear what makes you comfortable in the water - for me that’s often a wetsuit. Enjoy the water 🏊♀️😀
@@EverydayAthleteRach Hi Rachel thanks for replying. It's not my extremities that feel cold but definitely my core, so I'm not sure booties/gloves/cap would help. The water here is in the low 60s(F) -- maybe 17-18 degrees C -- so not cold enough to numb the hands/ feet. After 15-20 min, though, I predictably start to shiver. I wasn't seeing shivering as a sign that I needed to get out but rather something I should "push through," so I have stayed in longer, but it becomes VERY unpleasant. I swim alone so don't compare myself to others, but this is the same threshold I was at last year so it’s a bit discouraging. But... I guess it is what it is, either break out a wetsuit or limit it to 15 min, because as you said, if it's not fun... why do it? Thanks again for the reality check!
@@corinnes271 no worries at all. Swim safe my friend 🏊♀️😀
Really good stuff, Rachel - I love your style. You just rather glossed over going from waist deep to full immersion - is it good to dip in a couple of times before staying down, to lessen the shock? Any better tips appreciated :-)
Hi Nic, I tend to wade to waiste deep then drop in to shoulders under and just bob there conserving energy until my breathing is calm. There's no set method, some people like to splash, some swear- or shriek their way in, others jump. I barely ever jump in, mostly because I often can't see what is beneath the surface, but also to ensure I'm within my depth whilst I regulate my breathing. I'll have a think if I can put something else together on it.🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thank you. I just noticed (duh?!) that most people in these vids wear swim hats - is this an important factor in managing heat loss?
I almost always wear a hat to either keep the heat in or keep the wind off my head.
How cold was the water?
I can't remember as this one was filmed a couple of years ago. Likely to have been between 8 and 13ºC
Thank you for this! Ive always loved cold water but now that Im getting older I seem to be getting more wimpy lol. I read somewhere that if your body starts feeling warm in the water then its too late. is that true? last time I went in my legs hurt at the beginning, and within two minutes they were "warm". Not so my upper body, it was still hurting when I got out (hurting in a good way!) I just wanted to go slowly and build up gradually. What is your recommendation? Thank you so much!
Hi Alejandra, you're so welcome! I think your method is just right. In fact next week's video will be on how long can i stay in for, or a smimilar title. Take it easy and go in small increments. I always get in, immerse myself so just my head is out and wait for at least a minute to give my body a chance to get over the shock of what I'm asking it to do. The sharp tingling subsides (and the armpit burn!) and things are ok. I dont go too far from where I've got in. If you can swim within your depth, that's a good thing to do as you can get out more quickly by walking to the side rather than swimming if you suddenly feel worse 🏊😄
Great! I saw a tiny icicle this morning from my window. Yikes!!! Im gonna need a whole lot more warming up to it than before, both physically and mentally.. When I go, Ill go very slow!! Thanks again.
@@alejandrahajduk1725 where are you swimming at the moment that you saw icicles?
@@EverydayAthleteRach Im in Connecticut, US, It did warm up later that day and I was able to swim for about 10 minutes in a lake, it was quite wonderful... It took me a long time to fully warm up, even after the shivering ended, there was this underlying cold that wanted to creep in. Two hot teas and eventually a warm bath did it, I slept like a baby!
You are lovely person thx for tips realy helpful :)
Hi Rafal, thanks for watching it’s great that you are enjoying the videos 🏊♀️😀
If you're dealing with an accidental unexpected swimming and don't have anything... Though swimming in bulky clothes is difficult, don't abandon them. The LAYERS will keep you warm even when wet. In fact wet cloth is a fantastic insulator! Your body heats up the wet inner layer and retains heat like a hot water bottle, the outer layer only evaporates and cools. Keep moving; activity and hyperventilation keeps you warm, and direct sunlight (if available) gives warmth.
Loose clothing won't help to insulate, but the air trapped in it could help with buoyancy, so long as the person in the water doesn't flap about too much and evacuate all the air.
If any ladies out there have prosthetic boobs and want an excellent wetsuit fitting service with people who have done that before and are not at all embarrassed, I recommend Swim the Lakes in Ambleside! I'm happy to share my experiences since outdoor swimming has been a huge part of my recovery both physically and mentally since I had breast cancer 8 years ago. Rachel, also happy to share any handy tips with you privately if it is helpful for your blog.
Alison this is such an inspirational comment. I hope you are fit and healthy for many years of swimming to come. I would love to catch up and talk to you at some stage, sounds like you've been on quite a journey 🏊😄
Great swim lady’s ,Cooky is very cute does he ever swim with you .👍🏊♀️
Thanks, she sometimes gets in but she’s more of a paddler. She sometimes rides a boogie board 😀
I tend to find the bit between knees and waist then my shoulders the areas the cold water makes me gasp a little. Once my shoulders are in I'm fine.
I think a 'best cake for post swim recovery' would be a good new video, let me know if you need some help with research. 🍰
I figure that once my feet are wet I’m going! I love the ‘best cake for post swim recovery’ idea, would definitely need a fellow researcher! What’s your cake tipple?
@@EverydayAthleteRach that's a hard question to nail down but, if pressed for an answer, Red Velvet Cake or a homemade brownie with blueberries in.
This one popped up on my recommended from back in the days of pre Covid!
Definitely relatable to the Umbles prob why on my recommended!
My 2 Qs this time are on armpits and tongues LOL
Armpits are definitely a sensitive part of the body - ticklish and sensitive to temperature albeit usually warm and sweaty!
A slightly gross question but I shave my armpits every 2 weeks to total smoothness. Although they're a bit red initially, would you agree better to open water swim when armpits are clean shaven so they can dry off quicker? Gross I know but a sensitive part of the body.
I've never tried the tongue to roof of mouth method - tongue yoga lol. Do you do this as a routine or just when water is extraordinarily cold?
That's frightening how the body continues to tumble in temperature after coming out of the water a bit like how a burn to skin keeps cooking for a while hence cold water under a tap for multiple minutes.
Hi Dave
I doubt it makes any difference at all about the armpits, in fact for training swimming it can be that it chafes over a longer distance. As soon as the water is cold enough that I get the inkling of ice cream head I do the tongue thing and it works well for me. 😜🏊😆
@@EverydayAthleteRach thank you for answering my obscure questions as always Rach.
I'll watch your latest video this evening to escape US election mania :D
madem i have few question
Q.No. 1 which water dgree celious is most suitable for swimming in general?
Q. No.2. is 15 degree celsious to 25 degree celsious is best for swimming?
Q. which water temprature is helpful for untrained person and helpful floating Hot or Cold?
+Rasheed Ahmed I swim in the UK and the sea temperature where I swim is about 7 degrees to 15 degrees year round. I guess you acclimatise to whatever is available. It would be nice to swim in the warm but not often an option.
No one has mentioned tides or is it irrelevant?
Hi Frazer, it's not relevant in this video about acclimatisation, but I have made a few videos about the tide so far as it is very important for swimming some areas, including the one I most often swim in. Here are two which you might find interesting:
What should swimmers know about the tide? ruclips.net/video/v5Fj9Z397tk/видео.html
When will there be enough tide (to swim or launch)? ruclips.net/video/Ex1Nu0cJC80/видео.html
🏊😄
What a lovely woman you are, someone I would like in my tribe!
Wow, thank you! Happy to be an honorary tribe member 🏊😄
Thanks for the great tips as as 70 year old this my first swimming beyond summer. Always interested in extending time l could do this. Dislike wet suit. Glad l could rent for a swim or two. But now have to get gloves, my bony hands are screaming not just complaining then settling down. Buying as soon as order comes in. As your title says! Every day athlete so will thought out too
It’s great to hear from you heading into your first winter, I think you’ll be amazed when the gloves go on at the difference they make! I love mine for cooler swims 🏊♀️😀
Hypothermia hits when you are spending the big amount of time in the water 💧.
It’s important not to stay in too long, in the winter I use 10 minutes as a guide to defend against getting too cold.